Second stage of Lake Moogerah Caravan Park upgrade underway soon

Stage 2 of the Lake Moogerah Caravan Park Upgrade will be underway soon to future-proof the facilities for residents and visitors to the Scenic Rim.

This staged project will upgrade aged electrical, water and effluent systems, and will deliver potable water throughout the park, accessible and modern toilet and shower facilities, and a new camp kitchen with appliances including fridges and microwaves.

Scenic Rim Mayor Greg Christensen said this project is preparing the Council-owned campground to be upscaled for additional usage.

"These expansions are the result of ongoing dialogue between Council and SEQWater to ensure the sustainable activation of the area," Cr Christensen said.

"The early works that have been recently completed during Stage 1 including the installation of a water treatment plant and an upgrade of the effluent storage system, which has set the foundation for the major construction works to begin.

"The masterplan and detailed design were completed in early June 2021 and an update to Councillors last week reported that, since the project was originally scoped, there has been an escalation in material and construction costs resulting in an increase in the overall project cost.

"Increased project costs in the construction space is an issue being experienced by all levels of government and industry as a result of the pandemic.

"Council was successful in securing $2.4 million from the Queensland Government through two competitive grants in 2020, COVID Works for Queensland for the Lake Moogerah electrical upgrades and Unite and Recover Community Stimulus Package for the Lake Moogerah facilities upgrades.

"Council's original contribution was $120,000 and Council last week endorsed an increase in that contribution to $714,000 recognising the increase in overall project costs to $3.1 million to deliver as planned an upgraded campgrounds that's ready to upscale.

"We have been able to make this additional allocation without impacting Council's Facilities 2021-2022 Capital Budget because other facilities projects previously funded by Council have since been awarded grant funding from the Queensland Government's South East Queensland Community Stimulus Program," Cr Christensen said. 

Division 5 Councillor Marshall Chalk said Council is grateful for the co-investment from the Queensland Government in both the Lake Moogerah Caravan Park upgrade and a variety of other facility upgrades.

"Thanks to the success of well-considered and forward looking grant applications, Council is well positioned to respond in this instance and can confidently allocate the additional funds without further budget impacts," Cr Chalk said.

"These Council-owned facilities were well overdue for some major works to bring the well patronised campground up to a modern standard.

"While much of the work will ultimately be unseen in regards to electrical, water and effluent systems, we know locals and visitors alike will welcome the aesthetic and functional improvements to amenities and facilities."

This project is a joint initiative of Scenic Rim Regional Council and the Queensland Government, specifically the COVID Works for Queensland program and a Unite and Recover Community Stimulus Package. These programs support the delivery of job creating new infrastructure, maintenance or minor works projects. 

The park will remain open throughout construction with Stage 2 set to commence in October and is expected to be completed by May 2022, weather and construction conditions permitting.

Stage 2 works include the electrical reticulation network upgrade, construction of a new main amenities block and camp kitchen facility, as well as commissioning of the recently installed water treatment and effluent systems.  

Advance notification will be provided for any expected disruptions, and Council request locals and visitors take extra care when on-site and adhere to all signage and temporary access restrictions.

Council acknowledges there may be a level of inconvenience to park users while these works are being undertaken.

For more information about the project, please call Council on  07 5540 5111 or mail@scenicrim.qld.gov.au  quoting 'Lake Moogerah'.