Cooling off in Hughenden’s heat will be much easier this summer when work is finished on the town’s new recreational lake precinct.
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By the end of 2019, Flinders Shire Council residents and visitors will be enjoying all the facilities offered by a new 21.9 hectare, $8 million recreational lake in Hughenden, adjacent to Station Creek.
Flinders Shire Council Mayor Jane McNamara said the new lake was the culmination of long-term council planning, and made possible because of a $4.1 million infrastructure grant from the Australian Government’s Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF) along with a council contribution.
“The BBRF fund supports the Australian Government’s commitment to create jobs, drive economic growth and build stronger regional communities into the future,” Cr McNamara said.
“This will certainly be true in Hughenden, where Cairns-based Cheshire Contractors are committed to not only constructing a top notch recreational lake including areas allowing kayaking, jet skiing, water-skiing and other water sports, they will do so with local support, input and materials wherever possible.
“There is a 15 per cent component in the contract that must be locally sourced. As the project progresses we are hopeful of more local involvement by Flinders Shire contractors and businesses.”
Cr McNamara said the idea for the lake came about in 2011 but was slow to germinate as both the previous and current council worked on concept plans and funding applications.
However, there is one item that’s still in the planning phase – the lake name.
“There is no name for the lake yet and we would love to have some suggestions from the community,” Cr McNamara said.
The new recreational lake will be near the Station Creek catchment, adjacent to the eastern edge of town and south of the Hughenden Showgrounds.
Cr McNamara said the lake would be easily accessible from the town area.
“Not only will the lake give the town of Hughenden a waterscape, it also gives residents and visitors excellent new lifestyle choices,” Cr McNamara said.
“There will be great benefits for water sports, exercise and leisure activities with parklands, walking and bike trails, barbecues and picnic facilities.
“This project has been community driven and they are very keen for the project to be completed so we can all start to enjoy the benefits of having a water facility close to town,” she said.
“The project construction will involve local suppliers for most raw materials including rock, concrete and fuel.”