Sunshine Coast Council endorsed the Wallace Park Master Plan Review be made available for public exhibition and comment until 23 July 2013.
The broader Tewantin, Noosaville and Noosa communities are invited to comment on the future direction for the popular Wallace Park community precinct in Noosaville.
The review of the original Master Plan to date has been informed by targeted consultation with facility managers and user groups, Noosa and District Land Care, Noosa Biosphere, the Aboriginal people representatives and the consultant who prepared the original Master Plan.
Division 11 Councillor, Russell Green said the review of the original Master Plan aims to provide council with a strategic direction that will enhance the community’s enjoyment and use of the popular facilities and parklands.
“Community feedback on the draft Master Plan review is a vital step towards ensuring council has a plan and identified actions that can direct future staged works for the precinct,” Cr Green said.****
“Interested community members are invited to join myself and Cr Wellington for a public forum from 6pm to 7pm on 8 July at council’s Tewantin chambers to obtain details on the content of the draft Master Plan and learn how they can make a submission.
“The original Master Plan is more than 20 years old and the success of Wallace Park as a community hub has contributed to, and necessitated the need for, staged improvements.
“The Wallace Park precinct consists of facilities occupied by community groups as well as council operated Noosa Library, Noosa Day Respite Centre and Noosa Leisure Centre.”
Councillor Green said the draft review document reflects the intent of the original Master Plan, however in a modified format which includes improving directional signage, upgrades and additions to pathways, vegetation management, car park shortfall considerations, safety and cultural heritage.
“The draft master Plan proposes no new facilities to be added to the precinct as by introducing more would exacerbate the existing parking shortfall,” Cr Green said.
“However extension to the Leisure Centre is proposed because of its viability and the wide range of operating hours can accommodate a variety of activities in off peak parking times.
“The facility managers will be responsible for managing overflow car parking in the Gibson Road extension corridor in the interim while actions to reduce peak parking demands are undertaken.
“Should external funding become available the plan also proposes enhancements to several key spaces.
“It is intended that the final Wallace Park Precinct Master Plan will be used to support planning for staged implementation over five years amounting to $431,000 over that period.
“The cost of implementing all actions would be beyond the responsibility and capacity of council to fund in its own right.
“Community feedback received as part of the public consultation will be assembled and delivered to the Transfer Manager for the consideration of the new Noosa Council who, from 1 January 2014, will take responsibility for this Master Plan.”
The draft Master Plan review document can be reviewed until 23 July and is available on council’s website, or in hard copy at the Noosa Library and Noosa Leisure Centre located in Wallace Park.