Lake Alford Park to undergo significant natural restoration

Lake Alford Park is set to undergo a $760,000 transformation to revitalise this much-loved area. 

At its February Ordinary Meeting, Gympie Regional Council awarded the project tender to S.C.L Services Pty Ltd t/a DISC Landscapes to deliver the project, which is being funded through the Queensland Reconstruction Authority following the February 2022 floods.  

Gympie Mayor Glen Hartwig said the project would restore this significant asset in the heart of Gympie, and further-beautify the area for residents and visitors.  

“Lake Alford is an integral part of Gympie and it’s vital we continue to maintain, protect, and enhance the lake and surrounds so it can continue to be enjoyed for years to come,” Cr Hartwig said. 

“The works also include a mixture of organic measures to stabilize the banks of the ponds which includes using plants, gradual sloping and introducing some sandstone blocks, which will also double as a terraced seating area adjacent to the Gympie Lions Rotunda. 

“Up to 25,000 new plants including trees, grasses, and aquatic plants will be planted as part of the project, as well as a garden restoration to remove any dead or sick trees and plants which will go a long way to reinvigorate the area. 

“This is an important location for many plants and animals, and the proposed works have been carefully planned to ensure we support the ongoing environmental significance of the space.” 

The QRA funding is part of the Community and Recreational Asset Recovery and Resilience Program established to assist local governments, state agencies, and non-profit sport and active recreation organisations to clean-up, repair and or build resilience following the 2022 floods. 

The Community and Recreational Asset Recovery and Resilience Program is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements. 

Construction is expected to commence in the next month, with completion estimated for early June 2025, weather permitting. 

During the works, sections of the park adjacent to the pond will be closed to the community for safety. These closures will only be in place for a short period and will periodically move around the pond as the project progresses.