Rocks Riverside Park is back in the green

Councillor Matthew Bourke stands on Rocks Riverside Park's recently re-opened great lawn.

Chris Owen

'BUILD back better' - it's the attitude many south-west Brisbane communities have embraced after floodwaters devastated the area earlier this year.

And for an example of this outlook in action, residents need only pay a visit to Rocks Riverside Park.

In the wake of the devastating event, the 26 hectare park was extensively damaged and barely recognisable.

When the floodwaters subsided, more than two feet of mud coated the 8000sqm grassy space known as the great lawn.

In addition, all park facilities were damaged and sections of the park were completely washed away as well as the sea wall and boat ramps.

But after a 10 month road to recovery Jamboree councillor Matthew Bourke announced last week that work on the final stage of flood recovery was now underway.

During this stage, the project is set to focus on stabilising and reinstating lost ground along the riverbank, replacing damaged pathways and repairing the iconic waterplay area.

Councillor Bourke said Council was investing $1.93 million in this stage of works with new features added to parks existing facilities.

"We are currently constructing an adventure fort for children five years and up to play in, a climbing structure and new shelters," he said.

Councillor Bourke said the new facilities and popular water park area would be opened within the next three weeks, weather permitting.

The riverbank stabilisation works were scheduled for completion in February next year.

"We've seen Council staff and volunteers pitching in to remove flood debris and silt, replacing mulch, shovelling mud, cleaning play equipment and facilities and de silting drains," Cr Bourke said.

"However we've always said the flood recovery was a marathon, not a sprint and 10 months on there is still some work to be done,"

To ensure public safety, sections of the riverbank, the water play area and some picnic shelters have been cordoned off while work takes place.

The remainder of the park, including the playground and the great lawn, remain open.