Mount Larcom/Calliope/Boyne Valley Open Space and Recreation

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Mount Larcom/Calliope/Boyne Valley
Open Space and Recreation Plan
DRAFT REPORT (2010)
Mount Larcom/Calliope/Boyne Valley Open Space and Recreation Plan DRAFT v 1.0 February 2010 Prepared by: Amarna Pty Ltd PO Box 3465 Tannum Sands Q 4680 Phone: (07) 4978 1389 Mobile: 0408 071 465 Email: [email protected] ©2010 Amarna Pty Ltd DISCLAIMER: This document has been prepared by Amarna Pty Ltd from information provided by the client and from other sources. Our procedures do not necessarily include confirmation or validation procedures of that information, and this document is provided to the client for its exclusive use and benefit only. No other party should rely on it for inferences or forecasts made therein. Amarna Pty Ltd accepts no responsibility to such parties. In addition, as this report contains recommendations, projections and projected outcomes that can be affected by unforeseen variables, no guarantee, express or implied, is given that the projections and projected outcomes herein will be achieved and no responsibility can be accepted by Amarna Pty Ltd for eventual outcomes. 2
CONTENTS 1.0
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Vision and Principles.................................... Page 4 Recommendations & Considerations.......... Page 5 Standards of Provision................................ Page 9 Open Space Provision.................................. Page 10 Parks and Recreation Provision.................. Page 14 Sports Provision.......................................... Page21 Current Situation Summary........................ Page 29 8.0
Prioritisation of Projects............................. Page 55 9.0 Identified Priority Projects.......................... Page 59 10.0 Activities...................................................... Page 64 11.0 Community Development.......................... Page 67 12.0 Policies......................................................... Page 68 13.0 Methodology............................................... Page 69 3
1.0 VISION and PRINCIPLES Establishing and maintaining open space and recreation for Mount Larcom, Calliope, Boyne Valley for the next decade will require both vision and discipline. This plan will assist to create a culture and momentum which reflects the key values, holds the vision and utilises guiding principles. VISION Council has a vision to protect and manage open space for future generations while creating a diverse range of quality recreation opportunities accessible to all. Open Space and Recreation covers a wide range of elements including open space protection and management; establishing and maintaining a variety of park settings; ensuring adequate spaces and places to recreate; and providing adequate sporting fields and opportunities to meet the needs of communities. To guide Gladstone Regional Council through the planning and management of open space, recreation and sport the following principles have been created: PRINCIPLES 1.
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Open Space is acquired and managed for a range of functions and values including nature conservation, scenic amenity, ecosystems, landscape heritage, outdoor recreation and sport. Diverse outdoor recreation opportunities and settings are provided to meet community needs. 3.
The community has access to a range of well maintained, well managed and appropriately designed and located community facilities. 4.
Standards of provision and other relevant principles and policies are used in assessing demand. 5. Community development principles are applied and supported by Council. 6. Increase participation in physical activity through sport and recreation planning and provision is nurtured . 7. Quality parks are provided: ‐ within a reasonable distance of residential areas; ‐ of suitable size and quality ; ‐ within a diversity of open space settings; ‐ with sufficient land for active recreation; and ‐ to cater for changing community characteristics and use demands. 4
2.0 RECOMMENDATIONS & CONSIDERATIONS On completion of comprehensive consultation, extensive research and thorough analysis, the following recommendations and considerations have been created. Priority Projects High Priority Projects for the Mount Larcom, Calliope and Boyne Valley District include:  Additional recreation land in Calliope  Additional sporting land in Calliope  An additional two rugby league fields and space for mini fields in Calliope Medium Priority Projects for the Mount Larcom, Calliope and Boyne Valley District include:  Jaycees Park Redevelopment  Sport and Recreation Signage Strategy  Fencing of playgrounds near roads  More bikeways in Calliope  Regional Equestrian Centre  Lighting of cricket/soccer fields in Calliope  District level children’s playground  Tourist stop in Builyan  Green space for recreation at Nagoorin  Bunting Park multipurpose hard court (upgrade)  Hazelbrook Park development Recommendations Recommendation One: That Council adopt and implement Provision Standards for Open Space; Parks and Recreation; and Sport. Considerations for Open Space Provision 1.
That the industry Open Space Provision Standard of 3Ha/1000 of recreation space and 2Ha/1000 sport space be adopted and used to plan for future recreation and sport space for the Gladstone Region. 2. That as a whole the Mount Larcom, Calliope and Boyne Valley District is within the benchmark standard for the provision of land for recreation and sport. 3. That an additional 2.65Ha of recreation land be provided within the Calliope (including Beecher and Burua) area by 2016. (High Priority) 4. That an additional 15.9Ha of recreation land be provided within the Calliope (including Beecher and Burua) area by 2026. (Future Priority) 5. That an additional 2.73Ha of sport land be provided within the Calliope (including Beecher and Burua) area by 2016. (High Priority) 6. That an additional 10.6Ha of sport land be provided within the Calliope (including Beecher and Burua) area by 2026. (Future Priority) 7. That all land use planning, development and implementation should be undertaken in conjunction with open space principles. 8. That Council’s Planning Scheme provides protection for and encourages the provision of valuable land features and open space areas. 9. That policies are developed that support the principles of open space planning, development, protection and implementation (e.g. Developer Contributions, Management Guidelines for Open Space Classifications, Park Embellishments, and Tenure). 10. That a recreation classification system is adopted to provide diversity in recreation opportunity and setting and that the system is used to identify and manage open space. 11. That partnerships be developed for collaboration in planning and management of open space 5
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between state agencies, industry and community groups. That training in recreation planning is available and promoted to Council staff and Councillors. Considerations for Parks & Recreation Provision 1.
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Adopting and implementing the Park and Recreation Benchmark as a minimum standard for the local, district and regional community. Minimum standard needs have been assessed and prioritised, as follows: a. Green Space Recreation in Nagoorin (Medium) b. Children’s Playground for the district (Medium) c. Picnic facilities in Nagoorin (Low) and Yarwun (Low) d. Sports courts in Builyan (Low) e. Youth space in Builyan (Low); Nagoorin (Low); and Ubobo (Low) f. Tourist stops in Builyan (Medium) and Yarwun (No Priority) g. Paths and Trails in Mount Larcom (Low); Builyan (Low); Nagoorin (Low); and Ubobo (Low) That Council consider safety, accessibility, the environment, aesthetics, the community, diversity and functionality within the development, maintenance and management of current and future parks. Considerations for Sports Provision 1.
Sports provision needs have been assessed and prioritised, as follows: a. Lighting of cricket oval/soccer field in Calliope (Medium) b. An additional two senior rugby league field and mini field space (High) 2. Planning for an additional cricket oval in Calliope, in the long term (Future Priority). 3. Planning for an additional senior soccer field and space for junior fields in Calliope in the long term (Future Priority). 4. Monitoring and documenting participation in sporting clubs to accurately project participation numbers and plan for future fields and courts. 5. Undertaking the sports mapping process on new sporting organisations. 6. The needs of future sports in any sports land development. Recommendation Two: That Council support a diverse range of quality open space and recreation facilities within townships and the district. Considerations for Mount Larcom 1.
Maintain and manage Bicentennial Park as a tourist stop, including signage to promote the rest of the town. 2. That the playground equipment in Bicentennial Park is unshaded and not appropriate for the space and should not be replaced. More appropriate/shaded equipment should be considered to service the park. 3. The maintenance of parks including greening, landscaping for shade and not mowing to close to trees. 4. Improving maintenance of the cricket oval as a sporting green space. 5. Establishing agreements with schools and promoting community use of school grounds. 6. Establishing partnerships with the community to maintain and operate the Mount Larcom Youth Centre. 7. Creating a link from Bicentennial Park to the Mount Larcom Art Gallery and Memorabilia, including a signage strategy and pathway. 8. That Mount Larcom projects have been assessed and prioritised, as follows: a. Redevelopment of Pincham Park, including picnic facilities, more playground equipment and landscaped for shade (Low) b. Better access to recreation facilities (Golding Park) from residential and commercial areas (Low) c. Upgrade of the Mount Larcom tennis courts (Low) d. Upgrade of the Mount Larcom sports field (Low) e. Pathways in Mount Larcom (Low) 6
Considerations for Calliope 1. Developing Bunting Park as an active recreation space, playground, skate park and sports area. Future play equipment should be focused on older age groups (7‐12), such as bike mania, flying fox etc... 2. Developing a master and management plan over Bunting Park to determine future development location, requirements and tenure. 3. The immediate removal of play equipment and the BBQ from Jaycees Park. 4. Developing a concept plan for the location of facilities and future direction of Hazelbrook Park. 5. The ongoing and improved maintenance of parks, including greening and landscaping for shade. 6. Better path/bikeway linkages throughout the Calliope Township, including key areas: residential, commercial, sporting/parks, Council/library and school. 7. Repair and maintain existing bikeway along Dawson Highway, with an improved surface. 8. Advocate for a safe pedestrian crossing over Dawson Highway near Hazelbrook shops to access recreation facilities and commercial areas from the school. 9. Providing seating and shade at the Calliope Skate Park. 10. Investigate and create a feasible option for the management and promotion of community use of the pool. 11. A signage strategy for the district (with Calliope priorities being the Calliope River Camp Ground and Highway signage at Calliope for the Calliope Historical Village markets). 12. That Calliope projects have assessed and prioritised, as follows: a. Redevelopment of Jaycees Park (more natural park with BBQ, picnic area and signage) (Medium) b. More bikeways in Calliope (Medium) c. Bunting Park multi‐purpose hard court upgrade (Medium) d. Fencing along the roadside of the playground areas in Bunting and Hazelbrook Parks (Medium) e. Hazelbrook Park development (including toilet amenities, irrigation, landscaping and more picnic/BBQ areas) (Medium) f. Development of a dog park in Calliope (Low) Considerations for the Boyne Valley 1.
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Maintenance is undertaken on the Ubobo Recreation Ground, including top dressing and drainage. Establishing agreements with schools and promoting community use of school grounds, including sports courts and playgrounds. Sports grounds and community halls provide a hub for small communities and that appropriate recreation facilities should be included on the fringe of these facilities. Incorporating youth spaces within existing sport and recreation grounds. That Boyne Valley projects have been assessed and prioritised, as follows: a. A green space (recreation) for Nagoorin (Medium) b. Scenic multi‐use natural recreation trail along the Boyne Valley (Low) c. Toilet amenities at the Builyan Sports Ground (Low) d. A cricket pitch for Ubobo Recreation Ground (Low) e. A community playground for Builyan (Low) f. A community playground for Ubobo (Low) g. A community playground for Nagoorin (Low) h. A skate park/youth space in Nagoorin (Low) i. Multipurpose hard court in Builyan (Low) j. A signage strategy for the district (with the priorities in the Boyne Valley being the community halls and sports/recreation grounds, Futter Creek and Barmundoo River picnic area) (Medium) k. An undercover picnic/BBQ area at Nagoorin Hall (Low) l. Paths in Builyan (Low); Nagoorin (Low); and Ubobo (Low) Considerations for Yarwun 1.
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Establishing agreements with schools and promoting community use of school grounds, including sports courts and playgrounds. Sports grounds and community halls provide a hub for small communities and that appropriate 7
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recreation facilities should be included on the fringe of these facilities. That Yarwun projects have been assessed and prioritised, as follows: a. A community playground for Yarwun (No priority) b. An undercover picnic/BBQ area within the Yarwun Recreation Grounds (Low) Considerations for the District 1.
