It is the culmination of many months of soil-shifting and landscaping that has had passers-by very curious about the purposes of the terracing and play areas.

“This is a transformational project that links the wonderful riverfront with our CBD,” says Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council Administrator Tim Overall, “the project really brings it together and creates a vibrant sense of place.

“This project is important because as the city has developed, it has tended to turn its back on the river, but this park enables us to make the most of the wonderful location that Queanbeyan is built on.”

Manager Parks and Recreation Tim Geyer says: “It is a good design, as it gets the connection with the CBD back to the riverfront and reactivates this space. We have been able to facilitate the environmental requirements with the platypus habitat in the river which is great,” said.

The idea behind the park, Geyer says, is to hand the space back to families, whether it is for a picnic or a larger event. “Being so close to the CBD, families will be able to shop together and then spend their lunchtime here.”

With an official opening on Saturday by the Governor-General, the riverbank has been alive with roving entertainers, musicians and food and drink vendors, archery, face painting and food.