Concrete seating and memorial elements will soon be lifted into place at Anzac Park as part of Stage 1 of Bundaberg Regional Council’s redevelopment project.
The crane lift marks the next phase of a revitalisation effort that is transforming the site on Quay Street into an inviting area that honours current and ex-service personnel.
Mayor Helen Blackburn said the project represented a meaningful and measured investment in preserving the area’s heritage while improving the community space.
“We’ve taken a considered, scaled-back approach to this redevelopment to ensure we honour the legacy of our servicemen and women while also creating a useable and welcoming public space,” Mayor Blackburn said.
“This latest milestone, installing concrete seating and memorial items, represents the heart of what this park is about: remembrance, respect and community.”
President of Bundaberg RSL Sub Branch Luke Harding said Council had been working collaboratively to ensure the redesign was a place that honoured the legacy of servicemen and women.
“Anzac Park is a place of remembrance, a place of reflection,” he said.
“It’s a place for us to remember our fallen soldiers… to honour our past serving members.
“We have had several consultation meetings and Council has been taking in our ideas and suggestions.”
Stage 1 of the project has already seen the completion of key infrastructure works including earthworks, drainage and inground services.
Concrete pathways, detailed landscaping and electrical works are now progressing and will continue after the crane lift begins.
On 14 July 2025 the Quay Street service road will be closed to all through-traffic while the work takes place.
“We’re grateful to the local businesses and residents for their patience during these works,” Mayor Blackburn said.
“While construction zones are never convenient, we’re confident the end result will be a space the community will take pride in.”
Stage 1 works are expected to be completed in August 2025 while an amenities block in the area will be due for completion in October 2025.
The Anzac Park Stage 1 redevelopment will exceed the budget by $360,000 upon its completion due to a combination of unexpected works including heritage considerations, compliance requirements, site conditions and weather impacts.
Key overspend items include:
- palm tree preservation,
- accessibility upgrades
- fencing compliance
- design changes
- sewer relocation
- lighting repairs and more.
The forecast final spend of the Stage 1 redevelopment construction is $6.67 million.
Mayor Blackburn said despite these unforeseen costs, Council was delivering what the community expects and can afford.
“This is still a significant saving compared to the original $19 million proposal, with Council instead opting for a staged approach that delivers what we can afford now, while leaving room for future enhancements.”
This project is partly funded by the Queensland Government’s Works for Queensland program.
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