Federal grant of $3.4 million to help transform Geraldton’s Maitland Park into sustainable multi-use precinct

A Commonwealth grant totalling almost $3.4 million will help transform Maitland Park into a sustainable and environmentally friendly multi-use precinct. The Federal funding from the Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program will be used to undertake planning, detailed design and a comprehensive business case for the project. The Geraldton Green Connect Project aims to deliver a transport hub powered by renewable energy that improves pedestrian safety and resolves traffic congestion within “an educational and culturally immersive landscape”. City of Greater Geraldton mayor Jerry Clune said long-term benefits for the community would flow from this project. “Currently, nearly 3000 students are enrolled at the five schools located around Maitland Park, which is causing considerable traffic congestion and pedestrian safety concerns — issues that will only get worse as the city continues to grow,” he said. “The Green Connect Project will extend the previous work undertaken by the Maitland Park transport hub working group, a very diverse team of 28 stakeholders who collaborated with landscape architects, urban designers, and civil and traffic engineers to develop a plan that addresses the multifaceted issues and the opportunities the school precinct presents.” The council endorsed the Maitland Park schools precinct transport hub concept masterplan in September 2023, which included modified street intersections, an off-street carpark and bus port covered with solar panels, a youth plaza, multi-use community pavilion, outdoor learning spaces, nature playground and an arboretum. More information on the master plan is available on the city’s website.