The Hinterland Adventure Playground was officially opened on Friday 6 May by Noosa Council Mayor Clare Stewart.
The high-quality architectural playground, pathway connections and carparks represent an investment of $6.7 million in the community including $2.788 million from the Queensland Government as part of the Local Government Grants and Subsidies Program.
“We are absolutely thrilled to be officially opening the Hinterland Adventure Playground to our community today,” Mayor Clare Stewart said.
“The vision of creating a nature-based space where children can experience adventure play has been realised in this fantastic playground which will bring entertainment and joy to our community and visitors to our region for decades to come.
“Whether you want to climb the Rocket-ship to the big slide, throw a frisbee or kick a ball on the open oval, get wet in the splash pond or challenge your balance on the fallen logs, or chill out in the quiet retreat space, there is an activity for everyone.”
The Hinterland Adventure Playground offers all abilities play and fully accessible amenities including a Changing Places room with height-adjustable adult-sized change table, a constant-charging ceiling track hoist system, a centrally-located peninsula toilet and an automatic door and privacy screen.
“It was important to design this playground with the entire community in mind. The inclusive flying fox and inclusive swing play equipment provide movement and social interaction for users of all abilities and are key features of the playground,” Cr Stewart said.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Local Government Steven Miles said the new playground would make a positive impact on the Noosa community.
“The Hinterland Adventure Playground has supported 45 jobs, which is great for local tradies and local families,” Mr Miles said.
“The Queensland Government’s successful Local Government Grants and Subsidies Program is creating real jobs across Queensland and improving liveability for communities.”
The Hinterland Adventure Playground is an important recreation destination which will meet the needs of the growing hinterland area, while also supporting ongoing growth for the region.
“Detailed economic and financial analysis of the playground undertaken in February 2019 by AEC Group Pty Ltd estimates over 85,000 visitors to the playground each year with an additional $344,000 injection directly into the Cooroy economy in food, beverages and retail spend,” Cr Stewart said.
“In addition, visitor spend from non-locals visiting the Council area because of the existence of the playground is estimated to range from $87 for day trippers to $163 per person for a domestic overnight visitor which represents a win across the entire shire.”
In addition to the Playground construction, Council has also completed 34 new carparks, 22 overflow carparks, a new raised pedestrian crossing, additional disabled carparks as well as pathways to provide connectivity to the playground and the township of Cooroy.
“Our focus throughout this project has been on engaging local contractors and local suppliers to build our local playground. Over the course of the build, we have directly engaged 37 contractors with almost 70 per cent being either local to Noosa Shire or the Sunshine Coast,” Cr Stewart said.
“I welcome everyone from Noosa and surrounding areas to come and experience this truly unique adventure-based play space and congratulate all involved for creating this significant asset for the entire community.”
