SEQ lifestyle blitz: $200M for parks, pools, pavilions

Southeast Queensland is set for a $200 million makeover with 22 transformative projects, from upgraded parks and aquatic centres to new cultural hubs, in a bid to revitalise the region’s appeal.

Projects to benefit from the Liveability Fund allocations, clockwise from top left; popular Suttons Beach pavilion will be rebuilt at Redcliffe; Beenleigh’s Aquatic Centre will get a new pool; Sunshine Coast’s pathways will be extended; and the pathway at Alexandra Headlands. Images: Qld Government

Southeast Queensland is on the brink of a major revitalisation with 22 groundbreaking infrastructure projects backed by a staggering $200 million investment designed to supercharge the region’s appeal.

The funding, part of the SEQ Liveability Fund, will support diverse projects across the region, from new water play parks, aquatic centres, walking trails, civic parks and cultural hubs.

Federal and state governments, along with the Council of Mayors, contributed to the fund with the first round of projects ready to roll as soon as agreements are in place with local councils.

In Logan, the Beenleigh Aquatic Centre is poised for a $20.52 million upgrade to include a heated pool, a children’s play area, toddler pool, modern amenities, and energy-saving features.

Also in Logan, $11.94 million will be spent on the Waterford West District Park which will feature wetlands, playgrounds, and water-play facilities.

Logan mayor Jon Raven said the Waterford West District Park was the largest investment in a new park in Logan’s history, and would include a water play area, a playground, paths, barbecues and picnic shelters.

He said the Beenleigh Aquatic Centre would receive a second 50m pool for Logan in the lead-up to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

An impression of what the new Beenleigh Aquatic centre will look like after the liveability upgrade. Images: Supplied

Brisbane City Council will invest $80.56 million in the Victoria Park Catalyst Works to enhance park infrastructure with a new adventure playground, a 2km parkway loop, improved vehicle access, and expanded parking facilities.

In Moreton Bay Council area, the Suttons Beach Pavilion at Redcliffe will get a $12.13 million injection to create a new mixed-use community building and enhance the foreshore after the former pavilion was demolished.

Suttons Beach will get a new pavilion. Image: Supplied

Moreton residents will also get a $4.12 million upgrade to improve pedestrian and cyclist connections on the Boongaree to Woorim project.

Funding of $5.14 million will also be spent on the Centenary Lakes Regional Playground in Caboolture, with new play structures and amenities.

Ipswich City Council will enhance its sports facilities with two key projects including $8.96 million to add full-sized playing fields and amenities at the Redbank Plains Recreation Reserve.

The Tivoli Sports Complex will also get $5.58 million for new fields and facilities.

In Redland, the council will invest more than $10 million to enhance local sports and recreational facilities, including $4.4 million for cutting-edge lighting upgrades at three key sports venues.

An artist’s impression of Victoria Park after the upgrade. Image: Supplied

The William Taylor Memorial Sports Precinct at Thorneside will receive $5.7 million for a dynamic new skate park, BMX track, pétanque arena, and amenities so it can be used as a community hub.

In Lockyer Valley, the council will invest its allocation of $1.85 million in the Forest Hill Silos Precinct and Mural Art Project designed to boost local tourism.

Sunshine Coast Council will focus on spending its funding on enhancing its transport network with two significant projects.

It will allocate $3.80 million to improve walking and cycling connections with $4.17 million on boardwalks and pathways at Alexandra Headland and Kings Beach, integrating with existing networks.

The Scenic Rim Regional Council will use its allocation of $2.76 million to build change facilities at Coronation Park and Selwyn Park while Somerset Regional Council will spend $830,000 on revamping the Kilcoy streetscape and a further $830,000 in Lowood to improve access to community spaces.

Noosa Shire Council will receive $2.70 million for the Cooroy Sports Complex Multi-sport Facility and $880,000 for pathways at Noosa.

Toowoomba Regional Council will upgrade the Kearney Springs Recreational Park Club House with $2.56 million to build new amenities.

Brisbane residents won’t miss out either with the council due to transform Victoria Park into a world-class urban oasis with a breathtaking $80.56 million investment, featuring a state-of-the-art adventure playground and an extensive parkway loop.

This groundbreaking development, with a substantial $40.28 million council contribution, will aim to revolutionise park access and amenities and making it the city’s premier destination for nature and recreation.

Originally published as SEQ lifestyle blitz: $200M for parks, pools, pavilions