Free waterpark opens at Petrie

Any chance of a hot, hot summer just got splashed with the opening of Moreton Bay Region’s first free public water park on Saturday.

The $11.5 million recreation space at The Mill features two new playgrounds for older and younger children, a shaded splash pad with water bucket, and a large green space and barbecue area.

Mayor Peter Flannery says it is a gamechanger and a great project to round-out 2020.

“Despite the weather raining-out the opening weekend, we’ve had massive interest from families across the region to come try our new water park and play space,” Mayor Flannery says.

“It’s one of the best in South East Queensland and we expect it will attract visitors from outside our region as well.

“We’ve also connected the new with the old by recreating the original cricket pitch, that was built in the 1950s for the paper mill workers, and turned it into a stunning green space for all to enjoy.

Sign of things to come

“This is just the beginning of much bigger things for The Mill, with the MILLovate board now in place and the investment area here in The Mill PDA literally being 50% larger than the area of the Brisbane CBD,” Mayor Flannery says.

“Five years ago, Council started our journey to turn the old Petrie Paper Mill site into a vibrant hub for recreation, education and economic activity for the whole region to enjoy.

“This year alone, we’ve opened the University of the Sunshine Coast’s campus here, significantly boosted koala numbers and now we’ve transformed it into a public recreation space for our whole region.

“I can’t wait to see what 2021 has in store, I have big ambitions for the investment, industry, jobs and opportunities this precinct will deliver.”

Federal support

Federal Member for Dickson Peter Dutton and the Federal Government have provided ongoing assistance for The Mill at Moreton Bay through the Community Development Grants Programme.

“The Mill at Moreton Bay is a vitally important project for the whole Moreton Bay Region and will be a massive economic boost when it’s needed most,” Mr Dutton explains.

“The Federal Government has supported this since the beginning and the beauty is that there are still two thirds of this site yet to be developed.

“I’m excited to see this site transform into a bustling economic sector for Petrie and Moreton Bay Region as a whole.”

The Mill at Moreton Bay was first declared a Priority Development Area (PDA) by the State Government in 2016 to help fast-track development.

Community benefits

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development Steven Miles says it is a great addition to the community.

“I can’t think of a better addition to our community than a local splash park and I can’t wait to take my own kids to this amazing play space,” Mr Miles says.

“The Council has done a great job of bringing the University of the Sunshine Coast Petrie campus to life.

“Four years ago, the State Government recognised this as a great opportunity to help inject Moreton Bay Region with rapid economic growth. This is a project that locals can be proud of and one that will make a big difference now and for many future generations.”

The water park will be open from 8am-8pm every day. It is at 1 Moreton Pde, Petrie

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