Revitalisation underway with Anzac Park drainage
The transformation of Anzac Park into a vibrant memorial and community space continues with drainage works underway and plaques and the original pool’s foundation stone in safe keeping.
Councillor Jason Bartels said Council crews were undertaking the current works on site which would see it readied for the construction stages.
“Council’s Civil Works construction crew has been on site for just over a month now carrying out minor earthworks for stormwater drainage,” Cr Bartels said.
“The works will prepare the site ahead of its exciting transformation which will feature a memorial, an open-air stage for community events and features that will attract visitors and families.
“When complete it will be a massive boost to the entire CBD area and become a sought-after gathering place in what is a prime location on the beautiful Burnett River.”
Excavation has begun to prepare the main drainage line and, due to the ground having a percentage of solid rock present, larger machinery was brought in to assist.
The construction of the different elements of the revitalised Anzac Park will be undertaken in stages.
Cr Bartels said the detailed design of Anzac Park’s memorial elements would be undertaken as a separate engagement process to the events, play and landscaping elements.
“Council is committed to ensuring Anzac Park remains true to its purpose as a place of remembrance and respect.
“The revitalised Anzac Park will be a gathering place for commemorative services and will see increased visitation of the memorial as the project’s elements combine to create what will be a premier destination.”
Three plaques were carefully removed from the former pool site and the redevelopment project team has them in safe keeping awaiting the outcome of the curation process.
This includes a February 1971 plaque marking the official opening of a facility building and the plaque commemorating the opening of Anzac Pool by Alderman F.H. Buss in March 1956.
But Cr Bartels said the oldest among them was a foundation stone laid by Angel of Durban Ethel Campbell in honour of the original memorial baths.
“The Anzac Pool from modern memory was constructed in 1955 after the original baths were damaged beyond repair, but the Returned Soldiers Memorial Baths foundation stone remained on the site.
“While the outcomes of the memorial curation process are yet to be determined the memorial baths foundation stone will continue to play an important role in the recognition of the region’s rich history and will be incorporated into the revitalised Anzac Park in some sympathetic way.”
Anzac Park drainage works continue
Council is minimising the impacts of the Anzac Park drainage works with water trucks on site to manage dust.
The riverside footpath directly below Anzac Park remains closed during hours of work to keep the public safe from any potential hazards. The path is reopened each day after work has stopped.
For more information on the Anzac Park Redevelopment project visit Council’s Our Bundaberg Region website.
Read the full Bundaberg Now story here.
