Philip Street Communities and Families Precinct taking shape with Stage 1a now complete

The Philip Street Communities and Families Precinct has reached a significant milestone as Gladstone Region Mayor Matt Burnett joined funding partners for an on-site sod turning following the completion of Stage 1a and commencement of Stage 1b.

The Mayor was joined by Member for Flynn Ken O’Dowd, Capt. Chris and Capt. Kaylene Ford from The Salvation Army Gladstone, Lt. Col. David Godkin and Lt. Col. Sandra Godkin from The Salvation Army, Mr Tim Griffin OAM from the Gladstone Foundation and other guests for the sod turn.

State 1 of the precinct is funded by the Australian Government’s Regional Jobs and Investment Package, Gladstone Regional Council and the Gladstone Foundation, in partnership with The Salvation Army.

Today’s (August 20 2020) construction milestone has been one of several smaller milestones completed since shovels hit the ground in January 2020.

The precinct competed its first milestone – the ‘cut to fill’ milestone – in April (2020) which involved more than 14,000 cubic metres of dirt being cut, filled and compacted at the site.

The ‘stormwater culverts and structures’ milestone was completed in June (2020) and involved the installation of pipes, pits, manholes and headwalls.

The final Stage 1a milestone – the ‘culvert and roads milestone’ – was recently completed with 400m of road constructed for the entrance road (Dave Burns Drive) and internal road (Pengelly Road).

This milestone also involved 1000m of kerbing and 5000m2 of asphalt surfacing.

Gladstone Region Mayor Matt Burnett said the completion of Stage 1a was a significant milestone for the Precinct, which has been transformed since the beginning of the year.

“It’s fantastic to see Stage 1a of the Philip Street Communities and Families Precinct now complete, which moves our region another step closer to a dedicated Community Services Precinct,” Councillor Burnett said.

“The total anticipated costs for the entire Stage 1 works are approximately $17.9m and have been funded by Gladstone Regional Council, the Gladstone Foundation via funds granted to The Salvation Army and the Australian Government’s Regional Jobs and Investment Package.

“Stage 1b will involve the construction of four buildings, internal parkland and playground and landscaping within the Community Services Precinct and is forecast to be completed by June 2021.

“Works for Stage 1b are being undertaken by Paynters Pty Ltd, who have prior experience in Queensland’s aged care, government and insurance sectors.”

Cr Burnett said Stage 2 is proposed to include an internal service road, car parking and construction of five additional buildings, with occupants yet to be determined.

“The Philip Street Communities and Families Precinct has been designed to strengthen Gladstone’s social service system by clustering facilities in order to enhance community outcomes, helping address current and future human and social services needs for the region,” he said.

“Once complete, the Precinct will provide essential services for individuals, community groups and the wider Gladstone Region community.”

Please visit www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/major-projects for more information on the Philip Street Communities and Families Precinct.

Source: GRC