The latest stage of improvements to Jandowae's favourite meeting place, Central Park, will see the inclusion of a concept design for a new fence that celebrates Jandowae's history, and showcases the heart and history of the town.
Western Downs Regional Council is seeking community feedback on the concept design for the Central Park fence, which has been codesigned by Dalby State High School students and comprises laser cut metal fence panels featuring images of local industries and the origins of the town's name.
As part of the design process, students were challenged to interpret and include feedback from the Jandowae community from public consultation in the early stages of the project.
Western Downs Regional Council Spokesperson for Tourism and Recreational Spaces Councillor Kaye Maguire said the town's rich history is celebrated in the concept design for the proposed fence panels, which feature modern, historical and traditional versions of the name 'Jandowae'.
"It was important to the Jandowae community that the fence's design complemented the 'Timbertown Tree' and 'Tent Pegger' sculptures and the students' selection of laser cut metal panels for the fence materials ties in beautifully," Cr Maguire said.
"The design of the constructed fence also includes the installation of interpretive signage to share with locals and visitors, the story behind the town's proud name, which has had some variations to spelling and pronunciation throughout history.
"For example, 'Jindowie' reflects the original name of the town, derived from the local Aboriginal word for a waterhole whereas Jondowaie was the name some early settlers to the region used, named after settler John Dowaie, who established the John Dowaie camp.
Cr Maguire said the students came up with several alternative design ideas for the draft concept fence design, all of which are available to be viewed on Council's Have Your Say website.
"The students have done an exceptional job of analysing and including the ideas we heard from the Jandowae community, and we were thrilled to partner with Dalby State High School to offer students a unique real-life learning experience," she said.
"I'd like to encourage the community to jump onto Council's Have Your Say website and have a look at the concept fence panel design so we can eagerly set our sights on the construction phase of this exciting project."
You can have your say on Jandowae's Central Park Fence draft concept by visiting https://haveyoursay.wdrc.qld.gov.au/jandowaes-central-park-fence
