Exciting new developments happening around the region
From a new childcare centre, to a distillery and a $33.5 million game-changer, there is plenty of development activity across the South Burnett.
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Across the South Burnett things are moving, communities are growing and new businesses opening.
Here are some of the more significant projects that are either underway or soon to be underway.
Kingaroy Memorial Park Master Plan
A $33.5million game-changing redevelopment in the heart of Kingaroy is a step closer to reality, with the South Burnett Regional Council releasing a draft Master Plan of the project earlier in November.
The master plan includes a heated swimming pool, a Ninja Warrior course and fully powered stage.
The council’s report revealed the enhanced play area will feature sensory and accessible play features, a multipurpose court, youth play equipment and a ninja warrior course and the addition of the permanently powered outdoor stage will provide the opportunity for community art and historical information.
Indigenous and public art will be displayed throughout the park.
Kingaroy Memorial Park Aquatic Precinct
The aquatic precinct located at the Kingaroy Memorial Park will feature a new indoor warm water program pool, new entrance, kiosk and amenities.
The WJ Lang Memorial Olympic Pool on Alford St was one of the first Olympic sized swimming pools to be built in Queensland.
The Master Plan will facilitate a variety of aquatic, recreation and community uses, and various activities at the park and pool.
A council spokesman said community consultation is still underway and any further consideration and/or decisions will be made only after the community engagement is finalised.
Kingaroy childcare centre
An empty block of land west on Alford St, Kingaroy is about to transformed into a new childcare centre.
The centre is to be built on a vacant block at Alford Street in Kingaroy about two blocks west of Kingaroy State High School and the opposite the Aquatic Centre.
The new childcare centre will cater for up to 54 children.
The plans include 14 car parking spaces and one space for disabled permit holders.
Council have not yet confirmed when construction will begin.
Wondai Pool and Family Fitness play area
The water play area being built at the Wondai Pool and Family Fitness will feature a meandering stream with various outlets, sprays, and fountains.
‘Building Better Regions Fund’ have worked with the South Burnett Regional Council to finance this community project.
The play area will be constructed by Playscape Creations and has engaged several local contractors.
The feature will be open to the public by early next year.
Kingaroy to Kilkivan Rail Trail flood repairs
South Burnett Regional Council has confirmed it will receive $631,141 for surface repairs on the Kingaroy to Kilkivan Rail Trail.
A council spokesman said this funding would allow council to complete numerous surface reconstruction works and repairs along the rail trail, particularly in sections where bitumen has been stripped away.
While there have been temporary repairs completed, this funding will allow for more permanent repairs and provide resilience to areas which continue to be heavily damaged during flood seasons.
Councillor Kathy Duff said she was excited to receive the support to repair and upgrade the flood damaged sections of the rail trail.
‘The Phat Wag’ in Goomeri
After flying Japanese cows to Australia more than two decades ago, a cattle farming husband and wife team are opening their second butcher shop in the South Burnett in 2023 in Goomeri.
Selwyn and Jocelyn Maller flew five Japanese “first class” cows with Qantas to Australia to their farm in northern Queensland more than 25 years ago.
Today they have breeding properties across Mitchell, St George, Roma, Mondure, Byee and Windera with 7000 cows.
Glendon Street community shared area, Kingaroy
The development on Glendon Street, Kingaroy will provide a space for the community to host events in a closed off, yet public space.
A council spokesperson said the space will celebrate the town's culture and rich history, while attracting visitors.
The development will feature ample cooling, shade, and shelter from the climate, the facilities for functions.
The space will maintain a contemporary country feel while maintaining the rural character of Kingaroy.
This project is part of council’s ‘Kingaroy Transformation’ project.
Dusty Hill Winery, Brewery and Distillery
The Dusty Hill Vineyards are in the process of constructing a brewery and gin distillery.
The buildings themselves are complete and the fittings and interior are expected to be completed to open to the public in March 2023.
The building will include a 250-seat restaurant and 10 motel rooms for guests to enjoy on the trip.
Owner Joe Pendegast said there were 145,000 red bricks integrated into the exciting project, but due to weather the construction plans are six months behind schedule.
There will be five cottages attached to the tavern where guests can check-in.
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