Recognition for park project

Published on 24 May 2023

The revitalisation of Queen Elizabeth Park has attracted State-wide attention after being selected as a finalist in the 2023 Local Government Excellence Awards.

The project saw the installation of new play equipment, accessible amenities, shelters, barbecues, paths, seating and tables.

It has also provided a new home for the Penrose Park Picnic Train, and a canteen to allow the West Darling Machinery Preservation Society to raise funds for their work to preserve the city's industrial history.

Council nominated the project in the Asset & Infrastructure category for projects over $1.5 million and population up to 150,000.

Council's General Manager, Jay Nankivell, said he was extremely pleased to see Council make the finals given the scale of the competition.

"We barely made the $1.5 million threshold, it's a pretty big category and we'll be up against much larger cities and projects from across NSW, but Broken Hill has always been pretty comfortable as the underdog," he said.

"It may not be the biggest project in Australia, but we're extremely proud of it, and the ripple effect it has had on our community has been enormous.

"The upgrade has activated the park as a family recreation space, while the relocation of the train has allowed for the new Police station to be built on Kintore Reserve and provided space in the former police station block for the new library project to go ahead.

"That's around $32 million worth of new infrastructure and services for Broken Hill and the region and a huge boost for the economy, and the catalyst for all that development was the park upgrade and train relocation.

"It's been a great outcome and a credit to Council staff, the Machinery Preservation Society, and all contractors who carried out work in difficult conditions during COVID.”

The 2023 NSW Local Government Excellence Awards will be held in Sydney on June 1.