MEDIA RELEASE – Splash Park Opening
The soft-opening of the Splash Park at the Thursday Island Sports Complex was held at 12pm on Friday, 26 January 2024. The Splash Park is a Queensland Government-funded initiative. Despite the wet weather, many community members attended the opening and enjoyed the family fun day provided by Council including free entry into the TI Sports Complex and a free sausage sizzle all day long.
Mayor Loban advised, ‘Before Council accepted this funding, we made it very clear to the Queensland Government that water security and water supply is critical to our community and our Shire. Without guaranteed water supply, members of the community will not be able to access reliable water supply from the taps in our kitchens and our bathrooms without introducing further water restrictions. This meant that the Splash Park had to be connected to existing recreational water infrastructure. The only recreational water infrastructure within the Shire is located at the Thursday Island Sports Complex’. Council also raised concern regarding the financial sustainability of the new facility as whole-of-life-costing will be a continued financial burden for our rate payers in years to come.
The Hon. Leeanne Enoch MP, Minister for Treaty, Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, Minister for Communities and Minister for the Arts said today, “I am delighted to see the completion of the interactive water park for Thursday Island locals of all ages and abilities to enjoy. “This water park is suitable for kids of all ages, including non-swimmers, and is a great aquatic addition to the local pool. The Queensland Government committed more than $4 million to this project and initial maintenance, which created several local jobs during the construction phase.”
Both on the opening day, Friday 26 January 2024, and on Saturday 27 January 2024, Council provided a free return ferry service from Horn Island to Thursday Island. The Splash Park was officially blessed by Father Stephen.
Mayor Loban concluded, ‘This event and the Splash Park itself is for the shire community. This means that Council will be looking into providing a subsided ferry service for the Horn Island community and a schedule will be announced soon’.
The Splash Park will be off line this week as the contractor completes the final touches and staff training will be undertaken, Council is very mindful that the community is looking forward to utilising the new facility asap and thanks everyone in advance for their understanding and patience.
End Release
TSC Media Centre
Contact: CEO Dalassa Yorkston
Mobile: 0429 691 333 Email: ceo@torres.qld.gov.au