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Working with the Department of Environment and Resource Management to ensure access and coordinated management of the green space natural and protected areas in the district. Ensuring that playgrounds throughout the district are diverse in setting, age and theme (considering the need for more natural play spaces and the need for playgrounds suitable for older age groups) and be shaded appropriately. Investigating if Gladstone Round Trail is still in existence and if it is opened to horses. Supporting the development of Mount Larcom Showgrounds as a regionally significant facility. That District projects have been assessed and prioritised, as follows: a. A significant playground for the district (Medium) b. A district signage strategy for sport, recreation and community facilities (Medium) c. Development of a district picnic park (undercover table and chairs, along with BBQ’s and toilet amenities – Hazelbrook Park as priority option) (Medium) d. A Regional Equestrian facility located in the Calliope/Mount Larcom/ Boyne Valley District (Medium) Recommendation Three: That Council support a diverse range of physical activity opportunities using community development principles. Considerations for Activities 1.
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Conducting community meetings in rural townships regarding setting up activities and competitions (E.g. A touch competition in Mount Larcom and Calliope). Identifying any individual or existing organisation that can undertake activities – building a core group of people who are motivated to conduct events in the community. Continuing to implement Healthy Active Gladstone Region initiatives, with a focus on the Mount Larcom/Calliope/ Boyne Valley district. Implementing youth activity programs in Mount Larcom, Calliope and the Boyne Valley, using existing youth focussed facilities. Considerations for Community Development 1.
Providing feedback on the consultation results from the Open Space and Recreation Plan highlighting the need for activities and what type of activities. 2. Supporting people or organisations that are in the core group through expanding their skills in leadership, conducting events, and identifying applicable funding options. 3. Supporting communities to build capacity to deliver recreation related activities/programs. 4. Establishing “Community use of school facilities” agreements with school Principals. Recommendation Four: That Council develop and implement relevant open space and recreation policies and principles. Considerations for Policies 1.
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Developing an Open Space Provision Policy, in conjunction with the development of the Town Planning Scheme. Developing a tenure policy. 8
3.0 STANDARD OF PROVISION 3.1 Benchmarking against Standards of Provision Standards of provision have been identified and developed using industry standards, proven sport and recreation standards, and best practice. Standards of provision are used to determine the minimum provision of open space and recreation for each township, district and region. The existing level of provision is benchmarked against the identified acceptable standards to determine the gaps and or duplication in provision. TABLE: The three standards of provisions used in benchmarking the existing level of provision Open Space Parks and Recreation Sports Standards of Provision Standard of Provision Standard of Provision Open Space Standards of Provision use common industry accepted standards. These standards provide the amount of land required to service the size of the population. While this standard gives a good indication of the amount of land that should be used for open space and recreation, it doesn’t provide information about what that land should be used for. The Parks and Recreation Standard of Provision has been developed to provide further information regarding the type of land and facilities required at a local, district and regional level. Minimum requirements for green space and facilities such as playgrounds, picnic facilities have been developed. The Sports Standard of Provision has been used by many local authorities to determine if a sporting facility requires more fields, courts or space. This Standard has been developed by assessing the current usage, number of people participating in the sport and participation growth. From these facts it can be determined when a new field/court or sports facility will be required in the future or if a facility is currently over capacity. 9
4.0 OPEN SPACE PROVISION Standards of provision are used by many local authorities, both within Australia and overseas, to provide a benchmark for determining minimum levels of provision of open space (specifically for recreation and sport) to cater for average community and visitor requirements. Open space standards of provision are only a guide to providing adequate amounts of land which have value for outdoor recreation and sports facilities. Standards of provision should also take into account demographics, expectations of the community, quality of land provided and the vision the Council has in relation to recreation and sport. Open space standards of provision do not consider scenic amenity; natural corridors; open space network; protecting vegetation and wildlife; and linkages. These areas should be identified and protected in addition to the land provided within the open space provision standard. As part of the Gladstone City Council Open Space and Recreation Plan, R.O.S.S. Planning used a general industry benchmark standard to undertake the sport and recreation supply assessment for Gladstone City. The standard used is as follows:  Recreation land = 2‐3 hectares / 1000 population  Sport = 2 hectares/ 1000 population  TOTAL 4‐5 hectares/ 1000 population This standard is supported and has been analysed over the Mount Larcom, Calliope and Boyne Valley District and over the Calliope Township separately. TABLE: BENCHMARK OVER OPEN SPACE PROVISION STANDARDS FOR DISTRICT The following table analyses this industry benchmark over the provision of recreation and sport in the Mount Larcom, Calliope, Boyne Valley areas. Type Current Supply Current Provision Open Space Comments (Ha) (Ha/1000)* Provision Standard Recreation 61.72Ha 22.6Ha/1000 3Ha/1000 Enough recreation land to supply a population of 20573 Sport 41.49Ha 15.2Ha/1000 2Ha/1000 Enough sport land to supply a population of 20745 TOTAL 103.21Ha 37.8Ha/1000 5Ha/1000 *Total population usually resident in the areas of Mount Larcom, Calliope, Boyne Valley, Yarwun in 2006 was 2729 people (ABS; 2006) 10
From the above assessment it is evident that there is adequate open space land in the Mount Larcom/ Calliope/ Boyne Valley District. There is adequate recreation and sport land to supply a population of over 20,000 people. TABLE: BENCHMARK OVER OPEN SPACE PROVISION STANDARDS FOR CALLIOPE FOR CURRENT AND FUTURE POPULATIONS The Calliope area (including Beecher and Burua) is a high population growth area with projections of a population of 16800 people by 20311. This area has been assessed separately from the district to specifically determine the recreation and sport provision requirements, using future projection populations. Type Current Supply Open Space Provision Standard Required provision for 2006 pop. (3760) Required provision for 2016 pop. (8050) Required provision for 2026 pop. (13350) Recreation 21.5Ha 3Ha/1000 11.28Ha 24.15Ha 40.05Ha Sport 13.37Ha 2Ha/1000 7.52 Ha 16.1Ha 26.7Ha TOTAL 34.87Ha 5Ha/1000 18.8Ha 40.25Ha 66.75Ha The above table shows the current supply is within the Open Space Provision Standards. However, by 2016 an additional 2.65Ha of recreation land will be required and by 2026 a further 15.9Ha of recreation land will be required. Land for sport is currently within the provision standard. However, by 2016 an additional 2.73Ha will be required and by 2026 a further 10.6Ha will be required. 4.1 OPEN SPACE PROVISION (QUALITY) Open space should be viewed not just as the provision of areas for recreation and sport, but for its environmental, aesthetic, landscape and cultural wildlife and nature conservation values. The following areas need to be identified, protected and managed for their significant environmental and landscape values:  Landscape corridors (used to link people, places, infrastructure and wildlife)  Inter‐urban breaks (separate and frame major urban areas and towns)  Open space network (accessible outdoor recreation settings that meet regional needs e.g. parks and trails, green space, waterways, national parks, state forest and urban open space)  Rural, nature‐ based and ecotourism destinations (tourism opportunities compatible with the protection and presentation of the landscape’s attractive components)  Coastal waters and foreshores (coastal zone values and processes)  Waterways and wetlands (preservation of river systems and dams)  Cultural Heritage areas (protecting areas of cultural significance) Valuable land features and open space areas need to be managed to ensure they are not compromised or diminished for future generations. 1
Queensland Government – PIFU (2009) 11
4.2 RECRETION SETTING CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM The Recreation Setting Classification System is a tool used to classify recreation areas based on the type of setting the recreation activities are being undertaken in. The system is a management tool to enable Gladstone Regional Council to provide for a diverse range of settings resulting in a variety of experiences available to residents. Parks can range from being highly developed (with high levels of maintenance,facility development and lots of people undertaking a multitude of activities) to very natural settings (with little or no facility development and lower user numbers undertaking informal activities). The Central Queensland Outdoor Recreation Demand Study (1997) identified the demand for a range of settings to accommodate the individual’s needs. A similar study undertaken in South East Queensland in 1997 and 20072 identified that there is a trend towards recreation in more natural settings. PICTURE: RECREATION SETTING CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM Natural Very Natural Somewhat Natural Not Natural 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Wild and remote, places with few visitors and no facilities. Expect solitude. May have rough trails. Remote camping and walking. Predominately Natural Usually accessible by vehicle. Tracks are main facility. Expect to see other visitors. Popular recreation sites. Basic visitor facilities such as formed tracks, picnic facilities. Includes park picnic areas and developed campgrounds. Highly modified settings. High level of facility development. Highly Developed (Source: QORF; 2009) Queensland Environmental Protection Agency defines a “Setting” as measured based on the level of naturalness. This naturalness is scored on a spectrum from 1 to 9 where; 1 is wild and remote and 9 is highly modified and developed. The more a site has been changed by people, the higher the setting and the more natural the site, the lower the setting. A site with more facilities such as tracks, picnic areas, parking, campgrounds and signs is more developed and has a higher setting score. Each setting is scored on its physical, social and managerial attributes. Size, beauty and ecological significance are not criteria for deciding a setting but are considered when making decisions about appropriate use. Once a setting has been determined, decisions can be made about how best to manage the site. A site may be managed to become a higher or lower setting. This is done in a planned approach by considering other special attributes of the site and the range of settings nearby. The aim is to provide a variety of settings so a range of experiences are available. Recreation use can influence the setting by changing the social character of a place, and careful consideration must be provided to all activity requests, especially those activities that are more likely to impact a site and other users. Activities, such as trail bike riding, sports activities or large group events, can have greater impacts on a site and often the decision is about appropriate place, timing and management. The settings can be used for management decisions including: 2
Queensland Government 2007 – South East Queensland Outdoor Recreation Demand Studies 1997 & 2007 12
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What kinds of facilities and services (if any) to provide Whether to permit group activities such as weddings and competitive events Group size restrictions for activities or events Where to locate recreation facilities e.g. trails, boat ramps etc Whether to sign natural hazards. Considerations from the Open Space Provision Standard 1. That the industry Open Space Provision Standard of 3Ha/1000 of recreation space and 2Ha/1000 sport space be adopted and used to plan for future recreation and sport space for the Gladstone Region. 2. That as a whole the Mount Larcom, Calliope and Boyne Valley District is within the benchmark standard for the provision of land for recreation and sport. 3. That an additional 2.65Ha of recreation land be provided within the Calliope (including Beecher and Burua) area by 2016. 4. That an additional 15.9Ha of recreation land be provided within the Calliope (including Beecher and Burua) area by 2026. 5. That an additional 2.73Ha of sport land be provided within the Calliope (including Beecher and Burua) area by 2016. 6. That an additional 10.6Ha of sport land be provided within the Calliope (including Beecher and Burua) area by 2026. 7. That all land use planning, development and implementation should be undertaken in conjunction with open space principles. 8. That Council’s Planning Scheme provides protection for and encourages the provision of valuable land features and open space areas. 9. That policies are developed that support the principles of open space planning, development, protection and implementation (e.g. Developer Contributions, Management Guidelines for Open Space Classifications, Park Embellishments, and Tenure) 10. That a recreation classification system is adopted to provide diversity in recreation opportunity and setting and that the system is used to identify and manage open space. 11. That partnerships be developed for collaboration in planning and management of open space between state agencies, industry and community groups. 12. That training in recreation planning is available and promoted to Council staff and Councillors. 13
