Over $1 Million For Better Open Spaces In Gawler

Tony Piccolo congratulating Mayor Redman on the success of the State Government grant.

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Gawler will benefit from over $1 million in grants from the State Government to develop further open spaces in the town, following approval of funding by the Planning Minister John Rau.

For our local area, this will mean that the Walker Place precinct and Elliot Goodger Reserve will benefit from funding provided by the State Government under the Planning and Development Grant Scheme.

Local Member of Parliament, Mr Tony Piccolo has welcomed the announcement, which will help transform Walker Place into a pedestrian friendly area suitable for community events and will enable upgrade of the public amenities.

Mr Piccolo said the revamped space will be more attractive to young people and young families who see Murray Street not only as a shopping precinct, but also as a recreation and leisure area.

“The new plaza will support community gatherings, festivals and events, entertainment and food vendors with lighting to increase use for night time events and appropriate shade for day events,” Mr Piccolo said.

“New adaptable furniture, communal spaces, natural shade and catenary/festive lighting providing a unique ambiance and atmosphere for evening and all-weather events,” he said.

The State government will provide approximately 50% towards the $2.2 million project.

Gawler Council will also receive $77,000 from the fund to create a new Nature Play Space in Elliot Goodger Reserve, Willaston.

Mr Piccolo said this project would include the installation of play equipment, landscaping, tree planting and drainage works.

“Safe playing spaces are important in our local communities and this new nature play space will be ideal for families with young children,” Mr Piccolo said.

“The State Government is committed to creating safe, liveable places in our communities,” he said.

Since 2002, the State Government has invested over $54 million for approximately 400 local government projects across regional South Australia.

A further $4.7 million in funding for 17 projects across regional South Australia was approved in this funding round.

The applications were assessed considering the State and local significance of each project, the benefit to the community, as well as the conservation and recreation value of the project.