Bundaberg council narrowly votes to seek water park tender, residents threaten
Bundaberg council voted 6-5 to start a water park tender, but residents promise legal action.
The Bundaberg Regional Council narrowly voted to open a tender process for part of Nielson Park. The 2.8-hectare parcel has grassed areas with native trees in Bargara, almost five hours' drive north of Brisbane.
Councillors clashed intensely, with some warning the council would be 'paving paradise'. Mayor Helen Blackburn said it was just an initial exploration of options, and any proposal would need to meet community expectations.
The council added an amendment requiring further consultation if a tender didn't match the existing Land Management Plan. Residents opposed to the development said they were considering legal action.
Hundreds had formed a human chain around the park in protest. Landcare president Michael Johnson said it was 'only the first battle' of what would be 'a war'.
- 6-5
- Vote margin
- 2.8 hectares
- Land size
Why it mattersThe park represents a choice between preserving public green space and allowing commercial development. The council's narrow vote and residents' legal threat suggest the fight over the land is far from over.
AustraliaA Queensland coastal community faces the loss of public parkland to a water park operator, raising questions about how councils balance public recreation and development pressure.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 4 h ago
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