The Hinterland Playground in Cooroy will not be completed by Christmas as had been hoped with Noosa Council pushing the finish date back to March 2022.
Mayor Clare Stewart said three key factors had delayed the completion of the expected six-month build that began in May.
“Noosa, like many other councils across Queensland, has experienced significant delays in supply due to interstate Covid lockdowns, especially in NSW, delaying manufacturing of critical play equipment components,” she said.
“On top of this, we are operating in a very heated construction market and whilst we have strived to employ our local tradies, demand in this market means we haven’t had access to enough highly skilled contractors required for the bespoke carpentry work associated with a build of this calibre.“
The site itself also presented some environmental factors with development planning conditions that needed to be resolved during the year as the playground took shape.
Acting chief executive officer Larry Sengstock said the supply and labour market issues were not part of the planning equation when the project started but had impacted the construction schedule.
“Once completed, the $4.1million Hinterland Playground, which is a joint initiative of Noosa Council and the Queensland Government, will deliver a stimulating environment of a nature-based playground that will keep people of all ages and abilities entertained for hours,” Cr Stewart said.
