Published on Tuesday, 18 July 2023 at 11:40:12 AM

Millbridge children Sienna, 5, Willow, 3 and Jacob, 9 months, with mum Alyce Vigar
were excited to test out the new East Millbridge Playground. Pictured with
Collie-Preston MLA Jodie Hanns, Dardanup Shire President Mick Bennett and
Millbridge Sales & Marketing Executive John Waring.

Collie-Preston MLA Jodie Hanns, Dardanup Shire President Mick Bennett, local
Indigenous Elder Lera Bennell and Millbridge Sales & Marketing Executive John Waring.

Grey skies could not dampen spirits at our new playground in East Millbridge yesterday when contributors to the project gathered for a photo to celebrate its completion.

Dardanup Shire President Mick Bennett thanked Ardross Estate, the State Government and Collie-Preston MLA Jodie Hanns for her advocacy to help bring the planned project to fruition.

“I would also like to recognise one of local our residents, Kaid Marshall who initially put this project on our radar by submitting a community petition with 261 signatures asking for a new playground in Millbridge,” Cr Bennett said.

“It represents a fantastic example of the community coming to us with an idea and shows how we can all work together on improving life in the shire for everyone.”

The playground is located on public open space between Millbridge Boulevard and Dennison Link which has been named Karrak Park - the Noongar word for Red Tailed Black Cockatoo - following consultation with Local Traditional Owners and a decision by Council at its May meeting.

An online community brainstorm was used to assist with design of the playground and again for naming the reserve in March, 2023.

The project has been achieved thanks to a $75,000 election commitment from the Labour State Government and Collie-Preston MLA Jodie Hanns; $40,000 from the Ardross Estate ‘Growing Millbridge Fund’ and a $48,466 Dardanup Shire Council contribution.

Ms Hanns said the playground was a fantastic addition to the area and a valued community asset.

"I'm proud to have delivered on my election commitment to the community and worked with the Shire of Dardanup and Ardross Estate to see this project come to life."

Council agreed early in 2020 to refer the project idea to mid-year Budget Review workshops following submission of Mr Marshall's petition. In April, 2020 it was added to the 10 Year Parks & Reserves Asset Management Plan with budget allocated for 2021/22. Work to secure external funding support was then undertaken resulting in the State Government grant in March, 2021.

The project did experience a period of delay while the Shire of Dardanup explored opportunities with the Department of Education for a potentially more desirable location due to a nearby area of trees and remnant bush. The discussions ultimately stalled and it was decided to push ahead with the project in its originally-planned location.

Included in the new playground - completed by Shire contractor Active Discovery - and based on the results of the community brainstorm plus advice of the Eaton Advisory Group are:

• Play equipment suitable for 0-4 age group – swings, slides, climbing features including platforms, balancing features (natural logs, rocks), mini trampoline;
• Shade sails
• Fencing
• Circuit path around playground
• Nature play opportunities
• Softfall material (sand with possible rubber softfall ‘instrusions’)
• Welcome sign with funding acknowledgement and reserve name
• Seating with circulation space for prams and wheelchair access
• Bin

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