Woodlands District Park – Stage 1 of the park’s development

Next phase of Woodlands District Park unveiled

It’s time to dust off your bikes and scooters; construction on Woodlands Track in Andergrove is now complete.

The new 300-metre multipurpose active track has been designed for all ages and a variety of wheeled devices including bikes, scooters, skateboards and more.

Mayor Greg Williamson said Woodlands Track would be the ideal spot for exercise and family outings.

“The track’s thoughtful design ensures it is a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone, from young children to adults,” Mayor Williamson said.

“Featuring a variety of different sized slopes and valleys, the track caters to parents wanting to teach their children how to ride a bike or adults and older children who want to try something more adventurous like scootering, skateboarding or rollerblading,” he said.

“Council is committed to improving the liveability of the region and we have been focussing on enhancing local recreational facilities that promote healthy living and active lifestyles in our region.

“Projects like the Finch Hatton Mountain Bike Trails, Seaforth Esplanade Redevelopment and Woodlands Track reflect this commitment.”

Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said the Miles Government was proud to invest in regional communities through the $1.1 billion Works for Queensland program.

“We’ve already seen the benefits the Works for Queensland program is delivering for local economies, tradies and families right across the Mackay region,” Ms Gilbert said.

"I look forward to seeing the lasting benefits this project will deliver for the local community," she said.

Woodlands Track is part of the second phase of stage one’s Woodlands District Park project, along with new public toilets (opening soon). Landscaping is also included as part phase two, and these works are due to be completed in September, weather permitting.

The first phase of this project involved drainage improvements, construction of connecting paths, barbecue facilities and lighting, which were completed in May, 2023.

The next phase will involve the installation of an all-abilities playground, with the design stage already under way.

This project is proudly funded by the Queensland Government’s Works for Queensland Program in association with Mackay Regional Council.

Visit connectingmackay.com.au/woodlands to learn more about Woodlands District Park.

Woodlands District Park’s next phase is on track
The next phase of the exciting Woodlands District Park project in Andergrove is about to begin.

Vassallo Constructions on behalf of Mackay Regional Council, will start construction on phase two of the Woodlands District Park project in mid-April, weather permitting.

The first phase of stage one has recently been completed and included drainage improvements, path construction, barbecue facilities and lighting.

Phase two will see a 300-metre multipurpose track and public toilets installed, along with associated landscaping.

Mayor Greg Williamson said this project would transform Woodlands District Park into a sought-after destination for leisure and social activities, especially among residents living in Andergrove and Beaconsfield.

“Woodlands Track will cater for those wanting to enjoy a relaxing walk, bike ride or jog, or something more adventurous like scootering, skateboarding or roller blading,” Mayor Williamson said.

“It will also be the perfect place for parents to teach their children how to ride a bike or scooter,” he said.

“Council is committed to improving the liveability of our region for residents and, projects like this are an essential step in achieving that goal."

“We’re also looking forward to starting work on the next phase of this project once the construction of Woodlands Track is complete, with the design for an exciting all-abilities playground currently under way.”

Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said the Miles Government was supporting the project through funding from the Works for Queensland (W4Q) program.

“Phase one of the Woodlands District Park project has delivered fantastic new recreational facilities for Mackay locals and the Miles Government is pleased to be continuing to provide support for the project’s upcoming second phase,” Mrs Gilbert said.

“Since it began in 2016, W4Q has provided more than $42 million to support Mackay Regional Council to deliver projects such as the Woodlands upgrade."

“The Queensland Government continues to support regional infrastructure through W4Q, investing a total of $1.1 billion, including $300 million committed for the upcoming 2024-27 funding round.”

Woodlands Track is expected to be completed in late-July 2024, weather permitting.

Minor noise disturbances are expected from 6.30am to 6.30pm, Monday to Friday, as part of this project. Some weekend work may also be required.

This project is proudly funded by the Queensland Government’s Works for Queensland Program in association with Mackay Regional Council.

Visit www.connectingmackay.com.au/woodlands to learn more.

The Woodlands District Park pathways have reopened

Drainage and earthworks at the Andergrove/Beaconsfield site are wrapping up and some finishing touches to the initial works are still required – including finalising the barbecue shelters and lighting.

