WORKS RAMP UP TO MEET LANDMARK PROJECT'S CHRISTMAS DELIVERY DEADLINE

Scenic Rim Regional Council is ramping up construction of the landmark Boonah Town Centre Revitalisation project to ensure the precinct is primed to host the traditional Christmas street parade in December 2019.

Deputy Mayor Duncan McInnes joined Division 5 Councillor Rick Stanfield and Member for Ipswich West Jim Madden at Boonah this week as construction continues on the first stage of the Boonah Town Centre Revitalisation project thanks to joint funding from the Australian Government's Building Better Regions Fund and the Queensland Government's Building our Regions program in association with Scenic Rim Regional Council.

"Boonah bustles with trade and community life and, while many country towns no longer have this vibrancy, Council's vision is to keep it bustling with the town centre providing a vibrant hub of activity and a destination for visitors and residents alike," Cr McInnes said.

"Boonah is the Scenic Rim's second largest economic centre after Beaudesert and supports the outlying areas of Kalbar, Harrisville, Peak Crossing, Aratula, Mount Alford, Roadvale, Warrill View, Rosevale, Maroon and Dugandan.

"The revitalisation of the Boonah Town Centre is part of Council's long-term commitment to creating more liveable communities and driving the Scenic Rim's economic development through its Vibrant and Active Towns and Villages program.

"Civic improvements that create a sense of place, reflecting the bespoke character of the community, serve as a driver for increased patronage and act as a magnet for commercial and retail activity, providing increased community vitality and economic viability for the Scenic Rim region."

The Boonah Town Centre redevelopment features the upgrade of the courtyard outside Council's Boonah Administration Building on High Street to incorporate a shaded alfresco area and seating set amidst public artworks to create a vibrant community space.

It also includes the upgrade of the Walter Street car park behind the Council building, with the addition of parking spaces, disability car parking, the installation of retaining walls and construction of a covered walkway with solar panels connecting through to High Street.

Construction has begun on the car park behind the Queensco building on Walter Street and is expected to be completed mid-December 2019. The car park will be closed for approximately 18 weeks, weather permitting, with temporary access between Walter Street and High Street via the IGA store on 58 High Street.

From the first week of September, the courtyard in front of Council's Boonah Administration Building will be partially closed for approximately 16 weeks, weather permitting. Temporary access to the building will be via the newly completed laneway on the northern side of the Boonah Administration Building.

In all instances, members of the public are encouraged to follow the construction site signage, take care and allow crews room to work safely.

"This exciting project represents the beginning of the next stage in the life of the Boonah community and surrounding district," Cr McInnes said.

"Importantly, it addresses key elements of the shared Community Plan vision for the region: developing vibrant towns and villages and supporting a sustainable and prosperous economy."

Stage two of the Boonah revitalisation project, which includes footpath works, will commence in early 2020.