Jazzing up Jezzine Barracks for Townsville families
Date published: 26 August 2016
Townsville families and visitors will have even more reason to visit the popular Jezzine Barracks recreation park with the opening of the region’s largest playground, made possible through $2 million from the Palaszczuk Government.
Minister Assisting the Premier on North Queensland and Member for Mundingburra Coralee O’Rourke said Stage 2 of the Jezzine Barracks upgrade provided an economic boost for Townsville.
“This funding is not only going towards building this wonderful facility, it has helped support 20 jobs during the construction of the new amenities, barbeques and shelters,” Ms O’Rourke said.
“Jezzine Barracks is a major community and national asset with unique Indigenous and military features and this project has only increased its appeal for locals and tourists.
“The upgrade works include a playground featuring climbing nets, a flying fox, a fort with observation slits and a climbing wall. There is also seating, barbeques, drink fountains and shelters.”
Townsville Mayor Cr Jenny Hill said the completion of Stage 2 of the Jezzine redevelopment would provide tourists and local residents with a greater choice of facilities in a world class location.
“Jezzine has been a stunning success for Townsville and the new facilities funded by the State Government will draw even bigger crowds to the area and support tourism in the city,” Cr Hill said.
“The overall redevelopment is a great example of what can be achieved when different levels of government work together to deliver a valuable recreational and cultural attraction for the city.”
Member for Townsville Scott Stewart said the recreation park stretched over 15 hectares on the historic Jezzine Barracks, Kissing Point and Garabarra sites.
“Jezzine Barracks was home to military units for 120 years and the Garabarra area is of immeasurable cultural and spiritual value for the local Aboriginal people,” Mr Stewart said.
“Now, it’s a place where families and visitors can come together and enjoy all that North Queensland has to offer.
“I would like to applaud the efforts of the Townsville City Council during this project, particularly with engaging local contractors.”
The $40 million redevelopment of Jezzine Barracks was officially opened in April 2014.
Funding for the playground upgrade is provided to Townsville City Council through the Local Government Grants and Subsidies Program.
For more information: https://www.townsville.qld.gov.au/facilities-and-recreation/parks-beaches-and-community-venues/jezzine-barracks