We are getting excited to make way for the next stage of this project, which includes the installation of the new Woodlands Track and amenities.

Woodlands Track will be a multipurpose active track, suitable for all ages and a range of wheeled devices including bikes, scooters, skateboards and more.

This work is expected to start later in the year and some sections of the park near the work may need to be closed during this stage.

For more details visit www.connectingmackay.com.au/woodlands.

This project is proudly funded by the Queensland Government’s Works for Queensland Program in association with Mackay Regional Council.

Work starting at Woodlands District Park this week

Click here to learn more about work happening as part of stage one of the Woodlands District Park project and future stages.

This project is proudly funded by the Queensland Government’s Works for Queensland Program in association with Mackay Regional Council.

Work at Woodlands due to start next month

The tender for civil works for the eagerly anticipated Woodlands District Park project has been awarded to local contractor, Vassallo Constructions.

Mayor Greg Williamson said the project was all about improving liveability for residents.

“Woodlands District Park will be a place where residents can enjoy time as a family and take in the beauty of the natural environment, regardless of their age or ability,” Mayor Williamson said.

“Providing we have good weather, we’re hoping to start civil works next month,” he said.

“This work will include drainage improvements and the installation of a new path network and lighting.

“Council has also committed to bringing the construction of the all-abilities playground and multi-purpose active track forward into stage one, and this work is due to commence next year.”

The civil works and drainage improvements are expected to start in December and will be completed by late May 2023, weather permitting.

Construction of the inclusive playground, new public amenities and the other recreational facilities will commence in 2023 once the civil works are complete.

The existing playground in Broomdykes Drive Park will remain operational while construction is under way.

To stay informed about work happening as part of stage one and to learn more about future stages of this project, visit connectingmackay.com.au/woodlands and subscribe to project update emails.

Stage one of Woodlands District Park upgrades will include:

• a new all-abilities playground

• a multipurpose active track (Woodlands Track), which will be suitable for all ages

• new barbecue and picnic facilities

• public amenities, including an accessible adult change facility for the disabled community

• improvements to the park’s entries

• additional paths, including the start of a new north-south connection through to Caledonian Drive and the extension of the existing cross-park (east-west) link

• drainage and landscaping improvements, including the reshaping and replanting of the unsightly open swale drain to naturalise the water course.

This project is proudly funded by the Queensland Government’s Works for Queensland Program in association with Mackay Regional Council.

The total cost of stage one is $5.9 million, with the State Government contributing $2 million towards the project.

Click here to view the master plan and learn more about the Woodlands District Park project.

Thank you to everyone who got their hands dirty at National Tree Day on the weekend at Woodlands Reserve

We had 55 volunteers come along and together they planted 1300 trees.

DID YOU KNOW?
The plants that were used at this year's event were locally sourced. Many of the seeds were sourced from the Woodlands site and then propagated by council’s nursery team at the Mackay Natural Environment Centre.

Stay up-to-date on all the latest urban greening events and initiatives by subscribing to council’s urban greening eNewsletter by clicking here.

For more information on plans for Woodlands District Park click here.

Above: Volunteers lend a hand at our tree planting day.

National Tree Day volunteers needed

The beautiful Woodlands Reserve in Andergrove will be the focus of this year’s National Tree Day in Mackay.

Council is calling on volunteers to lend a hand at this year’s event, which will be held on Sunday, July 31, from 8.30am to 12.30pm at Ficus Crescent, Andergrove.

This site has strong community interest, and the tree planting event will help to enhance the natural areas of reserve and will complement the upcoming Woodlands District Park project.

Council is aiming to plant up to 1300 plants at National Tree Day.

Come down and get your hands dirty for a good cause by registering as a volunteer for National Tree Day.

Please wear sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and bring a water bottle. If you have your own gloves and gardening equipment, please bring them along. A free barbecue will be provided to everyone who participates in this event.

Registrations close at 5pm on Thursday, July 28.

School’s Tree Day will be held at a different location this year. Students will be revegetating the area beside the 2021 School’s Tree Day site on the Bluewater Trail, east of the Ron Camm Bridge.

School’s Tree Day will be held on Friday, July 29, and council is aiming to plant 700 plants as part of this event.

