Priors Creek Parklands now open and there’s more to come!

Priors Creek Parklands has officially opened as the Tablelands’ newest lifestyle space for community activities and events.

The opening celebrations were kicked off with an official ribbon-cutting and plaque unveiling by Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM, Governor of Queensland, Mr Terry James MP- Member for Mulgrave, attending on behalf of the Queensland Government, and Acting TRC Mayor, Dave Bilney.

Mr Shane Knuth MP, Member for Hill, also attended along with neighbouring mayors, councillors, Tablelands Regional Council CEO Dr Nikola Stepanov, more than 20 members of the Prior family and other dignitaries, project partners and community representatives.

Opening celebrations continued over the evening of Friday 10 July and all day Saturday 11 July, with the community enjoying musical performances on the stage, including popular ABBA tribute band ‘SOS’, a 70s and 80s Spectacular, and a range of talented local performers. There were also market stalls, local food trucks, free fitness classes and a fun program of entertainment for kids. Something for everyone.

Mr Terry James MP, representing the Acting Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Andrew Powell, said the Queensland Government was pleased to support the project.

‘The Queensland Government has contributed more than $2.8 million towards the delivery of Priors Creek Parklands, including $350,000 through the Department of Sport, Racing and Olympic and Paralympic Games to deliver modern public amenities that support active recreation’.

‘As we build towards the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, projects like Priors Creek Parklands help showcase the very best of regional Queensland while creating lasting benefits for local communities and visitors alike.’

The multimillion-dollar Priors Creek Parklands project represents the largest precinct revitalisation in Atherton’s history. What began as a community-led vision and master plan in 2018 is now being realised as a premier destination for family fun, local community group activities, a year-round events calendar, and a unique destination for regional tourism.

The parklands feature an open-air amphitheatre and main stage, fitness and leisure spaces, a nature walk trail and upgraded public amenities. An exciting program of upcoming events and community activities has now been announced, commencing with a free open-air movie screening of ‘the Princess Bride’ from 6:30pm, on Saturday, 18 July. The Parklands will host monthly movie nights and artisan farmers night markets, as well as a varied and engaging schedule of free community activities.

And there’s more to come!  Future stages of the precinct are set to deliver a regionally significant nature-based playground, a dedicated amphitheatre shell, and further interactive features designed to cement Priors Creek as a landmark destination for people to gather, celebrate and connect.

Acting Mayor Bilney said Priors Creek Parklands is the region’s newest and most ambitious public space, and the opening weekend provided the perfect opportunity to showcase what the precinct can become when it is filled with people, community activities and live entertainment. ‘It was incredible to see the amphitheatre crowded with people, dancing, enjoying the music and making the most of this fantastic new community space’.

‘What’s most exciting is that this is only the beginning. The parklands themselves are just one part of a much larger vision. As future stages are delivered, Priors Creek will evolve into a landmark lifestyle destination, complemented by accommodation, boutique food and beverage venues, and retail opportunities that will further strengthen Atherton as a place to live, visit and invest’, the acting Mayor said.

Council’s General Manager Placemaking, Greg Bowden said this development is a part of our placemaking and economic development focus which means making the Atherton Tablelands a great place to live, discover and invest.  ‘Our region boasts beautiful natural environment experiences and greenspaces which are the envy of many other regions across Australia, and the Priors Creek Parklands provide a new space for social connection, events and our new monthly Friday night markets’.

Learn more about upcoming community events and activities at Priors Creek Parklands at https://www.trc.qld.gov.au/priors-creek-live.

See highlights from the Priors Creek Parklands Opening Weekend.