Councillor Column - Councillor Kate Milton

Apart from the initial clean-up and repairs to our roads, one of the most visible signs of recovery after a major flood event is the return of our parks, gardens and recreational spaces. These areas are at the heart of our communities, providing places for families to gather, children to play, residents to exercise, and visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of our region.

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Sadly, the 2025 event left most of our parks and gardens needing repair. We have almost finished, with crews now working on the last of them.

The work undertaken includes more than $1.08 million in parks and public-space works, covering major repairs at Rotary Park, Ninja Park, Garbutt and Interact playgrounds, as well as exercise equipment, walking tracks, footbridges, viewing infrastructure, gardens, and the TYTO Wetlands.

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The Community and Recreational Asset Recovery Grants (CRARG) Program has provided vital disaster recovery funding to help Hinchinbrook Shire Council restore these assets.  

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This funding has given us the opportunity to maintain safe and accessible community spaces while reducing the financial burden that disaster repairs would otherwise place on Council’s limited budget and local ratepayers.

Jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, the broader CRARG program is supporting the restoration of 41 community assets across the Shire.  

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Without this funding, Council would find it very difficult to recover from a disaster situation.

Every repaired playground, refurbished park and rejuvenated garden helps strengthen a community that has, quite simply, “been through the wringer”, while also supporting the recovery and healing process.  

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Council and the community are very thankful for the assistance provided during this time and remain hopeful that the Federal Government will reconsider proposed changes to the current Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

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