National Tree Day and School’s Tree Day in Mackay is supported by Mackay Regional Council and Mackay Toyota.

Click here to register for National Tree Day.

Stay up-to-date on all the latest urban greening events and initiatives by subscribing to council’s urban greening eNewsletter by clicking here.

For more information on plans for Woodlands District Park click here.

Above: Mayor Greg Williamson with volunteers from Swayneville State School at the 2021 School's Tree Day event in Mackay.

Woodlands District Park playground to be fast-tracked

A new inclusive all-abilities playground is set to be built as part of the first stage of Woodlands District Park between Beaconsfield and Andergrove.

The playground, which was initially planned as part of stage three of the park’s development, has been brought forward into stage one thanks to a $1.5 million commitment from council.

This is on top of $2 million in funding provided through the Queensland Government’s Works for Queensland program to undertake the initial works proposed as part of the master plan.

Construction of the playground is expected to start next financial year after the drainage and earthworks are finalised.

Design work, including for a Woodlands track to be built as part of the project, is nearing completion.

The Woodlands Master Plan envisaged a bike pump track, on which riders generate momentum by pumping (up and down body movements), rather than pedalling, or a “learn to ride” bike path.

Council opted for the latter, which will still be undulating and make use of natural mounds and gullies on the site.

Mayor Greg Williamson said council was committed to building inclusive communities and the new playground in Woodlands District Park was a positive step towards reaching that goal.

“The new facilities will provide hours of entertainment for children of all ages and abilities and those of us who are children at heart,” he said.

“It will be a district-level facility, so it will be similar in scale to the playgrounds at Queens Park and Northview Park, however this play facility will be designed for all-abilities.

Mayor Williamson said council was working hard to provide inclusive facilities across the region.

“We’ve been focussing on providing facilities such as all-abilities path upgrades, the installation of adult change facilities that cater to members of the community with a disability, and inclusive water play, which will be an exciting feature of Seaforth Esplanade’s new upgrades,” he said.

“We’re looking forward to adding this new all-abilities playground at Woodlands District Park to the list of inclusive facilities available for the public to enjoy.”

The development of the new 21-hectare Woodlands District Park will be staged, with initial construction works set to occur in the western side of the park where the former Broomdykes Drive Park in Beaconsfield was located. This area has already been cleared and will be referred to as the park’s Central Precinct.

Mayor Williamson said the Central Precinct would focus on active recreation.

“In addition to the all-abilities playground, the precinct will offer a range of family-friendly facilities including barbecue and picnic facilities, public toilets, multipurpose tracks and an expanded path network catering to everyone’s needs,” he said.

“Those wanting to enjoy a relaxing walk, bike ride, or jog, or something more adventurous like scootering, skateboarding or roller blading will all be accommodated with a multipurpose track.”

Civil works to improve drainage within the area and to naturalise the unsightly open swale drain running through the Central Precinct will also be undertaken.

The bulk of the earthworks and drainage improvements will begin mid-year and will be undertaken during the dry season. Construction of the inclusive playground, new public amenities and the other recreational facilities will commence after this work is complete.

The development of Central Precinct will be complemented by stage 2 and 3 which will focus on the Lake Precinct, which features the site’s existing small dam and will provide a tranquil setting where residents can relax, and the existing Woodlands Reserve which protects 10 hectares of remnant bushland.

This project is proudly funded by the Queensland Government’s Works for Queensland Program in association with Mackay Regional Council. To stay informed visit connectingmackay.com.au and subscribe to project update emails.

Stage one of Woodlands District Park upgrades will include:

• A new all-abilities playground
• A multipurpose active track (Woodlands Track), which will be suitable for all ages
• New barbecue and picnic facilities
• Public amenities including a Changing Places facility for the disabled community
• Improvements to the park’s entries
• Additional paths including the start of a new north-south connection through to Caledonian Drive and the extension of the existing cross-park (east-west) link.
• Drainage and landscaping improvements including the reshaping and re-planting of the unsightly open swale drain to naturalise the water course

For more information on plans for Woodlands District Park click here.

This project is proudly funded by the Queensland Government’s Works for Queensland Program in association with Mackay Regional Council.