5.0 PARKS & RECREATION PROVISION 5.1 PARKS & RECREATION BENCHMARK (MINIMUM STANDARD) The Parks and Recreation Benchmarks (Minimum Standards) have been developed to provide guidelines which deliver an equitable provision of parks and recreation facilities. The Benchmarks guide the minimum standard required for parks and recreation at the following levels:  Local level – being townships or neighbouring suburbs such as Mount Larcom, Calliope or Yarwun  District level – being towns or combined townships such as Calliope/Mount Larcom/Boyne Valley; Miriam Vale/Agnes Water; Gladstone; or Boyne‐
Tannum/Benaraby  Regional level ‐ being the whole Gladstone Region Standard Local District Regional Benchmark for Open Space Green Space Natural N/A Green Space Recreation Area where active or passive recreation can occur, with or without facility development‐ easily accessible Green Space Sport Flat, maintained kick around area Children’s playground Small children’s playground in local park, includes fort, swings, rocker or other basic equipment Picnic facility Undercover table and chairs Somewhat natural area with limited facility development, may have environmental significance and interpretive features Area where active or passive recreation can occur. Settings can range from more natural green space to developed space with facilities for longer stays (e.g. picnic, toilet amenities, playground) Sporting field Totally natural area with no facility development‐ has regional significance for natural landscape features A range of settings and facilities for recreation on a regional level including:  Bush camps and tourist stops  Highly developed/maintained regional parks  Nature based recreation  Botanical Gardens Multi‐purpose sports facility Benchmark for Park Facilities A range of children’s play areas with diversity in equipment for various age groups in a range of settings (natural – developed). A significant play area with toilet amenities for longer stays Under cover table and chairs and BBQ and access to toilet amenities 14 Large children’s play space with multi‐age equipment along with picnic areas and toilet amenities suitable for longer stays Significant area for picnicking linking with a range of activities, including toilets Mount Larcom/Calliope/Boyne Valley
Benchmark for Sport Facilities Sports court Equestrian facility ½ court (bitumen or concrete) – school or community N/A Full court (multipurpose) Specific sports court facilities for a range of sports (tennis, basketball, volleyball) Range of equestrian facilities for various disciplines Race course Multi‐motorsports facility 18 hole golf course with associated clubhouse Significant bowls complex with associated clubhouse Racecourse Motorsport facility Golf course N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 9 or more hole golf course Bowls Green N/A Single bowls green Undercover/indoor facility Youth Space Access to an undercover area such as a community hall, school or public facility Space where young people hang out Access to an indoor hall (community or school) Skate park, youth centre or BMX track Swimming pool Showground Water Access N/A 25 meter pool N/A N/A N/A Boat ramps, beach access Tourist stop Signed stop with picnic area, toilet amenities and parking Signed stop with picnic area, toilet amenities and parking. Located with other tourist experience e.g. historical, environmental, cultural Paths and trails Pathway/bikeway linking residential to commercial and schools Access or entry to horse trails Benchmark for Community Facilities Multiple indoor court sports facility Entertainment and function centre Large skate/bike park with numerous elements A multi‐pool aquatic centre Multiuse showground Significant boat ramp with boat wash down and fish cleaning facilities Beach and river access points, including shower and toilet amenities Specific tourist facility, including tourist information centre, booking facility, toilet amenities, car parking, picnic facilities, close to commercial outlets (cafe/kiosk) and accommodation facilities. Benchmark for Paths and Trails Multipurpose trail looping and/or linking with A network of trails connecting significant a trail network areas and other trail networks (e.g. the National Trail) 15 Mount Larcom/Calliope/Boyne Valley
5.2 Open Space and Recreation Plan
PARKS & RECREATION BENCHMARK (MINIMUM STANDARD) AGAINST EXISTING PROVISION STANDARD/ LOCATION LOCAL Mount Larcom Calliope Builyan Nagoorin DISTRICT Mount Larcom /Calliope /Boyne Valley REGIONAL Gladstone Region Numerous National Parks, Forest Reserves and State Forests Boynedale Bush Camp Bunting Park Numerous National Parks, Forest Reserves and State Forests Gladstone Marina Millennium Esplanade Yarwun Recreation Reserve Yarwun State School Bunting Park Golding Park Various multi‐use sporting facilities in region (e.g. Memorial Park) Yarwun State School NO SPECIFIC PROVISION NO SPECIFIC PROVISION Calliope River Kroombit Tops Boynedale Bush Camp Gladstone Marina Millennium Esplanade Gladstone Marina Millennium Esplanade Yarwun Recreation Grounds Bunting Park; Mount Larcom Skate Rink and Tennis Courts; Yarwun Rec Reserve; Calliope and Ubobo State School Ubobo Yarwun Green Space Natural Green Space Recreation Bicentennial Park Pincham Park Bunting Park Jaycees Park Hazelbrook Park Green Space Sport Golding Park Mount Larcom State School Bunting Park Calliope State School Builyan Recreation Grounds Builyan Recreation Grounds Builyan State School Children’s playground Picnic Facility Bicentennial Park Pincham Park Bicentennial Park Bunting Park Hazelbrook Park Jaycees Park Hazelbrook Park Sports Court Mount Larcom Skate Rink Mount Larcom State School Bunting Park Hazelbrook Park Calliope State School Existing Open Space NO SPECIFIC PROVISION Nagoorin State School Ubobo Recreation Grounds Ubobo Recreation Grounds Ubobo State School Existing Park Facilities Nagoorin State Ubobo State School School Builyan NO SPECIFIC Ubobo Community Hall PROVISION Recreation Grounds and Memorial Hall Existing Sport Facilities NO SPECIFIC Nagoorin State Ubobo State PROVISION School School Builyan State School Yarwun Recreation Reserve Gladstone PCYC Gladstone Basketball 16 Mount Larcom/Calliope/Boyne Valley
Equestrian facility Race course Golf Course Mount Larcom Showgrounds Chapman Park Calliope Racecourse Calliope Golf Course Bowls Green Mount Larcom Bowls Club Calliope Bowls Club Mount Larcom Community Hall and RSL Yarwun Community Hall Calliope Memorial RSL and Community Centre Calliope Skate Park Motorsport facility NO SPECIFIC PROVISION Gladstone Race Course Calliope Race Course Benaraby Motorsports Gladstone Showgrounds Gladstone and Calliope Golf Course Gladstone Bowls Club Mount Larcom Bowls Club Existing Community Facilities Undercover/ indoor facility Mount Larcom Community Hall; RSL; Youth Centre; QCWA Hall; Art Gallery and Memorabilia Youth Space Mount Larcom Skate Rink and Youth Centre Swimming Pool Calliope RSL Memorial Hall Calliope Community Centre Calliope Bowls Club QCWA Hall Calliope Skate Park Builyan Community Hall Nagoorin Hall Ubobo Discovery Centre Ubobo Memorial Hall QCWA Hall Yarwun Community Hall NO SPECIFIC PROVISION NO SPECIFIC PROVISION NO SPECIFIC PROVISION Yarwun Skate Park Mount Larcom Swimming Pool Calliope Community Swimming Pool 17 Gladstone Entertainment Centre Boyne Tannum Community Centre Gladstone Skate Park Riverside Skateway Gladstone Aquatic Centre Mount Larcom/Calliope/Boyne Valley
Showground Water Access Tourist Stop Bicentennial Park Mount Larcom Art Gallery and Memoribilia Calliope River Camp Ground Calliope Historical Village NO SPECIFIC PROVISION Boynedale Bush Camp Futter Creek Picnic Area Barmundoo River Ubobo Discovery Centre NO SPECIFIC PROVISION Calliope River Camp Ground The Narrows Boat Ramp Ramsay’s Crossing Raglan Creek Calliope River Camp Ground Calliope Historical Village Paths and trails NO SPECIFIC PROVISION Approx. 2km of bikeway from school to residential and commercial NO SPECIFIC PROVISION Existing Paths and Trails NO SPECIFIC NO SPECIFIC PROVISION PROVISION Gravel pathway from residential to old school National Trail (Mount Larcom – Boyne Valley) Showgrounds Gladstone Mount Larcom Gladstone Marina Millennium Esplanade Agnes Water Main Beach Calliope River Camp Ground Calliope Historical Village Gladstone Round Trail Links to National Trail Turtleway Bikeway 18 Mount Larcom/Calliope/Boyne Valley
5.2 PARKS & RECREATION PROVISION (QUALITY) The quality and maintenance of land and facilities is critical in the provision of an open space network. Throughout the consultation process, the community commented more about the quality of their parks and fields than the number of parks available. “Greener parks”; “Safe playgrounds” and “Shaded areas” were responses given over and over again. The following areas are taken into account when developing and managing quality parks. Safety Accessibility The Environment Aesthetics A quality park would:  be designed using CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design) Principles  be highly visible from the road to support community surveillance  support sun safety, through tree planting and shade structures  be well maintained to eliminate risks (vandalism repair, glass, rubbish, needles)  include appropriate signage  be free of weeds, pests and vermin  be supported by a tree management program  have playgrounds located a suitable distance from roads (or include barriers)  include security lighting, at community hubs, signature parks and high night use walking paths A quality park would:  be linked with roads, paths and/or bikeways to nearby schools, commercial and residential areas  provide access to All Abilities (where relevant including playgrounds, toilet amenities, car parking and pathways). Playgrounds for all Abilities is a program run by Queensland Health aimed at creating parks suitable for children of all abilities. Funding can be sourced to assist with establishing a playground for all abilities.  where relevant include night lighting for activities out of the heat of the day A quality park would:  have appropriate planting for the environment  maintain the natural features of the land  protect fauna and flora  provide protection for significant environments  provide linear corridors linking open space to form a network  minimise the carbon footprint  use water efficiently  use potable water and/or rain tanks. Water tanks attached to parks and recreation sites with buildings or structure have the capacity to harvest water, to be used for irrigation of the park  support recycling A quality park would:  be well maintained, including regular mowing and removal of rubbish  have 48 hour removal of graffiti and repair of vandalism  be updated and refreshed as per a defined schedule  be irrigated (when considered a signature park) 19 Mount Larcom/Calliope/Boyne Valley
The Community Diversity Functionality A quality park would:  have community involvement in the planning and development of the park and facilities  have considered the community demographics in the development of facilities  have complaints and requests considered and undertaken  be supportive of the “friends of the park” initiative A quality park would:  provide a different setting to other parks within the area. Settings can range from highly developed/maintained, brightly coloured parks to very natural, minimal development areas  provide diversity in equipment to suit a range of ages, including playgrounds for young children through to teenagers; interpretive features for adults and seating and walking trails for older adults  provide themed play areas that suit the nature, setting and location of the park (e.g. a park overlooking the ocean could have a wooden boat structure). It is noted that not all play equipment should be the brightly coloured plastic type A quality park would:  co‐locate suitable infrastructure (e.g. BBQs with toilet amenities, based on the length of stay expected; or children’s play areas with fitness stations)  provide suitable infrastructure (e.g. water bubblers, rubbish bins, seats at parks with playgrounds, youth spaces and picnic facilities) Considerations for Parks & Recreation Provision 1. Adopting and implementing the Park and Recreation Benchmark as a minimum standard for the local, district and regional community. 2. Assessing the need for the following, based on a lack of provision to meet the minimum standard: a. Green Space Recreation in Nagoorin b. Children’s Playground for the district c. Picnic facilities in Nagoorin and Yarwun d. Sports courts in Builyan e. Youth space in Builyan; Nagoorin; and Ubobo f. Tourist stops in Builyan and Yarwun g. Paths and Trails in Mount Larcom; Builyan; Nagoorin; and Ubobo 3. That Council consider safety, accessibility, the environment, aesthetics, the community, diversity and functionality within the development, maintenance and management of current and future parks. 20 Mount Larcom/Calliope/Boyne Valley
6.0 SPORTS PROVISION Sports Mapping is a process that uses a common framework to determine the real facility needs of sports, rather than through an ad‐hoc and emotion based claim. The Sports Mapping process collates information about sporting organisations; participation growth forecast; existing facility use; existing facility capacity; and community growth. This information is analysed to make an accurate determination of the capacity of the organisation and the capacity of the facility to meet existing and future competition needs. Sports Mapping has been undertaken over field and court sports in the Mount Larcom, Calliope and Boyne Valley areas. The mapping provides a clear indication of exactly the type of sporting facilities required and when they will be required by, based on a Standard of Provision ratio provided for identified sports. 6.1 Sports Mapping Cricket Calliope & District Cricket Club Inc Overview of current facility The Calliope & District Cricket Club Inc uses the cricket ground at Bunting Park which is shared with the Calliope Junior Soccer Club. The facility has no amenities, clubhouse or storage sheds. The soccer club has a relocatable shipping container on site. The club indicated their biggest issue is not having a lease with Council over the land. The club indicated that not having a lease is hindering the development of the site. The club undertakes all maintenance of the field and has turfed the wicket and top dressed the grounds. The club does not pay rates or lease fees and receives an allocation of water to use free per year. The Calliope & District Cricket Club would like to build a clubhouse and amenities block. The club would like to see tennis courts located at Bunting Park which would see the development of a club and possibly another user of a joint clubhouse and amenities block. The club is planning to build a storage shed at the facility which they have Council approval for. The shed has been funded through donations and sponsorship. Current usage The facility is used for senior and junior competitions on Saturday and Sunday and three nights during the week for training. Current participation 2009 membership is 50 juniors with 45‐50 senior players. Participation has been stable with the club having the capacity to manage further increases in participation. Possible participation Possible participation for Calliope & District Cricket Club Inc (based on low (5%), medium (10%) and high (15%) average annual increases) 21 Mount Larcom/Calliope/Boyne Valley
