South Burnett Council unveils plans for $83k flying fox
South Burnett children are getting a brand new piece of playground equipment at Benarkin, but the fun is not coming cheap.
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Children in the South Burnett are getting a brand new piece of playground equipment to enjoy at Benarkin, but the price of fun is not cheap.
The South Burnett Regional Council have approved funds to build a flying fox at First Settlers Park in Benarkin, with the equipment expected to carry a price tag of more than $83,000.
The funding follows a petition in September calling for the new equipment.
The breakdown of the costs from Urban Play Pty Ltd priced the flying fox and platform at $39k, wood chip soft fall at $26k and concrete edging costing over $18k.
Maintaining the flying fox is also estimated to be more than $1800 per year.
Councillor Kirstie Schumacher questioned the large cost of the construction and materials for the flying fox during Wednesday’s council meeting.
“I was quite surprised, $83,000 to install a flying fox … is that the standard for playground equipment?” Ms Schumacher asked.
A council officer explained the cost was standard for a flying fox and the soft fall is required to meet safety standards.
“The concrete edging is to ensure the softfall doesn’t spread … there's no savings there,” the officer said.
The officer warned of future costs regarding the playground safety audit which is currently being conducted.
She said the flying fox demonstrates the “serious dollars” needed to replace and fix equipment in the future as well as building new playgrounds.
“We’re all going to be surprised,” the officer said.
The flying fox will be built as part of the South Burnett Regional Council’s 10 year plan.
No date has been set for the construction.
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