THRILLS AND FUN FOR ALL
ROCKETSHIP LANDS IN COOROY
The new nature-based playground in Cooroy provides fun for kids of all ages and abilities, just like thrillseeker Daisy Doherty.
The centrepiece of the Hinterland Playground in Cooroy has arrived. The rocketship, which is almost seven metres tall and weighs around two tonnes was craned into position following its short journey from Studio Steel in Cooroy.
The energetic seven-year-old, who is partly mobile and uses a wheelchair to get around, is a big fan, with the bucket swing and the flying-fox with a harness being two of her highlights. The quiet spaces such as the tunnels and the hidey holes are also a favourite among kids who can experience sensory overload.
Project Manager Paul Brennan said the stainless steel rocketship has been constructed using an old cooling tower that used to be part of the original mill works. “The stainless steel cooling tower along with old fire pits, large steel rings and recycled bridge timbers have been recycled and repurposed as play equipment for this unique playground,” Paul said.
On the day the playground officially opened, Daisy and her family were at the gates ready to play. Dipping her toes in the water-play area with ramp access is also a hit every time Daisy visits, according to Mum, Libby Doherty.
“It’s been an important aspect to the creation of this space to maintain a connection to the history of the site and the rocketship is a great example of this.”
“It really is a beautiful, well-planned and calming playground,” says Libby. “The green grass area is great for picnics, and relaxation and the waterplay area is so fun! The soft surfaces also make a difference for Daisy to be able to enjoy moving around on the ground. The purpose-built accessible toilets and plenty of parking are also appreciated. We live in Noosa and I’m happy to drive out to use the playground anytime.”
Construction will be completed in coming weeks and this unique nature-based, all-abilities playground is scheduled to open to the public in March 2022. The project is proudly funded by the Queensland Government’s Local Government Grants and Subsidies program in association with Noosa Council.
The rocketship is the centrepiece of the new Cooroy playground and is almost seven metres tall and weighs around two tonnes Hinterland Playground official opening – accessible to all
KIN KIN RECREATIONAL HALL WORKPROGRAM UNDERWAY HINTERLAND BRIDGE REPLACEMENT Wahpunga Lane Bridge replacement restarted Cooroy in Belli Creekmonths Local community looking forward tohas works being and completed coming Road Bridge due to kicktheoff shortly. restore the internal VJ cladding works being competed. damage was not as bad Work to clean and disinfect the has Kin restarted Kin Recreational Work on the Hall in preparation for remediation Wahpunga Lane Bridge building work hasfollowing been replacement project thecompleted. clean-up after the recent floods thedisinfecting work site. The inundated cleaning and
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NoosaCouncil-DPS-March_2.indd 2
22 - Cooroy Rag, 25 May 2022
as expected, the external Precast concretesocomponents weatherboard cladding and including concrete deck units andmajor kerbsstructural are ready elements to go and of thefabrication building can be barrier retained, steel of the is under way. the heritage look and keeping feelcompleted, of the hall.this bridge Once
willAccording be wider with guardrails to Kin Kin along the edge ofPresident, the bridgeJann to Community improve safety. The replacement Bonsall, the community is very willmuch improve current alignment looking forward to the between the bridge and road
approaches andwork meetisallfinished, current “Once the bridge standards. we hope to welcome many
different community Traffic will continue to begroups back tovia theGympie facilityKin from babies detoured Kin Road Sister Tree Creek to andand toddlers play groups Road until projectand completion, craft, reading social clubs,” which scheduled Ms is Bonsall said.to be in June 2022, weather permitting. Work will now start to refit the Once the Wahpunga Lane existing community kitchen, Bridge is completed, work
flooringto within the willand commence replace upper level as well as thebuilding’s Cooroy Belli Creek Road electrical and lighting work. Bridge.
project is proudly ArkThis Construction Group has been awarded a $1.3 million funded by the Queensland contract as part ofSouth the ongoing Government’s East Hinterland Bridge Replacement Queensland Community Program jointly funded Stimulus Package in by association Council and theCouncil. Federal with Noosa Governments Bridges Renewal Program.
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