Tag: Sarah Hutton

Get a First Look at These Brisbane Parks’ Improvements

Photo credit: Cr Sarah Hutton

Jamboree Heights Parks, the Phil Denman Park at Loffs Road, and the nearby Newcomb Park in Riverhills recently received some much needed upgrades.

Read: Personalised Public Transport Trial At Bellbowrie And Moggill Extended

Following months of construction, Phil Denman Park’s toilet block is now complete. Councillor for Jamboree Ward Sarah Hutton announced the completion of the new toilet block in July 2021.

“I am committed to continuing these brilliant park upgrades. Having three boys that play in these parks and compete on local sporting fields, I understand how valuable these projects are for our community and I will be advocating for more,” said Cr Hutton.

Locals are happy to see these upgrades, with one mum even saying it was the only thing lacking in the park before. The Phil Denmark Park is conveniently located near schools and offers plenty parking spaces.

Photo credit: Matthew/Google Maps
Photo credit: Matthew/Google Maps
Photo credit: Matthew/Google Maps

Located at the end of Beanland Street, Phil Denman Park is like a hidden gem featuring a playground for a variety of ages, a half and a full-size basketball court, a learn-to-bike facility, a rebound wall, dog parks, and a picnic shelter.  There is something for kids of all ages–there are the lower play areas for the little ones and there are more challenging climbing rigs for the bigger children.

Newcomb Park

Photo credit: Cr Sarah Hutton

Like the Phil Denman Park, the Newcomb Park in Riverhills has been upgraded with a brand new shelter and BBQ, making it a great addition to the Riverhills Pontoon.

“Another perfect place in our local area to enjoy a short pit stop after a walk along the river, or to picnic with friends and family… after lockdown of course,” Cr Hutton wrote in a Facebook post.

Newcomb Park, located at 529 Summers Road, currently features accessible toilets, shelter, water, river views, wheelchair access, bikeway/walkway, BMX dirt jumps, and skating and rollerblading facilities.

Photo credit: Mark Brimo/Google Maps
Photo credit: Wendy Santana/Google Maps

“Really lovely little family park. Bit of everything crammed into a small space. Slides, swings etc. for the little ones, a scooter area, bmx track, basketball court and exercise area. A short walk away is a dog park and a public launch by the river,” said local Cobus van Wyk.

These upgrades are part of the $71 million allocated to parks in the Brisbane City Council 2020-21 budget aimed at building new playgrounds, picnic areas, shade trees, and other facilities across the suburbs. The Council manages over 2,100 parks, including suburban parklands and conservation areas.

Lifelong Jamboree Ward Resident Sarah Hutton Elected As New Councillor

Photo Credit: Facebook/CrSarahHutton

As a lifelong resident of Jamboree ward, Sarah Hutton has high hopes for the area, high enough to stand for Councillor under the LNP ticket in the 2020 council election. With nearly 80% of the ballot counted as of the 3rd of April, this Darra mum has 60% of the votes, winning over Labor hopeful Rachel Hoppe and Greens candidate Thomas McKie.

Photo credit : Screenshot from ABC News election results page

Cr Hutton replaces LNP Cr Matthew Bourke, who has represented the ward for 12 years, since winning the seat from Labor in the 2008 election.

What She Stands For

Jamboree ward has been Cr Hutton’s home for as long as she can remember. “I have been part of this ward my entire life, growing up in Westlake and now raising my own family in Darra.”

Photo Credit: https://www.sarahhutton.com.au/

Currently living in Darra with her husband and three children, she had spent the last ten years making a name for herself in Brisbane’s not-for-profit sector before deciding to delve into local politics, running to replace LNP incumbent Bourke, who is retiring.

“Over the past 12 years, the Jamboree Ward has thrived under Councillor Matthew Bourke’s leadership and I will work tirelessly to build on this legacy,” she said.

Cr Hutton’s platform includes ”a comprehensive and cohesive plan” for Jamboree ward. Citing her understanding of the diverse needs of the suburbs in the ward, she expressed readiness “to listen, act, and deliver for the people of Jamboree.”

Strong Relationships

Building on strong relationships and networks she has built in a decade of work for the not-for-profit sector, Cr Hutton says that the deep insights she has gained into the two distinct communities within the ward, Centenary Suburbs and Darra/Wacol, will allow her to provide infrastructure and support for families in the ward.

Photo Credit: https://www.sarahhutton.com.au/

“I want to provide families with the best facilities, parks and infrastructure to assist young and old alike to live their best lives here in our ward.  We need to continue the brilliant park upgrades to provide a range of recreation opportunities from formalised netball and basketball courts, play and picnic areas and quiet relaxing spaces to walk, cycle and enjoy the local scenery.” 

“Having three boys that play in these parks, compete on local sporting fields and ride on the new world-class BMX track, I understand how valuable these projects are for our community and I will be advocating for more,” she shared.

Citing the need to consult local residents and businesses, she also revealed plans to upgrade the Darra shopping precinct and look into Darra station, the public transport gateway to Jamboree ward.

Jamboree Ward Today

Photo Credit : Screenshot from ABC News election results page

Jamboree ward covers the Centenary suburbs — Riverhills, Middle Park, Westlake, Sumner, Jamboree Heights, Mount Ommaney, Jindalee, Sinnamon Park, and Seventeen Mile Rocks, along with Darra, Wacol, and parts of Ellen Grove and Richlands.

Covering much of the state seat of Mt Ommaney, the ward also includes parts of Oxley gained from Moorooka and Tennyson.