Released 15/06/2018
Joint Media release: Meegan Fitzharris MLA and Suzanne Orr MLA
Work has commenced on a new recreational centrepiece for the Giralang community. The project is a collaboration between the ACT Government and the developers of the adjacent shopping centre.
The new recreational area will include a number of play areas for a range of ages including a small dirt bike trail, trees and other plantings, climbing logs, a solar clock and more.
Minister for Transport and City Services Meegan Fitzharris said that the new recreational area was an outcome of extensive community consultation in Giralang.
“During community consultation led by my colleague Suzanne Orr MLA, it was clear that the Giralang community desired a space where they could engage in a range of community activities. We have listened to the feedback from the community and hope the Giralang community is pleased with the final design and I thank Suzanne for her leadership with the community,” Minister Fitzharris said.
Following the restoration of the Tharwa Bridge in 2011, timber from the old bridge was retained and will be painted by Giralang children to form some key elements of the new Giralang Park.
“We’re very excited to be able to inject some of Canberra’s heritage into the new public space. Tharwa Bridge is the oldest standing bridge in the ACT, first built in 1895. The timber will be reused and repurposed in the new Giralang Park, used as bench seats and retaining walls,” Minister Fitzharris said.
Construction on the ACT Government component of the park has begun, and will be completed by late 2018. Further works to be completed by the developer, including car parking, additional seating, shade structure, stage and landscaping, is subject to DA approval, and if approved will be delivered as part of the shopping centre redevelopment program in 2018-19.
“The ACT Government is committed to delivering improvements that will benefit all Canberrans. We want Canberra to remain an inviting, friendly city where everyone is encouraged to get outside, get active and enjoy our public spaces.
“I encourage all Canberrans to keep in touch and let us know how your suburbs can be improved. Thank you to the Giralang community for providing feedback and contributing to this fantastic new community park. We look forward to joining you there once it is ready,” Minister Fitzharris said.
Member for Yerrabi Suzanne Orr said she was also pleased to see work beginning on the new recreational area.
“I’m excited that construction on the Giralang Community Park has commenced and I’m confident the community will be pleased to see their ideas come to life as the park takes shape,” Ms Orr said.
“Since the ACT Government committed $100,000 in the 2017-18 Budget for the park, I’ve been speaking to Giralang residents to make sure the park’s design best reflects their views.”
“I’d like to thank University of Canberra Landscape Architecture students, in particular Adam Barneveld, for their work in producing design concepts for the park.”
“Minister Fitzharris and the ACT Government have been very receptive to including the Giralang community in every step of the process and I’m looking forward to continuing this approach to deliver more for Giralang,” Ms Orr concluded. The final design plans for Giralang Park are available online at www.tccs.act.gov.au.
- Statement ends -
Meegan Fitzharris, MLA | Media Releases
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