Oakey park backed for Geoff Dickins rename after 60% support

Five signs at Oakey’s Cory Street Park will be updated as part of a proposed rename to Geoff Dickins Park, with the work estimated to cost about $2,500 from existing annual operational budgets.

The Toowoomba Regional Council Environment and Community Committee supported the recommendation after public consultation found a clear majority in favour of using Cory Street Park for the tribute. The renaming remains subject to the relevant Council resolution process.

The park, at 60-70 Cory Street, forms part of the Oakey Linear Corridor. It includes footpaths, shelters, carparks and landscaping, along with a dog off-leash area over part of the site.

Council will also amend the Register of Dog Off Leash Areas and associated documents, including information published on its website. The five existing park signs will be reskinned, with design, construction and installation included in the estimated cost.

The request was made by Jennifer Cash on behalf of her family to honour her late father, Geoff Dickins. The Council report described Mr Dickins as a long-standing Oakey district resident who contributed to local youth groups, community initiatives and civic life.

He served as a Jondaryan Shire councillor from 1984 to 1997 and was a member of the Oakey Show Committee from 1985 to 1994. He was also involved with the Jondaryan Woolshed Association, the Oakey Landcare Group and the Oakey Anzac National Fitness Club.

The first consultation ran from 23 February to 27 March 2026 and attracted 40 online survey responses. Twenty-four respondents, or 60 per cent, supported the proposal, while 16, or 40 per cent, opposed it.

A second consultation, held from 27 April to 25 May, considered whether Cory Street Park was a more suitable location than Jacquelyn Court Park. Council said Cory Street was closer to places associated with Mr Dickins’s life and community involvement.

The signage work and record updates will follow implementation of the park renaming.