Enhanced recreational facilities to boost community and visitor experience on the Western Downs

July 16, 2021

Residents and visitors to the Western Downs will enjoy new facilities at popular fishing and boating locations, with upgrades to amenities at the Chinchilla Weir and Caliguel Lagoon now complete, with the help of $2.6 million from the Federal Government.

Maranoa MP David Littleproud welcomed the completion of the projects in Chinchilla and Condamine which will boost liveability and economic growth in the Western Downs.

“The community will benefit greatly from these projects, which were supported by the Australian Government’s $1.5 billion Local Road and Community Infrastructure Program,” Mr Littleproud said.

“The Chinchilla Weir is a popular spot among locals and visitors to enjoy a picnic, do some fishing or get out on the water. This project, supported by $1,666,858 from the Federal Government, upgraded the day use facilities, park furniture, shelters and playground at the Weir, to ensure visitors have access to the facilities they need.

“Amenities upgrades have also been completed at the Caliguel Lagoon in Condamine, supported by $1 million under the program. This project included upgrades to the day use area, new fire pits, barbeques and parking area upgrades.

“I’m a firm believer in bringing people together and improving community infrastructure across Maranoa because it has a positive flow-on effect on our quality of life and how we support each other – these upgrades to the Caliguel Lagoon and Chinchilla Weir reflect this.

The Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program is supporting local jobs, businesses and boosting the economy during COVID-19, with almost 5,000 projects already nominated under the program and around $450 million paid to councils across Australia.

“Every single job we support makes a huge difference in our local community, now and as we build our way out of the pandemic,” Mr Littleproud said.

“We know how important our support is to communities who have faced the combined effects of drought, bushfires and now COVID-19, which is why we are backing projects to create employment and business opportunities while cutting travel times, as well as making our roads and communities safer.

More information on the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program is available at investment.infrastructure.gov.au/infrastructure_investment/local-roads-community-infrastructure-program.