Graceville Riverside Parkland is set for a $1.4-million upgrade investment to revitalise the existing infrastructure and improve community space near Brisbane’s CBD.
The Thriving Suburbs Program supports projects that enhance liveability and community connection in urban areas, including parks, sporting facilities, and cultural hubs. The program aims to assist local councils and incorporated not-for-profit organisations with community infrastructure projects in Greater Capital City Statistical Areas across Australia.
The program, funded over three years from 2024-25 to 2026-27, offers grants between $500,000 and $15 million for capital works projects. These projects must either construct new community infrastructure or expand or upgrade existing infrastructure for wider community benefit. The program is open and competitive, with funding awarded on merit. Applications closed on 2 September 2024 (revised from the original closing date of 26 August 2024).
The Graceville project includes developing open green space, a nature-play area for children, new picnic facilities, and stabilising the riverbank and local fauna habitats. The area where Oxley Creek meets the Brisbane River will also be widened.
Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King announced the funding during a visit to the parkland, highlighting the government’s commitment to improving urban areas through infrastructure investment.
Other projects in greater Brisbane are also receiving funding through the program. Samford Parklands will receive over $2.2 million for a new Village Green, including a large lawn, BBQ and picnic areas, play equipment, and landscaped gardens. Kippa-Ring’s Talobilla Park Softball Clubhouse will be upgraded with a $2.4 million investment. Additional funding includes over $3.6 million for a health and wellness centre in Toogoolawah, $500,000 for upgrades at The Family Place in Woodridge, and over $1.3 million for walking trails at Mount Glen Rock in Esk.
Federal Member for Moreton Graham Perrett welcomed the funding, noting the importance of improving urban areas. He said the Graceville Riverside Parkland project would now proceed, creating a valuable community asset.
Funding outcomes under the program have been fully announced, with Queensland communities sharing over $11.7 million for six approved projects. Other state allocations include South Australia (approximately $34 million for nine projects), Western Australia (just over $79 million for 13 projects), New South Wales (just over $61 million for 15 projects), Victoria (over $129 million for 26 projects), and Tasmania (just over $2 million for one project). Further information on the program’s application and assessment process is available in the Program Guidelines.
Published Date 17-December-2024
