The transformation of Boonah Town Centre into a vibrant public space is ready to be enjoyed, after creating 18 local jobs during construction.
Federal Member for Wright, Scott Buchholz and Mayor Greg Christensen officially opened the new town centre.
Mr Buchholz said the opening of the revitalised town centre was a big boost for Boonah before Christmas, and he urged locals to come and enjoy the space while shopping local for Christmas.
“I am pleased the Australian Government was able to provide Council with $1.6 million under the Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF) to fund 50 per cent of the project cost of the Boonah town centre revitalisation,” he said.
“As a Boonah resident, I know the benefits of this project will go beyond the immediate job creation and it will create positive economic impacts for our town in the years ahead.
“It fills me with pride that we have now created a more attractive space for businesses to open and people to visit, which will have a lasting impact.
“Boonah has a strong sense of community, and locals are very inviting, which will see more tourists coming to our region and this new town centre will make sure they have a great experience, so they keep coming back.
“Creating welcoming, eye catching public spaces is a part of that and this project delivers. It has been great to see the accessibility and lighting upgrades included, as well as improved flood mitigation and the inclusion of local art.”
Scenic Rim Mayor Greg Christensen said he was proud of Council’s strong track record in receiving competitive grants, which enabled quality outcomes for our community.
“The Boonah town centre revitalisation will give the social, cultural, and economic boost that Boonah and the Scenic Rim has been waiting for,” he said.
“I am grateful to both Australian and Queensland Governments for this funding that makes these significant projects possible without the extra burden on ratepayers.
“During construction the project boosted local employment with 18 jobs created, and we’re sure to see jobs growth and economic uplift in the retail and tourism sectors as Boonah continues to thrive and prosper.”
Mayor Christensen said the cultural aspect of anchoring the town centre was important as well as honouring the existing street look and feel, achieved through the input and support of Boonah businesses, community members and local and Indigenous artists and historians.
“A sense of place was created through the installation of public art and storyboards that reflects the unique character and history of Boonah, all in the proximity of the cultural centre and art gallery.
“Councillor Chalk and I also worked alongside community and listened to their views on the existence of the trees in the Boonah High Street, which were incorporated into the planning of the reinvigorated streetscape.
“Delivering vibrant towns and villages for Scenic Rim communities is a priority for Council and we look forward to the advancement of the Beaudesert revitalisation project in the coming months.”
Project snapshot:
Through the Building Better Regions Fund, the Australian Government contributed $1,597,056 million and Council contributed $127,456.
Through the Building our Regions program, the Queensland Government contributed $1,469,600 and Council contributed $42,410.
18 jobs created during construction
Upgraded the town square including stone wall seating, landscaping enhancements and public lighting.
Installed outdoor stage area with ramp and stair access.
Installed paving on footpaths and road pavement upgrades on High Street.
Upgraded the laneway connecting the car park and town square.
Upgraded Walter Street car park providing additional car parking spaces, covering of car parks and improved accessibility, lighting and walkway upgrades, and installation of solar panels.
Improved the Walter Street courtyard including landscaping and seating, and a new public toilet.
Constructed stormwater flow paths for flood mitigation.
Installed public art created by local Boonah and Indigenous artists, storyboards and history plaques.