450
400
Participation
350
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
Low (5%)
Medium (10%)
High (15%)
Year 2009
100
100
100
Year 2014
128
161
201
Year 2019
163
259
405
Predicted participation It is predicted that participation within the Calliope & District Cricket Club Inc will increase at a low to medium level within the next 5 to 10 years. Based on:  Club participation being stable in recent times; and  An anticipated high growth in population of the Calliope area. Recommended Standard of Provision for the sport 1 lit senior cricket oval: 200 participants Usage – all day Saturday and Sunday Current Provision 1 senior cricket oval: 100 participants Usage – all day Saturday and Sunday Conclusion Matched against the current capacity and the recommended standard of provision it is concluded for Calliope & District Cricket Club Inc that:  Participation is predicted to increase at a low level.  Based on the recommended Standard of Provision for cricket, the facility that the club uses is under capacity.  An additional oval will be required when participation reaches 200. This is not predicted to occur before 2019.  There are no lights at the facility. Lighting the facility should be considered to extend the capacity of the facility for cricket. Football (Soccer) Calliope Junior Soccer Club Inc. Overview of current facility Calliope Junior Soccer Club uses Bunting Park for training which it shares with cricket. There is no room to expand at the facility as trees would have to be removed which has been tried once with the locals protesting. There is no lease over the facility. The facility does not have power or toilets. Town water is used to irrigate the site. There is a shipping container used as a clubhouse and a 22 Mount Larcom/Calliope/Boyne Valley
storage facility. The club requires a competition level facility to be eligible to enter two senior teams in the competition next year. However a competition level facility requires power and toilets. The club has stated their biggest issue is not having a lease over the land which is hindering their opportunities to apply for grants. Current usage The club uses the facility three times per week. Current participation Participation at the club has been slowly increasing with current membership at 77 juniors. Possible participation Possible participation for Calliope Junior Soccer Club Inc (based on low (5%), medium (10%) and high (15%) average annual increases) 350
300
Participation
250
200
150
100
50
0
Low (5%)
Medium (10%)
High (15%)
Year 2009
77
77
77
Year 2014
98
124
155
Year 2019
125
200
312
Predicted participation It is predicted that participation within the Calliope Junior Soccer Club Inc will increase at a medium to high level within the next 5 to 10 years. Based on:  40% of students stated that football (soccer) was their favourite activity;  25% of students also stated that they wanted to play more football (soccer);  The addition of senior football (soccer) with anticipated two senior teams (26+ participants) starting in the near future;  The club anticipating growth; and  An anticipated high growth in population of the Calliope area. Recommended Standard of Provision for the sport 1 lit senior lit field with provision for green space for junior fields: 230 participants Usage – two week day competitions and all day Saturday and Sunday competition Current Provision 1 senior field: 77 participants Usage – training three times per week 23 Mount Larcom/Calliope/Boyne Valley
Conclusion Matched against the current capacity and the recommended standard of provision it is concluded for Calliope Junior Soccer Club Inc that:  Participation is predicted to increase at a medium to high level.  Based on the recommended Standard of Provision for football (soccer), the facility that the club uses is under capacity.  The facility is currently only used for training, however with the formation of senior teams, home and away games will be required. Therefore, a competition senior lit field is required now to support these senior teams.  An additional senior lit field and space for junior fields will be required when participation reaches 230. This is expected to occur around 2019. Rugby League Calliope Junior Rugby League Football Club Inc. Overview of current facility Calliope Junior Rugby League Football Club Inc leases the Calliope Football Field from Gladstone Regional Council. The club has a 20 year lease which is due to expire in 2015. The lease agreement is based on the club undertaking all maintenance and development costs. The club does not pay lease fees however do pay rates. Council has recently allocated a portion of free water to the club. In previous years the water bill has been around $10,000. The facility has a storage area and an amenities block. The goal of the club is to have a Queensland Cup standard field to take the wear and tear off the Marley Brown facility in Gladstone. The club has a concept plan drawn up over the facility which includes:  Developing a training field as to not over use existing playing field (have the space within the lease area, however having problems with community people protesting about knocking down trees to expand)  Building a gym into the existing shed (possibly having it open to the general public, already have spoken to qualified gym instructors about the possibility)  Applying through GAGAL for funding to build a canteen area. Local clubs may not get as many home games now Marley Brown is back on line, however it is still unknown and clubs will have to pay to hire Marley Brown Oval. Current usage The club uses the facility five nights a week for training, Friday night competition for juniors and several home games on Saturdays throughout the year for seniors. Current participation The club currently has 185 junior players with membership increasing at a rate of 10 ‐12% per annum. The club does not have the capacity to manage much more of an increase as it does not have the field space. Possible participation Possible participation for Calliope Junior Rugby League Football Club (based on low (5%), medium (10%) and high (15%) average annual increases) 24 Mount Larcom/Calliope/Boyne Valley
800
700
Participation
600
500
400
300
200
100
0
Low (5%)
Medium (10%)
High (15%)
Year 2009
185
185
185
Year 2014
236
298
372
Year 2019
301
480
748
Predicted participation It is predicted that participation within the Calliope Junior Rugby League Football Club Inc will increase at a high level within the next 5 to 10 years. Based on:  34% of students stating they play rugby league and 28% of students indicating they would like to play more rugby league;  When students were asked “Where is your favourite place other than their home?” the highest response was the footy fields;  Current and predicted participation growth by the club; and  An anticipated high growth in population of the Calliope area. Recommended Standard of Provision for the sport 1 lit senior field plus two mini fields: 200 participants Usage – Friday night and all day Saturday and Sunday Current Provision 1 lit senior field: 185 participants Usage – Friday night and five nights per week training Conclusion Matched against the current capacity and the recommended standard of provision it is concluded for Calliope Junior Rugby League Football Club Inc that:  Participation is predicted to increase at a high level.  Based on the recommended Standard of Provision for rugby league, the facility that the club uses is over capacity (including junior and senior participation).  One senior field and two mini fields are required now.  An additional senior field is required when participation reaches 320. It is anticipated that this will occur before 2014. Rugby League Calliope Rugby League Football Club Inc. Overview of current facility The Calliope Rugby League Football Club Inc hires grounds from the Calliope Junior Rugby League Club. The club pays $500 for a home game and $50 per night for training. The cost of hiring the 25 Mount Larcom/Calliope/Boyne Valley
facility is believed to be stifling the development of the senior club. The Calliope Rugby League Football Club would like to have a say in the development and management of the facility. Current usage The club uses the facility for 3 ‐ 5 home games per season and training two nights a week. This costs approximately $4,000 in hire fees. Current participation The club has 30 members but sees itself as part of a rugby league succession plan enhancing the junior club. There is a good group of U18 Calliope Juniors which should filter through to the seniors, increasing player numbers. The mandate from the Gladstone Rugby League Association is to have a U20’s team and an A‐Grade team by 2011. Possible participation Possible participation for Calliope Rugby League Football Club Inc. (based on low (5%), medium (10%) and high (15%) average annual increases) 140
120
Participation
100
80
60
40
20
0
Low (5%)
Medium (10%)
High (15%)
Year 2009
30
30
30
Year 2014
38
48
60
Year 2019
49
78
121
Predicted participation It is predicted that participation within the Calliope Rugby League Football Club Inc will increase at a high level within the next 5 to 10 years. Based on:  The requirement to establish two new teams within two years;  The number of juniors coming through to senior competition;  Current and predicted participation growth by the club; and  An anticipated high growth in population of the Calliope area. Recommended Standard of Provision for the sport 1 lit senior field plus two mini fields: 200 participants Usage – Friday night and all day Saturday and Sunday Current Provision 1 lit senior field: 30 participants Usage – 3‐5 home games per year and 2 nights/week training 26 Mount Larcom/Calliope/Boyne Valley
Conclusion Matched against the current capacity and the recommended standard of provision it is concluded for Calliope Rugby League Football Club Inc that:  Participation is predicted to increase at a high level.  Based on the recommended Standard of Provision for rugby league and combined with the junior club the facility that the club uses is over capacity.  Refer to Calliope Junior Rugby League Football Club Inc. for conclusions. 6.2 Future Sports Provision It is anticipated that due to the high growth of the Calliope area, a range of new sports will begin to emerge. As the population increases teams, clubs and associations will begin to form. At a population of approximately 10,000, provision will need to be considered for the following sports: ‐ Athletics ‐ Australian Rules ‐ Hockey ‐ Netball ‐ Touch The future needs of these sports should be considered as part of any future sports land provision. 6.3 Sports Provision (Quality) Once the sports standard of provision is determined (e.g. there needs to be a new field/court) a number of other areas should be reviewed before making any decision regarding the provision of more land for fields or courts. These areas include: Training or competition facilities Is the current use of the field or court used for training or competition? Training facilities do not require a full field space. Training can occur on any green space, therefore a new facility would not be built if it was only required for training purposes. Club needs The standard of provision for a sport could suggest a new field is required, however if the club or association has not identified a need for additional field then this situation should be monitored until such time as the club deems it necessary. On the other hand, there is many times where a club thinks they require an additional field but when matched against the standard of provision there does not appear to be a need. If this situation occurs the club would need to clearly demonstrate why a new field/court is required as it is most likely that the club just wants more space rather than an actual need. There may also be issues with access to field/court time. 27 Mount Larcom/Calliope/Boyne Valley
