More than 10,000 visitors enjoyed the Robelle Domain official opening on Sunday 29 May
29 May 2011
QUEENSLAND'S newest world-class family parkland was officially opened on Sunday 29 May 2011.
The 24-hectare $30 million Robelle Domain formed part of the much larger Springfield Central Parklands and was one of the most anticipated new parkland areas in south east Queensland
Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisasale was joined at the opening by Deputy Prime Minister, the Honourable Wayne Swan, Queensland Premier and Minister for Reconstruction the Honourable Anna Bligh and Springfield Land Corporation Chairman Maha Sinnathamby.
Cr Pisasale said Robelle Domain would quickly become recognised as a park of regional significance owing to its size, location and both its natural and man-made features.
"We are very proud of the many new recreational and play areas included in the parkland.
"The kids will love the zero-depth wet play area and playground.
"Robelle Domain is all about families getting outdoors and having fun, exercise, learning or just enjoying the wide open spaces."
The new parkland is the centrepiece of the Greater Springfield city and was made possible by the financial contribution and strong partnerships developed between Springfield Land Corporation ($5 million and provision of the land), and all three levels of government - Ipswich City Council ($10 million which included a $5 million loan from the state government), the Queensland Government ($5 million) and the Australian Government ($10 million).
"All have made a tremendous contribution to bring the vision of Robelle Domain to completion and is a real-life example of what can be achieved when all levels of government work in partnership on such an important project for the community," Cr Pisasale said.
Premier Anna Bligh said the State Government was dedicated to providing more green space for Queenslanders.
"This park will become the green heart of Springfield and it will become a place that the people of the city will love dearly," she said.
"With five kilometres of walkways and boardwalks and a tree top walk through a stand of native eucalypts it will become a place that local families enjoy for generations.
"Like the Botanic Gardens and Roma Street Parklands in Brisbane, Queens Park in Ipswich Central and Queens Park in Toowoomba it will become a beautiful backyard open to every resident of this city."
Springfield Land Corporation chairman Maha Sinnathamaby said the opening was a significant milestone in the development of the master-planned community, recognised as the best in the world by the International Real Estate Federation last year.
"Robelle Domain is the recreational hub of Springfield Central Parklands and will connect Orion Town Centre, Education City and Parkside business precinct," he said.
"Our vision is to build a community where people can live, play and work and providing so much green, open space in the heart of the Springfield CBD is an important part of that vision.
"This beautiful parkland will offer the community a world-class recreational area where residents, shoppers, workers, students and visitors can come together and enjoy public space."
Ipswich City Council Parks Sport and Recreation committee chairperson Cr David Morrison said one of the many exciting design features of the park was its main event amphitheatre which featured a large covered stage.
"The large amphitheatre is surrounded by a series of computer operated sound and projection lighting towers, which will allow the park to host night events.
"The park features Australia's first on-line interactive playground hardware, water park play facilities, all-ability play equipment, walking trails and cycling paths," Cr Morrison said.
Robelle Domain's official opening was followed by the Ipswich Festival Orion Kids Kingdom which included free entertainment, orienteering, walks, Zumba, workshops, aerobics, school performances, games, puppet theatre and roaming costumed entertainers.
The day also featured Australian singing legend Joe Camilleri and the Black Sorrows, followed by a sound and light show and fireworks spectacular.