Excellence award celebrates Council's Lake Moogerah upgrades

Aerial view of the award-winning facilities at Lake Moogerah Caravan Park

Scenic Rim Regional Council's commitment to enhancing the region’s natural environment for future generations has been recognised with an award for excellence for its Lake Moogerah Caravan Park Upgrade Project.

The Environment and Sustainability Award was presented this week at the Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia - Queensland and Northern Territory's 2023 Excellence Awards, which acknowledge outstanding public works projects.

Scenic Rim Mayor Greg Christensen said he was immensely proud of Council's achievement, with the Environment and Sustainability Award recognising technical excellence and innovation, demonstrated respect for the natural environment and the delivery of future-proofed and sustainable outcomes for the benefit of future generations.

“This award is an acknowledgement of Council’s commitment to activating our open spaces in a way that ensures the natural beauty of our spectacular Scenic Rim is protected,” he said.

“It's also great recognition of the innovative and forward-thinking practices of our Asset and Environmental Sustainability portfolio.

“From the early master planning through to final construction, Council and its project team overcame numerous hurdles to deliver a modern, accessible facility for residents and tourists.”

Mayor Christensen said public feedback for the project had been positive since works were completed in October 2022.

These included a new camp kitchen, a new amenities building, commissioning of a new water treatment and effluent system, landscaping, and electrical improvements including a new main switchboard and underground power replacing overhead lines.

“Council consulted extensively with stakeholders, including the campground managers, when developing and implementing these upgrades to ensure they met the diverse needs and expectations of our campers and caravanners,” he said.

“These upgrades are now consistently praised on social media, with some people calling the new camp kitchen the best in South East Queensland.

“There’s also been positive feedback about the inclusion of wheelchair-accessible barbecues, picnic tables and amenities, which opened the campground up for more inclusive enjoyment.”

Scenic Rim Sport and Recreation Portfolio Councillor Marshall Chalk said the Lake Moogerah Caravan Park upgrades were just another way Council was achieving its vision of a sustainable and prosperous region.

“The standalone water treatment plant has reduced the strain on surrounding resources and having potable water onsite also means that water is no longer trucked in,” he said.

“These future-proofed facilities have delivered an exceptional outcome for our entire community.”

Mayor Christensen thanked the Queensland Government for its support of the project.

“Council is grateful to the Queensland Government for its funding support which enabled these significant improvements and have taken this beautiful attraction to the next level,” Mayor Christensen said.

This project was funded by the Queensland Government COVID Works for Queensland and Unite and Recover Community Stimulus programs, delivered in association with Scenic Rim Regional Council. These programs support job creation through the delivery of new infrastructure, and maintenance or minor works projects.