Parents and children across the Grant District Council are being encouraged to have their say on council’s play spaces before vital equipment upgrades commence.

Nine playgrounds throughout the district are set to receive upgrades, with funding approved through the Federal Government’s Phase 3 Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program.

Council chief executive Darryl Whicker said that recent audit results concluded that equipment requires prompt attention.

“We are being proactive to repair, maintain and/or replace existing playground structures to ensure they are compliant with the Australian Standards,” he said.

“To ensure both safety and accessibility, these works are a priority for Council and have been included in the 2022/2023 major project works program.”

The playground locations include: Blackfellows Caves, Carpenter Rocks, Donovans, Kongorong, Mount Schank, Nene Valley, Port MacDonnell, Tarpeena and Yahl.

Mr Whicker said a staged community engagement approach was being undertaken to liaise with the community about equipment upgrades at each site.

“Among the first locations to receive upgrades will be the Carpenter Rocks playground, while the popular Port MacDonnell playground, adjacent to The Waterfront, will be reviewed in stage 2 with equipment envisaged for ages 6 and under,” he said.

Mr Whicker encouraged parents to get involved in the feedback process.

“Playgrounds are essential early learning environments so genuine community engagement is key throughout this project,” he said.

“We are striving to offer many different feedback opportunities for the community over the coming months to achieve our target.

“I encourage all interested residents and visitors to make the most of this opportunity and submit your feedback for consideration.

“Council would also like to acknowledge the support of the Federal Government by providing crucial funding for this project which will also assist in achieving many other key projects.”

Member for Barker Tony Pasin said he was pleased to see Federal Coalition funding contributing to better public spaces.

“The Local Road and Community Infrastructure Program was designed to support local councils to deliver priority infrastructure projects to support jobs and local economies and help communities bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic,” Mr Pasin said.

“Not only will these playground upgrades support this outcome, but our local communities will benefit from the upgraded public spaces that will be designed and prioritised as the community sees fit through the council’s consultation process.

This is Federal Government funding invested in community, benefiting community directly where community sees fit.

“A great outcome.”

Works are anticipated to commence early next year.