Scheduling Often clubs requesting more field or court space have not considered adding additional nights to the competition or rescheduling games to be more effective. Examining the scheduling of competitions can solve many facilities issues. Supporting facilities Many of the standards of provision indicate lighting to meet the standard. Where appropriate lighting will enable more and higher level competition to be played. There are a number of other supporting facilities that will increase the capacity of sporting facilities, for example: fitness trails; paths and green space for training purposes. Utilisation of other community facilities for training purposes will also increase the capacity of facilities, for example: community fitness trails; gyms; and use of swimming pools for training purposes. Participation Trends Although an anticipated growth has been projected as part of the sports mapping process, participation trends within the sport should be monitored and projections updated against the graph to determine when new fields and courts will be required. Maintenance Maintenance of fields and courts is important to be able to sustain high levels and multiple‐use. Sports field consultants are able to create a maintenance and mowing plan, including fertilising, top dressing and irrigation schedules to ensure grass cover with high levels of use all year round. Club Administration Many of the sport facilities that are provided are managed and run by sporting clubs or associations and often do not have the skills or revenue to maintain their facilities to a high standard. Appropriate facility planning and management are important to ensuring the capacity of the facility to meet the needs of participants. When considering facility development or relocation, it is important to assess the capacity of the organisation to be able to manage development and future maintenance. Capacity can be determined by the number of volunteers, planning and risk management planning in place, financial status and meeting governance requirements. Considerations for Sports Provision 1. Assessing the need for the following: a. Lighting of the Calliope cricket oval/ football (soccer) field b. An additional two senior rugby league field and two mini fields 2. Planning for an additional cricket oval in Calliope, in the long term (10 years). 3. Planning for an additional senior football (soccer) field and space for junior fields in Calliope in the long term (10 years). 4. Monitoring and documenting participation in sporting clubs to accurately project participation numbers and plan for future fields and courts. 5. Undertaking the sports mapping process on new sporting organisations. 6. Considering the needs of future sports in any sports land development. 28 Mount Larcom/Calliope/Boyne Valley
7.0 CURRENT SITUATION SUMMARY 7.1 MOUNT LARCOM MOUNT LARCOM COMMUNITY Mount Larcom is located at the junction of the Bruce Highway and Port Curtis Way, 33km North West of Gladstone. The community is divided by the Bruce Highway and rail lines with residential and shops on one side, and community facilities on the other. The size of the township is limited by a Queensland Government decision not to support residential growth, due to the township being in close proximity to the Gladstone State Development Area (future location of major industry). In the 2006 Census (held on 8th August 2006), there were 253 persons usually resident in Mount Larcom. Of these people 47.8% were males and 52.2% were females. 19.8% of the population usually resident in Mount Larcom were children aged between 0‐14 years, and 24.9% were persons aged 55 years and over. The median age of persons in Mount Larcom was 42 years, compared with 37 years for persons in Australia. In the 2006 Census, there were 69 families in Mount Larcom: 42.0% were couple families with children, 49.3% were couple families without children, and 8.7% were one parent families. 56.7% of Mount Larcom residents were employed full‐time, 27.5% were employed part‐time, 5.0% were employed but away from work, 5.0% were employed but did not state their hours worked and 5.8% were unemployed. The most common responses for occupation for employed persons were Labourers 27.4%, Machinery Operators And Drivers 16.8%, and Technicians and Trades Workers 14.2%. The median weekly individual income was $351, compared with $466 in Australia. The median weekly family income was $1,009, compared with $1,171 in Australia. MOUNT LARCOM OPEN SPACE PROVISION Mount Larcom covers an area of 160.00Ha, of this area 7.59Ha or 4.74% is open space. With a population of 253 people, there are 33 people per Hectare of open space. This figure is well beyond industry benchmark standards (Gladstone City Open Space and Recreation Plan) of 5.0Ha to every 1000 people (or 0.005Ha per person). MOUNT LARCOM PARKS AND RECREATION PROVISION MOUNT LARCOM OPEN SPACE GREEN SPACE RECREATION There are two green space developed areas in Mount Larcom: Bicentennial Park and Pincham Park. Bicentennial Park has a new amenities building; new picnic shelters and a children’s playground. The park is adjacent to the Bruce Highway and used as a tourist stop and has parking for cars and caravans. 29 Mount Larcom/Calliope/Boyne Valley
Pincham Park is located in Davis Street Mount Larcom. The park has children’s play equipment and a seat. It is noted that the park is very dry and hot during the day. There are a number of trees in the park, however no shade over the children’s playground. What the community said:  36% of Mount Larcom survey respondents said they wanted the parks better maintained including comments: o Cater for families o Shade provision o Greening and watering of parks o Contractors killing the trees by mowing too close o Many of the survey respondents said they wanted better landscaping around the township: A big issue was the bougainvillea being cut down GREEN SPACE SPORT Golding Park is a large (6.99Ha) sport and recreation reserve in Mount Larcom. The park includes a large field space that was used, in the past, by the Mount Larcom Cricket Club. The space is no longer used and is extremely dry and lacks grass cover. There is an old small tin shack that was used as a clubhouse by the club. Golding Park is located on the other side of a major railway line and highway from residential and commercial areas of the township. Mount Larcom State School has a sporting oval and cricket pitch (with 2 practice wickets) What the community said:  Through the survey, respondents indicated they wanted a competition level sporting facility (possible activities included touch and cricket).  When the survey respondents were asked what would they like to do but can’t, 14% said sporting competition played at Mount Larcom.  Football training is held on the school grounds. MOUNT LARCOM PARK FACILITIES CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND Children’s playgrounds are located in Bicentennial Park and Pincham Park, Mount Larcom. The playground equipment is basic and settings are similar. Bicentennial Park play equipment consists of one small fort with a slide on sand soft fall. The playground is not shaded. Pincham Park has one 2 swing set, as well as a two level fort with a slide and naughts and crosses game. The playground is on sand soft fall and there is no shade over the equipment. Mount Larcom State School has four undercover playground structures, including a fort, slide and monkey bars. What the community said: 30 Mount Larcom/Calliope/Boyne Valley

36% of the survey respondents said they wanted better playground equipment suitable for a range of ages. PICNIC FACILITY Bicentennial Park provides the facilities for picnicking in Mount Larcom. There are three picnic shelters with tables and chairs. The park also has toilet amenities, and bins but no BBQ’s. Mount Larcom Pool includes a number of picnic facilities. What the community said:  When the survey respondents were asked what would they like to do but can’t, people said family picnic areas. MOUNT LARCOM SPORTING FACILITES SPORTS COURTS Mount Larcom has a range of sports courts, including: Mount Larcom Tennis Courts – Located adjacent to Golding Park. The Mount Larcom Tennis Court facility includes two tennis courts and associated clubhouse. The courts are overgrown and unusable. Mount Larcom Skate Rink – The Mount Larcom Skate Rink (Golding Park) is a full court basketball court with hoops. Handball and other ball games are able to be played on the rink. There is also a sand volleyball court near the skate rink. Mount Larcom State School – Mount Larcom State School has two multipurpose courts for tennis, volleyball, netball and basketball. What the community said:  Want the tennis courts fixed up and maintained to be able to play handball and tennis. EQUESTRIAN FACILITY Mount Larcom Showgrounds provide a range of equestrian facilities, including space for show jumping, an arena, round yard and stable facilities. What the community said:  The Silver Spurs Western Performance & Quarter Horse Club Inc wants to extend their facility for a sand based training area at the Mt Larcom Showgrounds.  The Silver Spurs Western Performance & Quarter Horse Club wants Gladstone Regional Council to consider a Regional Equestrian Centre. BOWLS GREEN Mount Larcom Bowls Club has an artificial surface eight rink shaded bowls green, clubhouse with pool tables, dartboards and bar. 31 Mount Larcom/Calliope/Boyne Valley
MOUNT LARCOM COMMUNITY FACILITIES UNDERCOVER/INDOOR FACILITY There are seven undercover/indoor facilities in Mount Larcom, including:  Mount Larcom Community Hall  Mount Larcom RSL Hall (Showgrounds)  Mount Larcom Youth Centre  Mount Larcom QCWA Hall  Mount Larcom Art Gallery and Memorabilia  Mount Larcom Showground Pavillions  Mount Larcom Bowls Club What the community said:  The QCWA hall is well utilised by the community – the Branch requires funding to upgrade the kitchen.  Mt Larcom Art Gallery and Memorabilia has just been opened. YOUTH SPACE Mount Larcom Youth Centre and Skate Rink in Golding Park provides space for young people to hang out. The youth centre is a colour bond shed with a pool table, TV, games and other equipment for young people. The centre is managed by Council and the community and is limited in opening times. The skate rink is available at all times as a youth hand out space. What the community said:  When the survey respondents were asked what would they like to do but can’t, 27% said the youth centre should be reopened.  When the survey respondents were asked what would they like to do but can’t, 14% said the skate park should be back.  When the survey respondents were asked what would they like to do but can’t, 14% said the old BMX track should be maintained.  14% of the survey respondents said young people were missing out in Mount Larcom. SWIMMING POOL Mount Larcom Swimming Pool is located in Golding Park. The pool includes a 25 meter eight lane pool and a shaded children’s wading pool. There are toilet and dressing amenities, kiosk, grandstand and picnic areas. The pool is owned by Gladstone Regional Council and has a pool manager in place. The pool is opened Thursday through to Monday from 12 noon – 6.00pm. What the community said:  Survey respondents said they visited the pool.  Survey respondents said that the pool needed to be open more than three days a week in summer.  When the survey respondents were asked what would they like to do but can’t, 18% said aqua aerobics. 32 Mount Larcom/Calliope/Boyne Valley

Council staff has identified the following issues for the Mount Larcom Pool: o The pool requires some fencing repairs o Succession planning to replace the lifeguards SHOWGROUND Mount Larcom Showground provides showground facilities, including an arena, pavilions, sheds, horse yards and stables, toilet amenities and canteen/bar facilities. What the community said:  The Mt Larcom Show Society has identified the following issues: o Drainage on the roads (need to be resurfaced) o Infrastructure not coping with usage – more toilets required and better drainage for the sewage system o Power needs to be upgraded as there is not enough power to provide rides for the annual show WATER ACCESS Boat Ramps in the Mount Larcom area are provided at Raglan Creek, Ramsay’s Crossing and The Narrows Road. What the community said:  Raglan Creek is very slippery and too narrow.  Ramsay’s Crossing needs a fish filleting table. TOURIST STOP Bicentennial Park acts as a tourist stop in Mount Larcom. The park is located adjacent to the highway and provides car and caravan parking, toilet amenities, picnic facilities. There are shops located nearby. Mount Larcom Art Gallery and Memorabilia (MLAGAM) is located behind the Mount Larcom Rural Transaction Centre. The MLAGAM group are targeting tourists to stop and drop in to the centre to learn about the area and view art and craft works. MOUNT LARCOM PATHS AND TRAILS PATHS AND TRAILS There are no identified pathways or bikeways in Mount Larcom. What the community said:  The most popular activities undertaken in Mt Larcom was walking the streets.  Survey respondents said that is wasn’t safe to go walking at night.  Many survey respondents said how difficult it was to access the facilities over the other side of the railway line and wanted a better access for bikes and pedestrians. 33 Mount Larcom/Calliope/Boyne Valley
Considerations for Mount Larcom 1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
Developing Pincham Park as a family playground/picnic park for Mount Larcom residents. Maintain and manage Bicentennial Park as a tourist stop, including signage to promote the rest of the town. The maintenance of parks including greening, landscaping for shade and not mowing to close to trees. Improving maintenance of the cricket oval as a sporting green space. Undertaking major repairs and maintenance to the Mount Larcom Tennis Courts. Establishing agreements with schools and promoting community use of school grounds. That the playground equipment in Bicentennial Park is unshaded and not appropriate for the space and should not be replaced. More appropriate/shaded equipment should be considered to service the park. More play equipment be provided in Pincham Park, including a range in age and variety of equipment and the park be landscaped for shade. Establishing partnerships with the community to maintain and operate the Mount Larcom Youth Centre. Creating a link from Bicentennial Park to the Mount Larcom Art Gallery and Memorabilia, including a signage strategy and pathway. The following projects in Mount Larcom go through the assessment criteria to determine priorities: a. Picnic facilities at Pincham Park. b. Better access to recreation facilities (Golding Park) from residential and commercial areas. c. A signage strategy for the district (with Mount Larcom priorities being Bicentennial Park linking to other areas in the township). 34 Mount Larcom/Calliope/Boyne Valley
