First-of-a-kind upgrades to Daisy Hill Conservation Park are complete, and everyone from bush walkers to conservationists have been welcomed back to enjoy.
The upgrades to the 1500ha of natural bushland have been branded as a “first of its kind” initiative, with input on the design process coming from the Daisy Hill Design and Delivery Group – a selection of community experts, leaders and members.
Local residents, councillors, and members of conservation groups, walking groups, mountain bike riding groups, horse riding groups and volunteer groups were brought together to develop the final design scope of the two-stage project.
Stage two of the makeover began earlier this year and cost $1.76 million, bringing the total cost to $5.866 million.
It was officially opened last week by the Minister for Public Works and Local Member for Springwood, Mick de Brenni.
It includes upgrades to the Dennis Road walking tracks and pathways, new toilets, speed tables, and extra car parks, including new horse float parking.
The project was carried out by a government building company, QBuild, along with apprentice carpenters.
The $4.1 million stage one began in 2017 and finished in 2021, and included new barrier-free paths linking the northern and southern sides of the main picnic area, with improved barrier-free access from Dennis Road to the main picnic area.
The Daisy Hill Design and Delivery Group, established by Mr de Brenni, oversaw both the design and delivery of the upgrades after surveying the community on important actions it wanted the government to take.
“There’s nothing more important as a local representative than to listen carefully to your community, and the Daisy Hill Design and Delivery Group helped me do that with great success on this project,” Mr de Brenni said.
“As a keen mountain biker, I know riders love the new trails, however I’m also very impressed with the achievements of local seniors Rex and Beryl Gumbrell who advocated for and have delivered fully accessible trails and park entrances, giving real equity to the neighbourhood.
“A special thanks must go to the talented men and women at QBuild who have gone above and beyond to ensure the Daisy Hill, Springwood and broader community will enjoy this state-of-the-art facility for generations to come.”
A local senior and member of the delivery group, Rex Gumbrells, said the upgrades would provide seniors with mobility challenges greater access to the park.
Another member and local conservation advocate, Jim Dennis, said the Daisy Hill Conservation Park was one of the “jewels in the crown in the south-east and a wonderful asset for the region”.
“My family have lived in this area for well over a century, and so taking care of Daisy Hill is in my blood, so I will always fight to protect it,” he said.
“I would encourage the community to come down to check out the free Koala Centre, the trails bike riding trails, and the bushwalk tracks that cater from the inexperienced up to the expert.”
