North Burnett parks to receive upgrades

FOLLOWING an audit of the council's playground equipment earlier this year, work will begin next week to ensure compliance of all park equipment in the region.

UPGRADES: Work will begin next week to ensure compliance of all park equipment throughout the North Burnett. Picture: Adam McCleery

FOLLOWING an audit of North Burnett Regional Council's playground equipment earlier this year, work will begin next week to ensure compliance of all park equipment throughout the region.

The audit identified that work was needed at 16 separate parks throughout the region, and this work is set to commence shortly to ensure all park equipment meets current Australian standards.

North Burnett Regional Council Mayor Rachel Chambers said the community's needs and expectations, along with standards and design of playground equipment, have changed since many of the playgrounds in the region were built and that it was important to not only ensure existing facilities remain safe and accessible, but to plan for the next stage in their life.

"Our parks are an important community asset, not only for our youth and young families, but for travellers through the region,” Cr Chambers said.

"Our parks provide an opportunity for integrated play as well as providing a bonding opportunity for smaller children and parents as they play on the equipment.

"We want to ensure these areas are a safe and welcoming place to visit.”

The parks project will be completed in two stages, with stage one of the works, funded through the council's 2018/19 Capital Budget, scheduled to commence at higher use parks in the coming week.

Some park equipment may be fenced off or removed whilst works are progressed.

Stage two of the project will see upgrades to lower use parks as funding becomes available.

Equipment requiring upgrades through stage two of the parks project will be fenced off, to ensure safety of residents.

"We apologise for any inconvenience caused whilst we carry out these safety improvements,” Cr Chambers said.

"We are striving for safer and much more usable park facilities for our communities into the future.”