Priors Creek Parklands officially opens as community celebrates major regional milestone
Priors Creek Parklands in Atherton has officially opened, with around 100 invited guests joining Tablelands Regional Council and the Tablelands community on Friday afternoon to mark a significant moment for Atherton and the wider Tablelands.
The 4.00pm opening ceremony was attended by Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM, Governor of Queensland, alongside her husband Professor Graeme Nimmo RFD, Mr Terry James MP, Member for Mulgrave, attending on behalf of the Queensland Government, the Hon Bob Katter MP, Federal Member for Kennedy, Mr Shane Knuth MP, Member for Hill, 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.
Acting Mayor Dave Bilney said the opening marked the first real fruition of a long-held community vision.
‘Projects like this do not come along very often,’ Acting Mayor Bilney said.
‘Priors Creek Parklands is the largest investment in community space that Council has ever made.
‘It gives our community a place to gather, celebrate, relax and connect, and it will become part of family memories for generations of Tablelanders.
‘Today is about opening far more than a park. It is about confidence in our community, confidence in our future, and confidence that the Tablelands continues to be a wonderful place to live, work, raise a family and welcome visitors.”
The official opening was followed by sunset markets, local performances, food trucks and SOS: The Australian ABBA Tribute Show, culminating in a spectacular fireworks display, with a large crowd listening to the music and dancing in the park, enjoying the evening celebration.
The opening weekend also supports official charity partner Ronald McDonald House, and the charity’s CEO Natalie Gardner also attended opening night. Ronald McDonald House supports families across Far North Queensland with seriously ill or injured children by helping them stay close to the care they need and the Parklands opening event will help promote fundraising to support this important cause.
Tablelands Regional Council General Manager Placemaking Greg Bowden said the strong turnout and energy of the evening reflected the role Priors Creek Parklands could play in the life of the region.
‘Tonight has been a wonderful demonstration of what Priors Creek Parklands can become as an active, welcoming and regularly used community space,’ Mr Bowden said.
‘This is only the beginning, and we look forward to seeing the precinct continue to grow as a place for markets, entertainment, recreation and community life.’
Celebrations will continue on Saturday with a full daytime and evening program at Priors Creek Parklands, including markets, fitness activities, a kid’s zone, family fun and more live entertainment, before the precinct’s longer-term activation continues under the Priors Creek Live banner.
Stage 1 of the Priors Creek development was jointly funded by the Queensland Government and Australian Government in association with Tablelands Regional Council.
The full opening weekend program, along with updates on future events, is available at https://www.trc.qld.gov.au/priors-creek-live.
Images: Ribbon-cutting and plaque unveiling featuring Her Excellency, the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM, Governor of Queensland, Mr Terry James MP, Member for Mulgrave, and Acting TRC Mayor, Dave Bilney. © Sam Price, photographer.