7.2 CALLIOPE CALLIOPE COMMUNITY Calliope, located 21km West of Gladstone, sits 2km from the intersection of the Bruce and Dawson Highways. Calliope is one of the fastest growing areas in the Gladstone Region with a projected population of 16800 by the year 2031. The demographics of the township are changing with new residential developments, many young families are moving to the area. In the 2006 Census there were 1,550 persons usually resident in Calliope: 51.3% were males and 48.7% were females. 26.8% of the population were children aged between 0‐14 years, and 17.6% were persons aged 55 years and over. The median age of persons in Calliope was 33 years, compared with 37 years for persons in Australia. During the week prior to the 2006 Census, 754 people aged 15 years and over were in the labour force. Of these, 67.6% were employed full‐time, 22.3% were employed part‐time, 4.4% were employed but away from work, 2.3% were employed but did not state their hours worked and 3.4% were unemployed. The most common responses for occupation for employed persons were Technicians and Trades Workers 21.4%, Machinery Operators and Drivers 19.1%, Labourers 16.1%, Clerical and Administrative Workers 11.7% and Sales Workers 8.0%. In Calliope the median weekly individual income for persons aged 15 years and over who were usual residents was $500, compared with $466 in Australia. The median weekly family income was $1,312, compared with $1,171 in Australia. In the 2006 Census, there were 428 families in Calliope: 53.7% were couple families with children, 34.8% were couple families without children, and 11.4% were one parent families. CALLIOPE OPEN SPACE PROVISION Calliope covers an area of 410.00Ha, of this area in excess of 52.52Ha or 12.81% is open space (note that this area is different to that used for the Open Space Provision Standard calculations). With a population of 1550 people, there are 30 people per Hectare of open space. This figure is well beyond industry benchmark standards (Gladstone City Open Space and Recreation Plan) of 5.0Ha to every 1000 people (or 0.005Ha per person). CALLIOPE PARKS AND RECREATION PROVISION CALLIOPE OPEN SPACE GREEN SPACE RECREATION Bunting Park, Jaycees Park and Hazelbrook Park are all green space developed areas in Calliope. Bunting Park has 12.9Ha of space, including a large informal recreation space with toilet amenities, seats and a skate park and children’s playground (in addition to a number of sporting facilities and community halls). Hazelbrook Park has 1.41Ha of space. The older part of the park includes picnic tables, play equipment, a half court basketball court and many shade trees. The new section of the park has a picnic shelter, new play equipment and fitness stations. There is very little shade in the new section of the park. 35 Mount Larcom/Calliope/Boyne Valley
Jaycees Park is 6.7Ha of green space, located on the Dawson Highway at the Western entrance to Calliope. The park consists of a large open space area, one picnic shelter near the road, a BBQ and play equipment. The play equipment and BBQ are considered extremely old and should be removed for risk mitigation. Signage at the park is also old and unreadable. What the community said:  Survey respondents want more family orientated parks.  There were comments from the survey respondents that Jaycees Park should be cleaned up as it is the entrance to the town.  When the survey respondents were asked “what else would you like to do”, people said that they would go to the park more if the parks were better.  When the survey respondents were asked “who is missing out in your community”, 6% said tiny tots, another 6% said kids, while another 6% said youth.  13% of survey respondents said they used Bunting Park.  16% of the survey respondents said they use Hazelbrook Park.  Survey respondents said they want a dog park.  When the survey respondents were asked “who is missing out in your community”, 6% said dog people.  The most common response to “do these facilities meet your needs?” o no, upgrade parks, modern equipment, green, more equipment, BBQ’s, toilets required (25%) o better maintained parks – toilets cleaned, bins emptied and water available (16%) o more shade and seating required in parks (16%) GREEN SPACE SPORT Bunting Park is a large (12.9Ha) sport and recreation reserve in Calliope. The park includes a rugby league field and jointly used soccer field/cricket oval. Rugby League has one lit senior field with a clubhouse, amenities building and storage. Soccer has space for 1 senior field (used for junior training) and jointly uses the field with cricket (1 oval). Calliope State Primary School has two ovals, although the surface of the ovals is described as “very ordinary” and in need of repair. What the community said:  16% of the survey respondents said they wanted fields to be upgraded to competition standard.  Comments were made in the survey that the rugby league oval needs seating and the car park sealed.  When the survey respondents were asked “what else would you like to do”, a number of people said they wanted fields for competition in Calliope.  Community cricket is played at the Calliope State School.  The school has indicated the oval is in need of upgrading.  The Calliope Junior Soccer Club wants a lease over their facility. 36 Mount Larcom/Calliope/Boyne Valley
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The Calliope Junior Soccer Club wants to expand the facility and develop a competition level facility with power and toilets.  Calliope & District Cricket Club want a lease over their facility in conjunction with the soccer club.  The Calliope & District Cricket Club requires a clubhouse and amenities block.  Calliope Rugby League Football Club Inc wants to have a say in the development and management of the facility they utilise and want equitable provision for all clubs.  Calliope Junior Rugby League Football Club Inc wants to expand their facility to provide for a training ground to assist with the overuse of the competition field.  When the school students were asked what their favourite place other than home is, 15% said the footy fields at Calliope. Refer to the sports provision process for more details on the field sport needs of Calliope. CALLIOPE PARK FACILITIES CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND Bunting Park, Hazelbrook Park and Jaycees Park all provide children’s playgrounds in Calliope. Bunting Park playground includes a large fort with two levels of play, including a side. There is also one two swing set. The playground is on sand soft fall and is shaded by nearby trees. The playground has a nearby seat. The park is near a skate park and full court basketball court. Hazelbrook Park consists of two play areas. The older end of the park includes a basic fort with slide and two 2 set swings. The equipment is on sand soft fall and is shaded by nearby trees. The equipment is supported by nearby seating, a bin and tap. There is also a nearby half court basketball court. The new area of Hazelbrook Park has two children’s rockers installed as part of the a fitness station located in the park. Jaycees Park has an ancient climbing set and slide. The equipment is on grass and the bottom of the slide is set on a concrete pad. This equipment is considered a risk for the community and would not meet current standards and should be removed as soon as possible. What the community said:  16% of survey respondents said that the parks were not safe and needed a fence barrier between the playground and the road (in particular the new children’s play items in Hazelbrook Park).  When the school children were asked what should a park have in it, they replied: Play equipment – seesaws, swings, monkey bars, slides PICNIC FACILITY Picnic facilities are provided at Hazelbrook Park and Jaycees Park in Calliope. There is one picnic table at Bunting Park. Hazelbrook Park has one picnic table at the older part of the park and a new picnic shelter at the newer section. There are bins at both locations. Hazelbrook Park does not have toilet amenities. Jaycees Park has one picnic shelter. There are no bins or toilet amenities at the park. There is one old rusted wood BBQ on a small concrete pad that would no longer be 37 Mount Larcom/Calliope/Boyne Valley
used. What the community said:  The community wanted upgraded parks with more/modern equipment, green, BBQs and toilets.  Community respondents commented that there was no area that had both picnic facilities and toilet amenities. CALLIOPE SPORTING FACILITES SPORTS COURTS Calliope has a range of sports courts, including: Bunting Park has a full sized basketball court. Hazelbrook Park has a half court basketball court, in good condition. Calliope State School has two tennis courts that are in poor condition. Calliope State School is currently building a three court indoor stadium which will be accessible to the community. This facility is due for completion in 2010. What the community said:  The school has indicated the school tennis courts need upgrading.  It was mentioned that the basketball court in Bunting Park needs repair as the surface is unusable and the hoops are too high. EQUESTRIAN FACILITY Chapman Park is leased to the Calliope Hack and Pony Club. The park includes a number of facilities, including a round yard and horse yards. Calliope Racecourse is located on Racecourse Road, Calliope. The facility includes a race track and associated facilities (yards, undercover area and bar). The inside of the racecourse is also used for polocrosse. What the community said:  The Calliope Rodeo Association Inc requires more seating and extension to their amenities block at Chapman Park.  The Curtis & District Trail Riding Club Inc does not have sufficient membership or enough administrators. The club uses private property for rides. RACE COURSE Calliope Racecourse is located on Racecourse Road, Calliope. The facility includes a race track and associated facilities (yards, undercover area and bar). The inside of the racecourse is also used for polocrosse. GOLF COURSE Calliope Golf Course is an 18‐hole course with a clubhouse and associated amenities. BOWLS GREEN Calliope Bowls Club has a bowls green with clubhouse offering meals and bar. 38 Mount Larcom/Calliope/Boyne Valley
CALLIOPE COMMUNITY FACILITIES UNDERCOVER/INDOOR FACILITY There are currently four undercover/indoor facilities in Calliope, including:  Calliope Community Centre  Calliope RSL Memorial Hall  Calliope Bowls Club  Calliope QCWA Hall What the community said:  Calliope State School is currently building a three court indoor stadium which will be accessible to the community. This facility is due for completion in 2010.  The RSL Hall is well utilised by the community.  The Calliope Bowls Club is upgrading and need to bitumen the driveway but are uncertain if Council requires digging up the areas again for laying cables.  The QCWA Hall at Calliope is well utilised, however the floor requires repairing and insect screens need to be put in. YOUTH SPACE Bunting Park is the location of the Calliope Skate Park. The skate park has a bowl, quarter pipe and various ramps. What the community said:  Most popular place visited by Calliope residents was the skate park (22%).  16% of survey respondents said that shade was required at the skate park.  9% said that a bigger and more jumps were required at the skate park.  Comments were made by the survey respondents that the old BMX track around the town should be maintained.  When the survey respondents were asked “what else would you like to do”, a number of people said that Calliope needed a hang out space for teenagers. SWIMMING POOL Calliope Community Swimming Pool is located at the Calliope State School. The pool includes a 25 meter eight lane swimming pool, as well as a large shaded beach entry pool. There are toilet and dressing amenities, kiosk, volleyball court and picnic areas. The pool is owned by Education Queensland. Council hire the pool for community use and the pool is opened 3.30pm – 6.00pm week‐days. What the community said:  16% of calliope survey respondents said they use the swimming pool.  16% said that the pool should have better/more friendly opening hours.  When the survey respondents were asked “what else would you like to do”, a number of people said they wanted to swim more but the pool was not open enough hours. One respondent said that during summer on the weekends the pool was not even open long enough.  The Calliope School has long term plans to heat the swimming pool. 39 Mount Larcom/Calliope/Boyne Valley
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Council staff indicated there is a lack of community use of the Calliope Swimming Pool and that the community has a perception the pool should be open more hours. Calliope Swim Club has 70 members, however can’t attract a volunteer swim coach for 2009 summer season. WATER ACCESS A boat ramp is located at River Ranch Park to access the Calliope River. TOURIST STOP Calliope River Camp Ground provides an extremely popular tourist caravan stop. The stop is limited to 48 hours for campers and is monitored by Rangers. There are three amenities buildings which are all in good condition. There is also a boat ramp into the Calliope River. Calliope Historical Village is located on the Bruce Highway. The village is opened daily from 8am to 4pm and hosts monthly markets. The village includes historical displays, toilet amenities, kiosk and coffee shop. Jaycees Park is located on the Western entrance to Calliope. There are no visible signs at the park and the picnic shelter is the only facility for travellers. Due to the location of the park on the highway and at the edge of town, this park provides a perfect tourist stop opportunity. What the community said:  Council staff indicated that the Calliope River Camp Ground is undergoing a renovation to improve facilities.  One survey respondent indicated that people from Gladstone get lost going to the historical village markets and think it is in the Calliope Township. There needs to be more highway signage to the village. CALLIOPE PATHS AND TRAILS PATHS AND TRAILS There is approximately 2km of bikeways in Calliope. One path is from the Calliope State School along the Dawson Highway to Drynan Drive. The other path is approximately 1km from the Dawson Highway along Taragoola Road to Vallis Street. What the community said:  The second most popular used facility in Calliope was the pathways (19%).  19% of the survey respondents wanted the path between the school and Hazelbrook repaired.  16% said they wanted more pathways which linked key locations in Calliope e.g. Archer St and Bloomfield St, CWA hall to Hazelbrook.  One person suggested that there needs to be lights along the pathway in Calliope and also at key locations around the town.  People indicated in the survey that they would walk more if the paths were better or improved. 40 Mount Larcom/Calliope/Boyne Valley
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Many survey respondents indicated that there needed to be a pedestrian crossing over the highway especially for the school kids. Council staff indicated the biggest issue for people using the library and community centre is the pedestrian access and the crossing over the highway. Considerations for Calliope 1.
