Nataleah and Hayden Cochrane from Leichhardt try out the new water play zone at Tulmur Place. Photos by Brian Bennion.
Crowds of more than 4000 brave the 33 degree heat to witness the historic opening of Tulmur Place.
Yugara Traditional Dances perform their dance of the Kookaburra.
A peaceful protest against the Remondis incinerator marches through the proceedings.
Tulmur Place lived up to its name on Saturday with thousands congregating in the Ipswich mall for the opening of Stage 2 of the Nicholas Street Precinct project.
Tulmur is an indigenous word for meeting place and the new civic plaza is a one hectare area featuring a zero depth water play zone, indigenous art and a performance stage.
Despite the 33 degree heat, a crowd of more than 4000 was expected to have passed through the mall to check out the new civic plaza.
In the true spirit of democracy a peaceful protest against the proposed Remondis incinerator proposal also marched on the proceedings with an ibis, or “bin chicken”, mascot leading a small group of environmental campaigners waving signs “No incinerators for Ipswich” through the plaza.
Other than that and a small hiccup with the official switching on of the water fountains in the water play zone, the ceremony for the opening of Stage 2 of the $250 million Ipswich City Council project was a huge success.
Ipswich Central Redevelopment Committee chairwoman Marnie Doyle said she was impressed with the turnout and the smiling faces.
“I am so pleased and delighted for the Ipswich people that they finally have an amazing space to come and enjoy and the turnout has been great, very well supported,” Cr Doyle said.
