The recovery of flood-damaged playgrounds across the Bundaberg Region is continuing, with detailed inspections, safety assessments and remediation processes underway.
Playgrounds at The Heritage Hub (Lake Ellen), Lathouras Crt (Washpool Creek) and Peterson Park, remain closed.
Before Bundaberg Regional Council can safely reopen these areas, each site must undergo a thorough assessment process including engineering inspections, safety compliance checks, obtaining quotes for repairs, gaining approvals from Council’s insurer for remediation costs and then proceeding with the required works.
In some cases, flood-damaged play equipment will need to be repaired or replaced to ensure it continues to meet Australian Standards.
Mayor Helen Blackburn said playgrounds were an important community asset and Council understood how much local families were looking forward to their return.
“We know our playgrounds are much-loved destinations for families and it is welcome news that those damaged during the floods are getting closer to reopening,” she said.
“While we appreciate the community’s patience over recent months, it’s been essential that we complete all safety assessments and repairs properly to ensure the area is safe for everyone to enjoy again.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming families back as soon as it’s safe to do so and thank the community for its understanding throughout this process.”
Behind the scenes, Council has been working through the complex recovery process to restore each playground as quickly as possible.
Community safety remains the priority and playgrounds will only reopen when all inspections, insurance claims processes, repairs and compliance requirements have been completed.
While the parts of The Heritage Hub at Lake Ellen remains closed, visitors can continue to enjoy many other features of the area including the picnic shelters, barbecue facilities, public toilets and bike tracks.
Council has completed remedial works at North Lions, Kookaburra Park, Avenue St and East Rotary Park with those play areas now open for public enjoyment.
Residents and visitors are reminded to respect all temporary closures, avoid entering fenced-off areas and not interfere with safety fencing while remediation works continue.
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