Master planned Glass House Mountains District Park officially opened

The latest stages of the community master planned Glass House Mountains District Park, in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, was officially opened today.

Mayor Mark Jamieson and Division 1 Councillor Rick Baberowski joined Local Government Minister Stirling Hinchliffe and members of the community to celebrate the additions to the park.

Mayor Jamieson said the park would provide a spacious, safe and enjoyable recreation area for the local community and visitors.

“This is a park designed by the community that protects the natural assets of the park along with creating a destination for visitors to enjoy,” Mayor Jamieson said.

“It will help to secure the Glass House Mountains District Park’s reputation as a go-to hinterland hub for leisure and recreation.

“Having more people coming to this part of the Sunshine Coast is good news for the local economy along with the great health and well-being outcomes from being outdoors in our wonderful region.”

New facilities include a playground, shade sail and stone pitched walls, amenities building, an entry statement, shelter, seating and barbecue, fenced dog off-leash area, bench seats overlooking the lake, pathways, landscaping and drainage works and a 15-bay car park.

Division 1 Councillor Rick Baberowski said the improvements were the third and fourth stages of the community’s master plan for Glass House Mountains District Park.

“This part of the region has an increasing number of young families and is also an important tourist destination,” Cr Baberowski said.

“But we needed a wonderful mixed space like this one to help us showcase our unique natural environment and it’s fantastic to see these great new parkland facilities being added now.

“The community called for the creation of a ‘must see’ place for locals and visitors and will be pleased to see the community event hub they imagined emerge from the ground.”

Local Government Minister Stirling Hinchliffe praised the vision of the council and community to provide a major meeting place for locals and tourists.

“This eight-hectare park in this spectacular natural setting is a great example of why the Queensland Government supports councils and communities to provide great places to live, work and play,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“The Queensland Government’s investment of more than $400,000 in the Glass House District Park had the added bonus of supporting up to 10 jobs for local tradespeople.

“It’s good news for the region with the Local Government Grants programs delivering jobs and stimulating the local economy.”

State Government’s Local Government Grants and Subsidies Program contributed $400,000 alongwith the Sunshine Coast Council contributed $600,000 towards the project.

Future stages of the Glass House Mountains District Park will include new pathways and trail network, park entry node and structure, additional playground equipment, shelter, picnic table and seats, park seats, and additional landscaping.