Case Studies

Chinaman Creek Dam, located just 4 kilometres from Cloncurry in rural North West Queensland, has long been a cherished spot for the community. Recognising the need for enhancement, the Cloncurry Shire Council embarked on a transformative upgrade of the reserve, aiming to create a versatile recreational hub that celebrates the region's natural beauty. The comprehensive upgrade has elevated the area's appeal, featuring a new pavilion structure complete with upgraded barbecue facilities, a playground equipped with modern facilities, a state-of-the-art amenities block, and a convenient boat washdown area complemented by outdoor showers. In close collaboration with the Landscape Architect (LARK), our team provided a range of engineering services to bring this vision to life. Structurally, we oversaw the upgrade of the pavilion and its supporting infrastructure, along with designing footings for shade structures and slabs for various amenities, including the amenities block and container servery. Notably, our design of the shade structures employed aluminium due to the prevalence of local birdlife and their potential to cause damage. The Civil engineering included upgrading the sealed carpark and road, establishing a gravel carpark area, constructing a concrete recreation space, and laying out pedestrian pathways to ensure accessibility and convenience for all visitors. Hydraulically, we devised a comprehensive plan for water and sewer connections to the amenities block and container servery, ensuring efficient and sustainable infrastructure. The project presented unique challenges inherent to North West Queensland, but our team approached them with enthusiasm and expertise. Factors such as material supply, available services, and long-term maintenance considerations were integrated into our design process. We take great pride in our contribution to these much-needed upgrades for the Cloncurry community. The transformation of the Chinaman Creek Dam Recreation Reserve not only provides residents with a formalised community space but also contributes to the ongoing enhancement efforts spearheaded by the Cloncurry Shire Council.

One of Kehoe Myers’ latest projects recently won the Award of Excellence for Parks and Open Space at the 2018 Queensland Landscape Architecture Awards. Rockhampton’s Riverside precinct was designed to provide a public space showcasing the beauty of the Fitzroy River. The riverside precinct covers 3.3 hectares of upper and lower parkland and extends 600 metres along the River. The riverside precinct covers 3.3 hectares of upper and lower parkland and extends 600 metres along the River. Kehoe Myers was appointed by McMurtrie Consulting Engineers and worked alongside their team, with Rockhampton Regional Council, Woods Bagot Architects and Urbis in developing the precinct. The precinct consists of a restaurant and bar with lift facilities, water play area, parkland and playground. The engineering required careful consideration to the site as much of the area was built below flood level. A bunker room was engineered to house pump equipment – this room was designed to remain water proof and withstand flooding. Our engineering team also utilised piers of the existing structure to eliminate the need for further piers to be built in the river.  The architects design included corten cladding which provides an impressive aesthetic whilst blending in with the natural environment. This project is an example of our team’s reputation for excellence spreading beyond the Darling Downs area.

Kershaw Gardens is considered the “big back yard” for all Rockhampton citizens. The Gardens were originally established in 1988. Unfortunately, in 2015, Cyclone Marcia caused significant damage to the Gardens, including uprooting of trees and exposing some old landfill areas. Rockhampton Regional Council committed to redeveloping the area after the cyclone. The newly revitalised Kershaw Gardens opened in August 2018 and consists of an impressive new range of playground equipment, architecturally designed shelters, barbecue areas, amenities block, and waterplay and waterplay equipment building. The new playground equipment also includes a 5 level Super Sphere custom made in Germany. Wyatt’s Wonder Web Super Sphere was originally designed for New York’s Central Park. It is approximately 9 metres high with 5 levels of netting and tunnels running underneath the sphere. This world-first playground technology allows kids to make their way through various obstacles, ladders and swings. Kehoe Myers was involved in the structural and hydraulic engineering, working alongside Rockhampton Regional Council, McMurtrie Engineers, Woods Bagot and Urbis.  The parklands are impressive with an expansive waterplay area inspired by the Fitzroy River. This project is an example of our team’s reputation for excellence spreading beyond the Darling Downs area.

Our team are proud to be associated with the refurbishment of the historic Toowoomba Railway Goods Shed. We’re all looking forward to this magnificent space being used for events, commercial and community activities. Congratulations Toowoomba Regional Council. The post Railway Goods Shed appeared first on Kehoe Myers Consulting Engineers.