Funding kickstarts major upgrade of Tara Lagoon Parklands

A major project to revitalise the Tara Lagoon Parklands is now a step closer to construction, with Western Downs Regional Council this week securing Queensland Government funding to push ahead with the landmark project.

The redevelopment of the Tara Lagoon Parklands is the first of 11 major projects to be fast-tracked under Council’s $50 million COVID-19 Recovery Package.

This project is backed by the Queensland Government’s Building our Regions (BoR) program, with Council receiving $2.4 million through BoR to match its own contribution to move ahead with the next stage of works.

State Development Minister Kate Jones said the government was proud to be partnering with councils and the private sector to deliver projects that create jobs.

“We are facing one of the most difficult times in our State’s history. But we know that to fast-track Queensland’s economic recovery, we need to invest in job-creating projects in regional Queensland,” she said.

“This program will not only create hundreds of construction jobs across the regions, it will create more employment opportunities for locals, helping small businesses in these communities and boosting industry supply chains.”

BoR Round 5 focuses on construction and planning projects that will create and sustain long-term employment in regional Queensland.

Under previous BoR funding rounds almost $295 million has been allocated to 223 projects across 66 local government areas in regional Queensland.

This work has supported more than 2400 jobs and attracted additional investment of $487 million from councils and other organisations.

Council Spokesperson for Tourism, Events and Regional Promotion Councillor Kylie Bourne said Council was getting on with the job of delivering its massive COVID-19 Recovery Package, and this project was the first of eleven major projects to get started.

“One of Council’s top priorities is seeking out new and exciting ways to attract more visitors to the region and ultimately generate economic growth across all of our towns, which is why our Recovery Package includes an Accelerated Major Projects Program,” Cr Bourne said.

“This will not only help to secure and create local jobs during construction but will also create a legacy for our region for generations to come.

“It’s fantastic the Queensland Government has recognised our eagerness to support our community and committed $2.4 million towards the construction of this major upgrade to help put Tara on the map.”

Council Spokesperson for Recreational Spaces and Cemeteries Councillor Carolyn Tillman said the $4.8 million upgrade would include a range of new and exciting features to make the Tara Lagoon Parklands a must-see destination.

“This is about enhancing tourism opportunities in Tara by creating a vibrant, modern and welcoming space for travellers and locals alike,” Cr Tillman said.

“This upgrade has also been made possible thanks to strong community involvement from the Tara Futures Groups, which has also secured its own funding to deliver earlier improvements at the precinct.

“The next stage of the upgrade will include new pathways, a feature boardwalk, a children’s playground, more picnic and barbeque areas, purpose-built and powered caravan parking areas, and upgraded amenities to cater to larger numbers of visitors.

“We are excited about the Tara Lagoons Parklands project and the Tara community can expect to see the construction phase get underway in the coming weeks.”

For more information about the Accelerated Major Projects Program and COVID-19 Recovery Package, visit www.wdrc.qld.gov.au/recovery

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Media Contact: Western Downs Regional Council Media Office                                                               07 4679 4265