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11.
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Developing Bunting Park as an active recreation space, playground, skate park and sports area. Future play equipment should be focused on older age groups (7‐12), such as bike mania, flying fox etc... Developing a master and management plan over Bunting Park to determine future development location, requirements and tenure. The immediate removal of play equipment and the BBQ from Jaycees Park. Developing a concept plan for the location of facilities and future direction of Hazelbrook Park. The ongoing and improved maintenance of parks, including greening and landscaping for shade. Better path/bikeway linkages throughout the Calliope Township, including key areas: residential, commercial, sporting/parks, Council/library and school. Repair and maintain existing bikeway along Dawson Highway, with an improved surface. Advocate for a safe pedestrian crossing over Dawson Highway near Hazelbrook shops to access recreation facilities and commercial areas from the school. Providing seating and shade at the Calliope Skate Park. Investigate and create a feasible option for the management and promotion of community use of the pool. A signage strategy for the district (with Calliope priorities being the Calliope River Camp Ground and Highway signage at Calliope for the Calliope Historical Village markets). That Calliope projects have assessed and prioritised, as follows: a. Redevelopment of Jaycees Park (more natural park with BBQ, picnic area and signage) (Medium) b. More bikeways in Calliope (Medium) c. Bunting Park multi‐purpose hard court upgrade (Medium) d. Fencing along the roadside of the playground areas in Bunting and Hazelbrook Parks (Medium) e. Hazelbrook Park development (including toilet amenities, irrigation, landscaping and more picnic/BBQ areas) (Medium) f. Development of a dog park in Calliope (Low) 41 Mount Larcom/Calliope/Boyne Valley
7.3 BOYNE VALLEY BOYNE VALLEY COMMUNITY The Boyne Valley is an area located in the valley of the Boyne River, located 70km south west of Gladstone. The rural community consists of four small towns, including Nagoorin, Ubobo, Builyan and Many Peaks. In the 2006 Census (held on 8th August 2006), there were 646 persons usually resident in Boyne Valley: 52.8% were males and 47.2% were females. 24.3% of the population were children aged between 0‐14 years, and 25.1% were persons aged 55 years and over. The median age of persons in Boyne Valley was 41 years, compared with 37 years for persons in Australia. During the week prior to the 2006 Census, 316 people aged 15 years and over who were usually resident in Boyne Valley were in the labour force. Of these, 71.2% were employed full‐time, 19.6% were employed part‐time, 3.5% were employed but away from work, 4.4% were employed but did not state their hours worked and 1.3% were unemployed. The most common responses for occupation were Managers 28.5%, Machinery Operators And Drivers 17.3%, Technicians and Trades Workers 15.1%, Labourers 12.8% and Professionals 7.7%. In Boyne Valley the median weekly individual income for persons aged 15 years and over who were usual residents was $434, compared with $466 in Australia. The median weekly household income was $937, compared with $1,027 in Australia. The median weekly family income was $1,104, compared with $1,171 in Australia. In the 2006 Census, there were 183 families in Boyne Valley: 43.2% were couple families with children, 48.6% were couple families without children, 8.2% were one parent families. BOYNE VALLEY OPEN SPACE PROVISION The Boyne Valley covers an area of 262720.00 Ha. Of this area 54.29Ha or 0.02% is open space. With a population of 646 people, there are 12 people per Hectare of open space. This figure is well beyond industry benchmark standards (Gladstone City Open Space and Recreation Plan) of 5.0Ha to every 1000 people (or 0.005Ha per person). BOYNE VALLEY PARKS AND RECREATION PROVISION BOYNE VALLEY OPEN SPACE GREEN SPACE RECREATION There is no Council owned or managed land specifically for recreation currently in Builyan. There is no Council owned or managed land specifically for recreation currently in Nagoorin. There is a picnic table and chairs located at the Nagoorin Hall. There is no Council owned or managed land specifically for recreation currently in Ubobo. There is recreation space located on a road reserve between Monto Road and Railway Terrace. There is also recreation space in between the Ubobo Memorial Hall and the Ubobo QCWA Hall, including toilet amenities and a BBQ/picnic area. Ubobo Recreation Reserve and the Ubobo Discovery Centre also have suitable informal recreation areas. 42 Mount Larcom/Calliope/Boyne Valley
What the community said:  Survey respondents said they wanted improved landscaping around the area.  The survey respondents indicated they wanted a park in each township.  It was suggested by a Builyan resident that there is a block of land next to the medical centre that could be used as a local park and include a children’s playground.  It was noted by a number of community members in Nagoorin that Council owned a piece of land in MacGregor Street that was to be developed as parkland for the community. Council has recently changed the purpose of this land for residential development and the community is protesting this decision. GREEN SPACE SPORT Builyan Recreation Reserve is located on the corner of Monto Road and Racecourse Road. The reserve includes sporting field space. Builyan State School has a sports oval and cricket nets. Nagoorin State School has a full size sports field with rugby league posts and a cricket pitch. Ubobo Recreation Grounds are located behind the new Ubobo Discovery Centre. The grounds consist of a large open field space with no line marking or posts. The facility includes a small clubhouse building. Ubobo State School has a marked athletics track and a soccer field currently under construction. The community use the school facilities. What the community said:  Survey respondents in the Boyne Valley said they wanted better maintenance of the sports reserves.  Survey respondents indicated they required a toilet at the sports grounds in Builyan.  Nagoorin State school allows community use of the school facilities, with permission from the Principal. The school says the sports field is satisfactory, however with very little rain the field is brown.  Survey respondents, the Boyne Valley Community Discovery Centre, the Ubobo Progress Association and the school principal indicated that Ubobo needs a cricket pitch.  The Boyne Valley Community Discovery Centre and the Ubobo Progress Association have indicated the oval needs to be upgraded – it is not flat, requires drainage and top dressing. BOYNE VALLEY PARK FACILITIES CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND Builyan State School provides the only playground in Builyan. The equipment includes a two level fort with multiple play areas. The play equipment is on sand soft fall and is covered by a large sun shade. Nagoorin State School provides the only playground in Nagoorin. The equipment includes a large fort with multiple play areas. The equipment is on sand soft fall and is covered by a large sun shade. There is also play equipment for older ages in the form of a youth fitness trail include a range of elements and a rock climbing wall. The school equipment is 43 Mount Larcom/Calliope/Boyne Valley
available for community use with the permission of the Principal. Ubobo State School provides the only play equipment in Ubobo. The equipment consists of a coppers log climbing fort, as well as a newer fort. The equipment is on sand soft fall and the newer equipment is covered by a large sun shade. What the community said:  Survey respondents in Builyan commented on the possibility of using school facilities.  Nagoorin Progress Association stated the Nagoorin requires a little playground for the young ones (there is also a mothers groups in Nagoorin that would use the playground). PICNIC FACILITY Futter Creek has a picnic area on the Monto Road. There is one picnic shelter off the road near the creek. There is no road signage to promote that this is a recreation picnic area. There is no Council owned or managed picnic area at Builyan. A picnic table is located adjacent to Monto Road near the shop with a Lions Club picnic table and shelter. There is no Council owned or managed picnic area at Nagoorin. There is a picnic table and chairs at the Nagoorin Hall near the toilet amenities. There is a picnic and BBQ area located between the Ubobo Memorial Hall and the Ubobo QCWA Hall. The area includes a shelter and picnic tables. There are toilets located at the back of the hall. Ubobo Recreation Grounds also have picnic tables and chairs. What the community said:  The redevelopment of the Builyan Hall proposes an outdoor BBQ area be built beside the hall.  The Nagoorin Progress Association stated that the community requires a covered BBQ area. BOYNE VALLEY SPORTING FACILITES SPORTS COURTS There are no sports courts in Builyan. Nagoorin State School has one tennis court and one sand volleyball court. Ubobo State School has one tennis court and one multipurpose flood lit court, as well as one grass netball court. What the community said.  Builyan respondents to the survey indicated they need a multipurpose court which they said would also service as a hangout space for the youth.  The Acting Principal of Nagoorin State School said that school facilities were available to the community to use with approval.  The Ubobo State School Principal said “The multipurpose court is an excellent resource and deserves to be widely advertised by Council.”  Individuals are able to use the Ubobo State school courts on request and periodically small groups organise weekly tennis matches but interest usually fades after time.  The Ubobo P&C organise a tennis tournament every term (children and adults). 44 Mount Larcom/Calliope/Boyne Valley
EQUESTRIAN FACILITY There are no identified equestrian facilities within the Boyne Valley. RACE COURSE There is no racecourse in the Boyne Valley. GOLF COURSE There is no golf course in the Boyne Valley. BOWLS GREEN There are no bowls greens in the Boyne Valley. BOYNE VALLEY COMMUNITY FACILITIES UNDERCOVER/INDOOR FACILITY Builyan has the Builyan Community Hall. The hall is not sign marked and there are no contact details for hire or activities. The Nagoorin Hall provides an indoor facility for the Nagoorin community. The hall is not sign marked and there are no contact details for hire or activities. Ubobo has three community halls, including: 
Ubobo Discovery Centre 
Ubobo Memorial Hall 
Ubobo QCWA Hall What the community said  The Builyan Hall is well utilised by the community for a range of functions and activities.  The Builyan Hall is undertaking a major refurbishment, including a new roof, paint and internal renovation. The project is being undertaken with GAGAL with funding from the federal Government.  The Ubobo Hall is well utilised by the community, however there is glass coming up through the ground where the school parents drop off the children for school – very dangerous.  The Ubobo QCWA Hall is used every Monday for craft and scrapbooking – which is very popular within the community. YOUTH SPACE There are no youth spaces in Builyan. There are no youth spaces in Nagoorin. There are no youth spaces in Ubobo. What the community said:  One of the most popular facilities people used in the Boyne Valley was the streets for kids to hang out. 45 Mount Larcom/Calliope/Boyne Valley
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When the survey respondents were asked “who was missing out” the majority of people indicated the kids and youth were missing out. The Builyan Many Peaks Development Association indicated that Nagoorin requires a BMX track. The Nagoorin Progress Association stated that a large youth petition (100 names) went to Council requesting a skate park. The community are irate that Council has not responded to the community regarding this request. SWIMMING POOL There is no public swimming pool in the Boyne Valley. The schools access the Calliope Community Swimming Pool. WATER ACCESS There is a boat ramp at the Boynedale Bush Camp for access to Lake Awoonga. TOURIST STOP Boynedale Bush Camp is located off the Gladstone Monto Road north of Nagoorin. The camp is on the edge of Awoonga Dam and is managed by the Gladstone Area Water Board. The camp provides a basic bush camping facility, with toilet amenities, fire rings, bins, picnic tables and shelters. Campers are permitted to stay for up to seven days. Basic boat access is provided near the camp. There is a picnic area at the Futter Creek Bridge and Barmundoo River. These areas are not signed or promoted. There are no identified tourist stops in Builyan. Ubobo Discovery Centre includes accommodation in a heritage listed house for school groups, an old railway building and stopping area for caravans/camping, amenities showers and toilets, and an outdoor eating area. What the community said:  The Boyne Valley Community Discovery Centre stated there are no signs up the Boyne Valley highlighting areas for tourists to stop.  The Builyan Many Peaks Community Development Association stated there is nowhere for the tourists to go when they come into the Boyne Valley area – possibly the Historical Railway Dam (could have a fence and a picnic areas, it’s very scenic and could become an environmental recreation area). BOYNE VALLEY PATHS AND TRAILS PATHS AND TRAILS There are no identified paths or bikeways in the Boyne Valley townships. What the community said:  One of the most popular facilities people used in the Boyne Valley was the streets for walking. 46 Mount Larcom/Calliope/Boyne Valley
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A number of survey respondents indicated they wanted scenic walking tracks up the valley for the locals and the tourists. The Builyan Many Peaks Development Association indicated walking tracks are required up the valley. Considerations for the Boyne Valley 1.