Funding boost for Woodlands District Park upgrade

A redevelopment of Seaforth Esplanade and stage one of Woodlands District Park, including a pump track, at Andergrove have been given a funding boost thanks to the State Government’s Works For Queensland program.

Deputy Premier Steven Miles announced in Mackay yesterday that council had been successful in securing $9.9 million in the latest round of Works For Queensland (W4Q) Funding for 2021-2024.

The amount included about $2.3 million for the Seaforth Esplanade upgrade and about $2 million for stage one of Woodlands District Park.

It was part of $15.42 million announced for the Mackay-Isaac-Whitsunday region.

Mr Miles said W4Q projects would have a positive impact across regional Queensland.

“The enormously successful Works for Queensland program is designed to help our regional councils deliver infrastructure that will not only create jobs, but will also improve liveability in towns and cities outside the south east corner,” Mr Miles said.

“This latest round of $200 million is funding projects that tick those boxes right across our regions.

“The 65 regional councils are best placed to understand the specific needs of their communities, and we have listened to our councils.

“This round of Works for Queensland will help deliver 333 projects, which the councils estimate will create or support more than 3600 jobs where they are needed most.

“This is part of Queensland’s plan for economic recovery.”

Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson said the State Government’s Works for Queensland program had been an excellent initiative for regional local governments.

“We’ve been able to complete a range of job-creating projects aimed at improving liveability for residents in the Mackay region through this funding program,’’ Mayor Williamson said.

“Works for Queensland helps deliver smaller but important projects that provide benefits for our community.’’

Mayor Williamson was delighted key projects like Seaforth Esplanade and Woodlands District Park had received funding boosts under the program.

Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said the funding would support the region’s economy and create jobs.

“This is great news for Mackay and for our region’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic,” Mrs Gilbert said.

“So far 1471 jobs have been created through the Works for Queensland projects across the region.

“This round of $15.42 million being invested across Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday council areas will support 210 local jobs.

“I congratulate the Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday councils for putting forward some great projects that will make a real difference in these communities.”

Draft master plan released

Click here to view the draft master plan.
Click here to read the Appendix: Community Engagement Report

Feedback is open until Thursday, October 22, 2020 at 11:59 pm.
Click here to provide your feedback.

A hard copy of the draft master plan is also available to view at the council administration building on Gordon Street and at Gordon White Library and Dudley Denny City Library.

Draft master plan to guide development of Woodlands District Park

COUNCIL has unveiled a draft master plan for Woodlands District Park, which continues to protect the site’s remnant vegetation and highlights the area’s unique natural attractions.

Many improvements are proposed including more paths to ensure better access and connectivity through the park, a new district-level playground, and public amenities.

The draft master plan sets a long-term vision for the park, with the opportunity for improvements to be progressively implemented over four stages.

Mayor Greg Williamson said funding had been secured to proceed with the design for the first stage of upgrade works in the former Broomdykes Drive Park portion of the site this financial year.

“The new district park will meet the needs of residents in the Andergrove, Beaconsfield and growing Kerrisdale community, which is home to about 13 per cent of Mackay’s total population,” he said.

“It is a popular location among families, and we expect this area to grow significantly over the next decade, which is why this project is a priority for council.

“Our vision is to transform the various under-utilised park reserves and adjoining parcels of land acquired for drainage purposes into a key destination for locals to gather, socialise with friends and family and exercise.”

The draft master plan sees this 21-hectare site split into three distinct precincts – Central Precinct, Lake Precinct and Woodlands Reserve Precinct.

“Each precinct will have its own unique feel,” Mayor Williamson said.

“The Lake Precinct will allow residents to take in the serenity around the existing water feature, while also incorporating large open spaces and shared paths for exercise,” he said.

“The Central Precinct will serve as the key meeting place for recreational activities, with a district-level playground earmarked for this location, which will be similar in scale to the playgrounds at Northview Park and Queens Park.

“And, the Woodlands Reserve Precinct will highlight the significant environmental value of the park.”

Stage one of the draft master plan is anticipated to include:

• A pump or riding track as the first component of the central active recreation zone
• New barbecue and picnic facilities
• Public amenities
• Improvements to the park’s entry along Broomdykes Drive
• Additional pathways with a new cross-park connection
• Drainage and landscaping improvements including a proposal to naturalise the unsightly open swale drain.