Official Opening of Priors Creek Parklands

Representing the Deputy Premier, Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning and Minister for Industrial Relations, Member for Mulgrave, Mr Terry James MP; Member for Hill, Mr Shane Knuth MP; Tablelands Regional Council, Acting Mayor, Councillor Dave Bilney and Councillors; Douglas Shire Council Mayor, Councillor Lisa Scomazzon; Director of the Choorechillum Aboriginal Corporation and Ngadjon-Jii Elder, Eliza Riley Morta; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls.

I begin by acknowledging the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we are gathered, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to all First Nations people here today. And I thank Ms Morta for her stirring Welcome to Country.

Graeme and I are delighted to be here in beautiful Atherton with all of you, in this magnificent new public space.

Today’s official opening marks a significant milestone in the development of Priors Creek Parklands and brings to fruition a community-led vision that began in 2018.

The genesis of a former disused railway corridor into this stunning greenspace is a reflection of the evolving nature of the places we call home.

In 1885, when Priors Pocket was first surveyed and renamed Atherton, the settlement began modestly, with a handful of resident families, who had to start from scratch to create the buildings and public facilities that would improve their lives.

As the population grew, so too did demands for more recreational spaces.

Early venues, such as the Showgrounds and the School of Arts, helped meet this need; followed in later decades by the opening of the Olympic Pool and Atherton Forest Mountain Bike Park, the gazetting of Hallorans Hill Conservation Park, and the extension of the rail trail.

Now, with almost 8,000 residents living here, the need for more areas to relax with family and friends, join in community events, and undertake fitness and leisure pursuits, prompted the creation of this amazing space, and this afternoon, we celebrate the positive impact it will have on Atherton and its people into the future.

This is particularly pleasing to me, as when I was sworn in as Governor, back in November 2021, I pledged to support the health and wellbeing of all Queenslanders.

Spacious, attractive and versatile parklands like this one—with such a variety of new and planned facilities—will encourage people of all ages to get out and about, socialise, enjoy civic events and community gatherings, and become more active.

And as the next stages unfold, there will be additional leisure zones, together with commercial, retail and residential enterprises, that will enliven this area even more and make it a standout destination for fun—for residents and visitors alike.

Additionally, the Parklands acknowledges the immense importance of Indigenous culture to the Tablelands, with “Mabi Way”—as the new main access road to the park—paying tribute to the Ngadjon name for Lumhotlz’s tree kangaroos, which are so special to this region.

Today marks another exciting chapter in the rich story of Atherton and its surrounds and will provide a focal point for the community to connect for years to come.

I congratulate the Tablelands Regional Council, and all those who have been involved in the project’s organisation, design and implementation; you should all be incredibly proud of what has been achieved.

I’d like to make particular mention of your former Mayor, Mr Rod Marti, whose leadership was instrumental in bringing this development to fruition, and pass on our best wishes to him as he focusses on his health and recovery.

It now gives me tremendous pleasure, as Governor of Queensland, to declare the Priors Creek Parklands officially open and I hope you all enjoy this special celebratory weekend.