7 March 2022
During Parks Weeks 2022, Southern Downs Regional Council invites the community to walk beside us as we celebrate our green spaces and strategise a sustainable long-term plan for our parks.
Parks Week promotes the vital role parks play in creating liveable and thriving communities. On the back of COVID-19 and restrictive lockdowns, Parks Week this year focuses on how spending time in our parks and open spaces positively influences our wellbeing.
While Council’s Parks Optimisation Project has been the subject of recent community discussion, Mayor Vic Pennisi said the resource-prioritising initiative was aimed at enhancing popular destination parks for the enjoyment of the community, not reducing green spaces to the detriment of residents.
“Parks are more than green spaces that simply beautify a community. They are valued spaces, essential to wellbeing – places where we can come together to socialise, exercise and relax, especially during difficult times,” Mayor Pennisi said.
“Council appreciates the environmental and health benefits of parks and is committed to ensuring that the region has well-managed green spaces for the community to connect and stay mentally and physically healthy.
“Our parks contribute to the liveability and identity of our community and I encourage everyone to use Parks Weeks as an opportunity to explore and enjoy the parks and facilities in their neighbourhood.
The Mayor added that while the Parks Optimisation Project provides strategic guidance and direction on the future management of Council-owned green spaces, it also has a firm focus to reflect demand and shift resources from under-utilised parks.
“Council is responsible for maintaining more than 160 parks and open spaces across the region and the Parks Optimisation Project will help us manage costs and achieve better outcomes for the community in service delivery.
“Through the course of the process, we will undertake a balanced and informed approach to secure a brighter future for our green spaces and will engage in public consultation to understand how each space is valued and utilised by the community.
“I cannot talk about Parks Week without acknowledging the small, but tight knit unit of Council responsible for maintaining the 160 green spaces across our region.
“I commend our Parks and Gardens crews for their tireless commitment amidst the mammoth task of keeping up with the results of significant rainfall while staying on top of their regular maintenance schedules. Please thank them when you see the crews working around the community.”
Parks Week is coordinated by Parks and Leisure Australia each year between 5 and 13 March. Visit www.parks-week.org for more information.
Did you know that you can book a park on the Southern Downs for your next family outing? Visit https://www.sdrc.qld.gov.au/our-region/parks-open-spaces for booking forms, fees and charges.
Last edited date 07 Mar 2022