30 November 2021

Bronze animal art trail a vibrant addition to South Jerra Town Park

| Katrina Condie
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Bronze animal

The new South Jerra Town Park will feature a series of bronze statues created by award-winning public artists Gillie and Marc. Photo: Gillie and Marc.

Children will be able to immerse themselves in nature, play music and even meet a koala when they visit the new South Jerra Town Park.

A series of giant bronze native animal statues, including koalas, wallabies and echidnas, will take youngsters on an interactive learning journey as they wander through the recreational space. It will also feature a water play area, kids play equipment and a learn-to-ride facility.

The statues, created by award-winning public artists Gillie and Marc, famous for their iconic duo Rabbitwoman and Dogman, will be up to two metres high and are expected to become a unique attraction for the new South Jerrabomberra community.

Village Building Company General Manager ACT Region Jamie Cregan says the artworks will “enhance the look and feel of the park and connect the residents to a natural environment that families can discover and love for years to come”.

Gillie and Marc’s private and public artworks can be found spreading a message of love and conservation in major galleries and cities around the world, including New York, London, Singapore, Shanghai and Sydney.

As part of the urban release area at South Jerrabomberra, the developers, Village Building Company, have identified an area of land for the town park on Environa Drive, which will then be dedicated to the Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council under the South Jerrabomberra Developer Contributions Plan.

Plans approved last week also include a sensory percussion garden with drums, timber and log nature play areas, water features and pocket parks for families to enjoy.

“The water splash pad is safe for the smallest children but will be loved by all ages in summer from kids to adults,” Mr Cregan said.

“The formal play equipment has a centrepiece that is 10 metres tall and safe for kids to use, with multiple slides and enclosed skywalk combined with climbing opportunities.”

The comprehensive learn-to-ride facility with traffic lights, roundabouts and pedestrian crossings will teach kids road rules and safety. It will also be available for school excursions on weekdays.

Mr Cregan says the kick around space will double as an event space with an amphitheatre connected to future outdoor dining opportunities right on the edge of the park.

“Think of a combination of the Kingston Foreshore and Queanbeyan’s town park,” Mr Cregan said.

Fitness buffs will love the addition of an outdoor gym.

Artists Gillie and Marc

Artists Gillie and Marc with their work Table of Love featuring their iconic characters, Rabbitgirl and Dogman. Photo: Gillie and Marc.

Another key feature of the town park is an outdoor dining precinct with a vision to include a microbrewery or gastropub, some restaurants and potentially a bakery café.

“This will be integrated into the park and will be a place that families can enjoy,” Mr Cregan said.

“There is nothing like this in the region.

“This is a space where there is something for everyone in the family and, more importantly, where families can share a drink or a meal, with a dedicated space for the kids to play safely.”

The range of different types of open spaces will provide an opportunity for residents, their families and friends to meet, socialise and play together, creating a sense of community and a healthy lifestyle.

More than 160 advanced trees will be planted to provide large-scale shade in years to come and add to the vibrancy of the park.

The South Jerrabomberra community will have many additional open spaces in the future, including walking tracks, billabong ponds, a dog park and viewing platforms overlooking Queanbeyan, Canberra and the Brindabellas.

Plans are also in the pipeline for a regional sporting facility, including a 3000 seat indoor stadium, approximately 23 hectares of playing fields, and an aquatic centre.

South Jerrabomberra will provide a tree change right on Canberra’s doorstep, with 14 blocks in a new land release going to auction on Saturday, 4 December, with a starting reserve of $450,000. Block sizes range from 361 to 656 square metres, with the majority facing north-east or north. Registrations are now open.

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