The McCoombes family understand better than most the value of well-planned pathways and community facilities and are eagerly anticipating the Elliott Heads foreshore redevelopment.
The family of five moved from Brisbane to Elliott Heads in 2016 and are looking forward to the early stages of the foreshore redevelopment being complete in coming weeks.
Christine McCoombes and her three young daughters can be seen along the esplanade most days, training for upcoming sporting and fundraising events.
“My husband Gavin and I bought in Elliott Heads for the peace and quiet, the beautiful sandy beach, and friendly little school,” Ms McCoombes said.
“Two years ago our seven-year-old twins, Jada and Hallee, began running with me. Jada wants to be an Olympian and Hallee wants to be a Paralympian. Tia, our youngest, is also training now.
“Jada has blown us all away. She’s broken about eight Little Athletics club records in two years. She runs 5km in 23 mins. This is just the start for her.”
Ms McCoombes said Hallee was determined not to let her spina bifida stop her.
“Wearing her AFO (ankle-foot orthosis), Hallee just doesn’t give up. She’s also started enjoying the Elliott Heads tennis courts with a sports wheelchair loaned to her by Tennis Australia,” she said.
“The Elliott Heads facilities help get the kids out of house and build their self confidence through exercise.
“It’s good for my mental and physical health too. I process everything while I’m running.”
Ms McCoombes said the Elliott Heads redevelopment would make the surf beach and inlet far more accessible for her entire family to enjoy, and train for water events.
Elliott Heads foreshore redevelopment nearing completion
Bundaberg Regional Council Project Manager David Hermann said stages one, two and three of the redevelopment would make the foreshore and esplanade safer and more accessible for locals and visitors of all ability levels.
“We’re coming into the final stages of the project with completion due within a month,” Mr Hermann said.
“There is a lot of existing infrastructure that we’ve enhanced and connected to new facilities with pathways, designated parking and roundabouts.
“This includes the caravan park, surf lifesaving club, community hall, kiosk, barbeques, shelters, play areas, seating areas and toilet amenities.
“The area of the foreshore that was previously an unmarked carpark will now be a green space for people to enjoy.
“All the existing powerlines have been put underground to make it more aesthetically pleasing.
“The lighting for the streetscape and parking is turtle-friendly and able to be dimmed on and off.”
Divisional representative Cr Scott Rowleson was excited to see the Elliott Heads foreshore upgrade nearing completion.
“I want to thank the entire community for their patience during this extensive works.
“These works have been a long time coming and I know the majority of the community will be supportive of the final outcome.
“When completed the foreshore redevelopment will ensure the Elliott Heads community remains a hub for family and community activity for years to come.
“You only need to look to recent projects like the Childers and Burnett Heads streetscape revitalisation to see the terrific outcomes projects like this can achieve.”
Ms McCoombes said she was also looking forward to seeing the designs for the skate and recreation plaza.
“Hallee went to a wheelchair sports camp on the Gold Coast recently where she saw some great BMX tricks she can try in her wheelchair, so I’m sure we’ll all enjoy using the skate park too, whether it’s with a wheelchair, bike or scooter,” she said.
“We are so fortunate to have these fantastic free facilities being developed right at our doorstep.”
