Council unveils plan to transform riverside park

A beloved westside riverfront park is in line for a major upgrade as part of Council’s Oxley Creek Transformation.

Brendan O'Malley

less than 2 min read

November 23, 2020 - 3:26PM

Westside News

Artist's impression of how Graceville Riverside Park could look after the upgrade.

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Better picnic and play areas, improved carparking and boating clubs ramps and rehabilitation of creek banks will be the focus of a new plan to upgrade Graceville Riverside Parklands Precinct.

Council has also floated the possibility of tour boat and water taxi arrival facilities, boat and canoe hire options, a landmark start/finish point and a launching point for a 10km Oxley Creek Paddle Trail experience.

The Parklands precinct includes Graceville Riverside Parkland, Simpsons Playground, Nadine Street Park, Graceville Avenue Park and Bert St Clair Oval.

The precinct Council is intending to upgrade.

Residents have until December 6 to have their say on Council’s draft Precinct Plan, which would also improve access to the Brisbane River and Oxley Creek.

The park upgrade is the third stage in Council’s ambitious rehabilitation of a 20km stretch of Oxley Creek.

Councillor Nicole Johnston (Tennyson) urged locals to make their voices heard.

“Certainly our community welcomes action to fix up the mouth of Oxley Creek,’’ Cr Johnston said.

“Sporting water-based activities in the area include Pamphlett Sea Scouts, Sailability and Brisbane Canoe Club. It’s crucial their facilities are preserved and upgraded.

“We also welcome upgrading the park.’’

She said there was an open day in November last year to gather ideas from the public.

The next step would be preparation of a final plan, but no dates had been set.

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Council said its plans could include moving the canoe club launch ramp, which is often silted over after floods.

The park also lacked shade and disabilities access, while Simpsons Playground and Nadine Street Park had ageing play equipment in need of replacement.

And there was no large, grassed community green with proper power, water and lighting where people could gather and enjoy food trucks and entertainment.

The plans would dovetail with Souths Graceville Hounds Rugby League Club’s ambition to upgrade its clubhouse at Bert St Clair Oval and build dedicated facilities for female players.