New timber bollards at the Goondiwindi Botanic Gardens of the Western Woodlands will improve site safety and complement the Gardens’ natural surroundings and native flora.
Goondiwindi Regional Council has replaced around 70 bollards from the entrance of the Gardens and around to the picnic shelters. Council allocated $15,000 of the State Government’s 2020-21 COVID Works for Queensland (W4Q) program funding to the project.
Mayor of the Goondiwindi region, Lawrence Springborg said Council had worked with the Goondiwindi Botanic Gardens committee to ensure the new materials would fit in with the theme and feel of the Gardens.
“The existing wooden bollards at the site had unfortunately deteriorated with age, and it was important to the committee to ensure that their replacement retained the distinct natural feel of the Botanic Gardens,” Cr Springborg said.
“Whereas Council has typically used materials like recycled plastic for other similar projects, in this case it was decided that timber would be our better option.”
Cr Springborg said Council’s focus for the W4Q funding was the repair and renewal of public assets.
“External funding opportunities such as the W4Q program provide an opportunity for infrastructure upgrades with no cost to ratepayers,” Cr Springborg said.
Council engaged a local contractor for the project.
Council contributes $16,000 per year towards the Gardens’ maintenance and upkeep, and is currently working with the Goondiwindi Botanic Gardens Committee to upgrade the site’s gravel pathways. The committee also recently received $1,200 as part of Council’s COVID-19 Community Grant funding towards ongoing operational expenses.
Council manages 25 parks across the Goondiwindi region and has allocated $2 million towards their maintenance and upgrades for 2020-21.
“These upgrades include park equipment, facility upgrades and town beautification, and Council is committed to the upkeep and improvement of parks for the whole community with up-to-date and safe facilities,” Cr Springborg said.
“It’s important to keep the Goondiwindi region well-presented and maintained through public parks, play areas and gardens that form an essential part of the local lifestyle for residents and visitors alike.”
Along with a variety of native flora species, the Botanic Gardens boasts great walking tracks, an event space, dining and barbeque areas, toilets, and an off-leash dog area.
The upgrade to the Gardens’ entrance will complement other recent projects at parks across the region, such as new and upgraded picnic areas, shelters, shade sails, barbeques and drinking water fountains. Council also recently installed new bollards at McGregor Street Park, Redmond Park and the Goondiwindi Natural Heritage and Water Park, along with new fencing at Sandhurst Street Park.
