1 March 2024
Southern Downs Regional Council would like to address the recent concerns raised in the community regarding the alleged sale of the Fred Rogers Recreation Camp at Storm King Dam, and wants to assure the community that Council is not in a position to sell the land as it is owned by the Queensland Government and only managed by Council as Trustee.
Council’s Manager Community Services, Michael Bell said that the Fred Rogers Recreation Camp provides immense value to the Southern Downs community.
“The Fred Rogers Recreation Camp is a multi-purpose site that serves as a versatile community hub for the Southern Downs,” Mr Bell said.
“As trustees of the land, Council upholds its responsibility and duty of care to manage the site for the benefit of all users.
“Council acknowledges however, that there are several issues with the ageing facilities at the site, in particular the state of the kitchen and ablutions. However, these issues are actively being addressed.
“Long-term users of the site include Stanthorpe’s She Hive and TS Kookaburra Navy Cadets. The site also hosts orienteering competitions and is currently the temporary base camp for BlazeAid.
“In October 2023, bushfires ravaged the southern region, with many local landholders losing property fencing. The volunteer-based organisation BlazeAid mobilised to assist with the rebuilding in our region and we are extremely grateful for the work they are doing in Stanthorpe, Wallangarra and surrounding communities.”
Although Council originally approved BlazeAid to set up camp at the Stanthorpe Showgrounds, it became apparent that the recovery and rebuilding need was much greater and that the organisation would need to extend its stay. The use of the Stanthorpe Showgrounds became untenable due to the venue already having a full calendar of community events until the end of 2024.
The BlazeAid camp was relocated to Fred Rogers which ensured that events such as the Apple & Grape Harvest Festival, Markets in the Mountains, the Stanthorpe Show and others could go ahead as planned at the Stanthorpe Showground without any impact.
“It was identified during the relocation that the BlazeAid group would require access to showers, toilets and cooking facilities and Council made arrangements to bring these facilities online at Fred Rogers,” Mr Bell added.
“This was the least Council could do for volunteers who selflessly dedicated their time for our community and will temporarily call our region home for an extended period.”
Council has an obligation to ensure that its assets serve the greater community and is also working with the Department of Education to allow schools to host open water swimming competitions at Storm King Dam.
The multi-use nature of the Fred Rogers Recreation Camp further requires Council to develop and implement appropriate protections for vulnerable groups such as our youth to safely use the site whilst interacting with other adult users.
Council officers are actively working with current users and other interested parties to develop a sustainable strategy for the future use of the site to the benefit of the Southern Downs community.
Last edited date 01 Mar 2024