Maleny Community Precinct moves full steam ahead

Maleny Community Precinct has reached a major milestone, with agreement on final sport and recreation lease boundaries allowing work to move full steam ahead.

Divisional Councillor Jenny McKay said the milestone was significant in that the community would now see more trees being planted by Greenhills on the shared boundary with the Maleny District Sport and Recreation Club’s site.

“The sport and recreation club can now start implementing its plans as well,” Cr McKay said.

“Council has worked closely with both organisations and this outcome is a win:win for everyone involved.

“The work by all community organisations on that precinct is to be congratulated. It’s inspiring to see what has been achieved to date and I know we’ll see lots of progress over the next 12 months.”

Greenhills Director Ron Sharp said a planting day would be held on September 21 and encouraged the community to join in.

“We are hoping to plant between 4000 and 6000 trees over a 6000sq m area,” Mr Sharp said.

“We’ll be focusing on the area beside the Obi Obi Creek, part of a 2km area, so it’s a huge job.

“Anyone interested in joining the community planting day which starts at 8.30am and includes a barbecue lunch, can register online at greenhills.org.au.”

Maleny Sport and Recreation Club President Greg Williams said club members could now move forward with plans to construct a joint clubhouse and equipment storage shed and Beersheba Living Museum.

“The 5th Light Horse Maleny Troop and other equestrian groups will house their equipment at this shed,” Mr Williams said.

“Ultimately other sports precinct users will benefit from the clubhouse. Designs have been completed and construction should start within months and be completed by next June.

“This boundary agreement milestone has been five years in the making and cannot be underestimated.

“The community will find the next stage exciting as it will benefit a wide range of groups including cross country enthusiasts and cyclists.”

Cr McKay said work on historic Fairview, also known as Pattemore House, funded through the Heritage Levy, was recently completed and included new balustrading, internal and external painting, reconstructing missing French doors and a window and maintenance work to the rear awning.

“Preserving this former home, built by the Pattemore family in 1907, is essential as it provides an understanding of the heritage of the area and life as it once was,” Cr McKay said.

“Restoring the house and heritage gardens is a long term project and it will be undertaken in stages, always ensuring we remain true to its heritage.

Cr McKay said work was also progressing on Stage 1 of the Maleny Riverside Boardwalk project behind the Riverside Shopping Centre.

“When complete, this timber boardwalk will provide a picturesque travel route for pedestrians and cyclists with views of Obi Obi Creek and will eventually link to the Maleny Community Precinct,” Cr McKay said.

“Work to extend an existing trail across Reynolds Crossing will also get underway in the coming months.”