Community to have a say on Balgal Beach Park renaming
Date published: 9 December 2021
The Rollingstone and Balgal Beach communities will be invited to have their say on a proposal to rename a popular park in memory of prominent local Rhonda Coulson.
Townsville City Council yesterday considered an application from the community to rename Balgal Beach Park in honour of Mrs Coulson.
“Mrs Coulson was a much-loved teacher at the Rollingstone State School, a dedicated member of the RSL, active member of the local Lions Club and regular volunteer,” Deputy Mayor Mark Molachino said.
“She would also help train junior golfers at the Mystic Sands Golf Club, often supplying them with equipment when their families were unable to afford the outlay.
“The application to rename the park included supporting letters from the RSL, Lions Club and Rollingstone State School.”
Under Council’s Naming Parks, Reserves and Park Facilities Policy, if a park is to be named after a person or organisation, the person or organisation must have some historical connection to the park or facility or must have made a significant contribution to the community.
Council Business Services and Finance Committee chairperson and local divisional councillor Margie Ryder said one of Mrs Coulson’s most significant achievements was helping the RSL with the planning and approvals for the Cenotaph at the park.
“The cenotaph is now a focal point for Balgal Beach’s commemorations on Anzac Day, National Vietnam War Veteran’s Day and Remembrance Day,” Cr Ryder said.
“Community consultations will start in the new year.
“Feedback received from the community will help Council make an informed decision about whether to rename the park or not.
“I particularly encourage residents from the Balgal Beach and Rollingstone community to have their say during the public consultation.”
