By Jeremy Sollars
Southern Downs Regional Council has had to make the tough decision to demolish the shelters at Pioneer Park, Swanfels, in the interests of public safety.
Termite damage to the structural elements of the shelters at Pioneer Park is significant and ground movement over time has caused the buildings to sink with severe concrete cracking evident in the flooring of the tennis shelter.
Southern Downs manager Community Services and Major Projects Michael Bell said an independent structural engineering report, commissioned by council, confirmed that the buildings did not comply with the National Construction Code.
“Council needs to be a leader in the community to ensure that buildings are safe for their intended use and that they meet current building standards,” he said.
Portfolio Councillor for Community, Towns and Villages, Sheryl Windle, said council understood that Pioneer Park was valued by the local community and council did intend to replace the shelter.
“We know that the park is important to the Swanfels community and holds heritage significance, given the history of the shelters and the memorabilia in place in the shelters.
“It is council’s intention to install a new shelter at Pioneer Park, with funds to be included in a future budget, so that locals, visitors and previous residents who often return to this park, can continue to enjoy this community asset.
“Importantly, the memorabilia from the shelters, including the branding post, old school signs and old tennis signs, will be preserved and reinstated in the new shelter when it is installed,” Cr Windle said.
For further information, contact Michael Bell, manager Community Services and Major Projects on 1300 MY SDRC (1300 697 372).
