THE restoration of Eugowra’s Memorial Park is moving into its next stage with Cabonne Council appointing a contractor to deliver the long-awaited upgrade of the flood-affected community space.
Deputy general manager Matthew Christensen said the project includes a new amenities block to replace facilities lost during the 2022 flood.
“The council let a contract for the construction of the Eugowra Memorial Park upgrade, which includes a new toilet block which got washed away in the 2022 flood event,” he said.
Mr Christensen said the design of the upgraded park had been shaped through the community-led flood recovery process established after the disaster.
“The landscape plans were taken through the flood recovery committee that was established shortly after the flood to help guide the development of these projects,” he said.
“As such we’ve now put forward a contractor to start delivering on those works and they’re going through their processes now to prepare for work to commence.”
Construction is expected to begin within the next few months, with council aiming to have the upgraded park completed by the end of the year.
Mr Christensen said community feedback had played a key role in shaping the project through the flood recovery committee, which included representatives from schools, progress associations and other local groups.
“Through the committee, which is a community representative group with a broad spectrum of people such as the schools, progress associations and so on, we received that feedback,” he said.
Carbone Shire Mayor Kevin Beauty said the project represented an important step in Eugowra’s recovery and future development.
“It’s encouraging to see the Community Asset Program projects in Eugowra continuing to progress,” Cr Beatty said.
“The restoration of Memorial Park and activation of the CBD are important investments in the future of the community and form part of our broader commitment to building back a better Cabonne as we continue our flood recovery journey.”
Cr Beatty also said the upgraded park would become a welcoming space for residents and visitors alike.
“The new-look Memorial Park will provide a fantastic community space, and I’m looking forward to seeing it come to life with a range of play equipment that can be enjoyed by families and people of all ages.,” Cr Beatty said.
With the project was about more than replacing what was lost, Cr Beatty said benefits from the works would go beyond the park itself.
“They are about creating stronger, more resilient and more vibrant community spaces that support Eugowra’s future,” he said.
“Through the Community Assets Program, we’re investing in recovery projects that will leave a lasting legacy for our communities.”
Memorial Park was one of many public spaces significantly impacted during the 2022 flood disaster, and its restoration has been identified as a priority project under Eugowra’s ongoing recovery program.