Toowoomba water park could still be decades off: Council

An ongoing request from the Toowoomba public could be on the cards – but residents may have to wait a while before they see the project approved. Details here.

Apopular request by the Darling Downs community could be made a reality through a multimillion-dollar council project – however not for a possible 20 to 30 years.

A Change.org petition seeking Toowoomba’s own water park was launched last week and has more than 1000 signatures.

However residents could be waiting several decades for their wishes to come true.

“Toowoomba Regional Council is advocating for external funding to advance plans for the city’s Railway Parklands project,” TRC Planning and Development Committee chair Cr Megan O’Hara Sullivan said.

“While there are concept designs for the site, that include a water park feature, these are an illustrative guide.

“The vision for the parklands concept design draws strongly on the site’s railway heritage and its association with Gowrie Creek.

“The parkland concept design reflects and capitalises on future opportunities around water and play.

“More specific plans will be the subject of future community consultation.”

Cr O’Hara Sullivan said the Railway Parklands project would require collaborative funding partnership with the State and Federal Governments to reach its full potential.

“Council has identified several elements for the project, including a green corridor along Gowrie Creek, incorporating investments like an active transport route and hydraulic infrastructure to alleviate potential flooding,” she said.

“The rest of the surrounding Priority Development Area primarily will be developed by the private sector over the next 20 to 30 years, with the parklands acting as a catalyst for prospective investment by private and public organisations.”

Kathy Stajkowski started the petition in the hopes of accommodating a growing city.

“We are hoping to get a water park … that can be utilised in both summer and winter,” she said in the petition’s description.

“Pouring buckets, slides, and shallow enough to wade in.

“During winter months the area can be utilised as a playground, scooter riding, roller blades picnics.”

Petitioner Tes Kussrow said the area was lacking after the disappearance of Willow Springs Adventure Park.

“There’s never anything to do here,” she said.

Petitioner Chelsie Jenkins said the park was needed to help the city grow.

Multiple regional townships have water splash park facilities, including Hervey Bay, St George, Emerald, Mount Isa, Richmond and more.