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Maintenance is undertaken on the Ubobo Recreation Ground, including top dressing and drainage. Establishing agreements with schools and promoting community use of school grounds, including sports courts and playgrounds. Sports grounds and community halls provide a hub for small communities and that appropriate recreation facilities should be included on the fringe of these facilities. Incorporating youth spaces within existing sport and recreation grounds. That Boyne Valley projects have been assessed and prioritised, as follows: a. A green space (recreation) for Nagoorin (Medium) b. Scenic multi‐use natural recreation trail along the Boyne Valley (Low) c. Toilet amenities at the Builyan Sports Ground (Low) d. A cricket pitch for Ubobo Recreation Ground (Low) e. A community playground for Builyan (Low) f. A community playground for Ubobo (Low) g. A community playground for Nagoorin (Low) h. A skate park/youth space in Nagoorin (Low) i. Multipurpose hard court in Builyan (Low) j. A signage strategy for the district (with the priorities in the Boyne Valley being the community halls and sports/recreation grounds, Futter Creek and Barmundoo River picnic area) (Medium) k. An undercover picnic/BBQ area at Nagoorin Hall (Low) l. Paths in Builyan (Low); Nagoorin (Low); and Ubobo (Low) 47 Mount Larcom/Calliope/Boyne Valley
7.4 YARWUN YARWUN COMMUNITY In the 2006 Census (held on 8th August 2006), there were 280 persons usually resident in Yarwun. Of these people 53.2% were males and 46.8% were females. In the 2006 Census 18.6% of the population usually resident in Yarwun were children aged between 0‐14 years, and 27.5% were persons aged 55 years and over. The median age of persons in Yarwun was 40 years, compared with 37 years for persons in Australia. In the 2006 Census, there were 74 families in Yarwun: 32.4% were couple families with children, 43.2% were couple families without children, and 24.3% were one parent families. 58.6% of Yarwun residents were employed full‐time, 20.3% were employed part‐time, 6.0% were employed but away from work, 8.3% were employed but did not state their hours worked and 6.8% were unemployed. The most common responses for occupation for employed persons were Technicians and Trades Workers 21.0%, Labourers 21.0%, Machinery Operators and Drivers 17.7%, Sales Workers 10.5% and Clerical and Administrative Workers 7.3%. The median weekly individual income was $416, compared with $466 in Australia. The median weekly household income was $972, compared with $1,027 in Australia. The Yarwun Progress Association undertook a Community Strategy in 2008. In this plan over 100 residents in the Yarwun and Targinnie area were consulted to determine the vision for the future, their needs and protecting and sustaining their existing facilities. Information from the Yarwun and Targinnie Community Strategy has been used to support the findings in this plan. YARWUN OPEN SPACE PROVISION Yarwun covers an area of 25440.00 Ha. Of this area 3.65Ha or 0.01% is open space. With a population of 281 people, there are 77 people per Hectare of open space. This figure is well beyond industry benchmark standards (Gladstone City Open Space and Recreation Plan) of 5.0Ha to every 1000 people (or 0.005Ha per person). YARWUN PARKS AND RECREATION PROVISION YARWUN OPEN SPACE GREEN SPACE RECREATION Yarwun Recreation Reserve provides space for informal recreation. The Yarwun Recreation Grounds include a skate park and toilet amenities, in addition to a sports field and tennis courts. The community said:  They want to improve the area by landscaping and keeping the area looking beautiful.  The toilets are disgusting and need maintaining. 48 Mount Larcom/Calliope/Boyne Valley
GREEN SPACE SPORT Yarwun Recreation Reserve is a 3.65Ha space, including a large field space with no line marking or posts. The facility includes a small timber and tin shelter and toilet amenities. Yarwun State School has a sporting oval.
YARWUN PARK FACILITIES CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND Yarwun State School provides the only play equipment in Yarwun. PICNIC FACILITY There is no Council owned or managed picnic area in Yarwun. YARWUN SPORTING FACILITES SPORTS COURTS Yarwun Recreation Grounds include a one court tennis court. There is also a half court basketball court included in the Yarwun Skate Park. Yarwun State School has a tennis court. EQUESTRIAN FACILITY There are no identified equestrian facilities in Yarwun. RACE COURSE There is no racecourse in Yarwun. GOLF COURSE There is no golf course in Yarwun. BOWLS GREEN There are no bowls greens in Yarwun. YARWUN COMMUNITY FACILITIES UNDERCOVER/INDOOR FACILITY The Yarwun Community Hall services the community of Yarwun/Targinnie. YOUTH SPACE Yarwun Recreation Grounds is the location of the Yarwun Skate Park. The skate park includes a ramp, quarter pipe, spine ramp and grind rails. The community said:  They want to encourage the use of developed motocross facilities. SWIMMING POOL 49 Mount Larcom/Calliope/Boyne Valley
There is no public swimming pool in Yarwun. WATER ACCESS There is no water to access in Yarwun. TOURIST STOP There are no identified tourist stops in Yarwun. YARWUN PATHS AND TRAILS PATHS AND TRAILS There is a gravel pathway along the Yarwun Targinnie Road, linking the old school with residential areas, past the Yarwun Recreation Grounds, up to the corner of Boyle Street. Considerations for Yarwun 1.
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3.
Establishing agreements with schools and promoting community use of school grounds, including sports courts and playgrounds. Sports grounds and community halls provide a hub for small communities and that appropriate recreation facilities should be included on the fringe of these facilities. That Yarwun projects have been assessed and prioritised, as follows: c. A community playground for Yarwun (No priority) d. An undercover picnic/BBQ area within the Yarwun Recreation Grounds (Low) 50 Mount Larcom/Calliope/Boyne Valley
7.5 THE DISTRICT THE MOUNT LARCOM/CALLIOPE/BOYNE VALLEY COMMUNITY The population of the Calliope, Mount Larcom, Boyne Valley District, according to ABS (2006) was 2729 (usual residents). PIFU projections show a population of 20520 by the year 20313. THE DISTRICT OPEN SPACE PROVISION Refer to section 4.0 Open Space Provision for details on the district open space provision. THE DISTRICT PARKS AND RECREATION PROVISION DISTRICT OPEN SPACE GREEN SPACE NATURAL There are numerous green space natural areas in the Calliope, Mount Larcom, Boyne Valley district, including the following protected areas:  Rundle Range State Forest  Rundle Range National Park  Rundle Range Resources Reserve  Scrubby Mountain State Forest  Mount Larcom State Forest  Targinnie State Forest  Ulam Range State Forest  Mount Stowe State Forest  Calliope National Park  Mount Stowe State Forest  Calliope Forest Reserve  Boyne Range State Forest  O’Connell State Forest  Boyne Range State Forest  Mount Coulston State Forest  Polmaily 1 Forest Reserve  Polmaily 2 Forest Reserve  Castle Tower National Park  Mount Stanley 2 State Forest  Pemberton State Forest  Rule State Forest  Bulburin Forest Reserve (part of)  Norton State Forest  Glassford State Forest  Dawes 1 Forest Reserve  Dawes 2 Forest Reserve  Pine Mountain Forest Reserve  Degalgil State Forest  Degalgil Forest Reserve  Kroombit Tops National Park 3
PIFU (2009) 51 Mount Larcom/Calliope/Boyne Valley
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Kroombit Tops Forest Reserve Maxwelton Forest Reserve Maxwelton State Forest Wietalaba State Forest Wietalaba Forest Reserve Futter Creek Conservation Park Dan Dan State Forest Dan Dan Forest Reserve From the above, Kroombit Tops National Park and Castle Tower National Park are promoted for recreation use. Kroombit Tops for walking, 4WDing and camping and Castle Tower for experienced hiking. GREEN SPACE RECREATION Boynedale Bush Camp (Boyne Valley) and Bunting Park (Calliope) provide adequate space and facilities for a district green space recreation. GREEN SPACE SPORT Bunting Park (Calliope) and Golding Park (Mount Larcom) provide for the sporting needs of the district. Calliope is the only township where sports competition is undertaken. Sports mapping of the clubs in Calliope has been undertaken to identify future needs. DISTRICT PARK FACILITIES CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND There are no significant children’s playground facilities in the district. Bunting Park (Calliope) provides the largest playground facility for the district. There is very little diversity in age, theme and settings for the playgrounds in the district. Most playgrounds are located in highly developed settings with brightly coloured forts, aimed at ages 2 – 6. PICNIC FACILITY There is no picnic facility in the district that provides “undercover table and chairs and BBQ and access to toilet amenities”. DISTRICT SPORTING FACILITES SPORTS COURTS There are a number of full multipurpose courts in the district, including:  Calliope State School  Bunting Park  Mount Larcom Skate Rink  Mount Larcom Tennis Courts  Yarwun Tennis Courts  Ubobo State School A number of these facilities (especially the Mount Larcom Tennis Courts and Bunting Park court) require major maintenance for the facilities to be used by the community. 52 Mount Larcom/Calliope/Boyne Valley
EQUESTRIAN FACILITY The district equestrian needs are serviced by Chapman Park, Calliope Racecourse and Mount Larcom Showgrounds. What the community said:  For some time now Equestrian clubs in the Calliope and Mount Larcom areas have requested a regional Equestrian facility. RACE COURSE The Calliope Racecourse, along with Gladstone Racecourse meets the regional needs for a racecourse. GOLF COURSE Calliope Golf Club meets the minimum standard for golf courses in the district. BOWLS GREEN The Calliope and Mount Larcom Bowls Clubs meet the minimum standard for bowls greens in the district. DISTRICT COMMUNITY FACILITIES UNDERCOVER/INDOOR FACILITY There are numerous community halls that meet the needs of the district for undercover/indoor facilities, these include:  Mount Larcom Community Hall  Mount Larcom RSL  Yarwun Community Hall  Calliope Memorial RSL  Calliope Community Centre YOUTH SPACE Calliope and Yarwun Skate Parks and Mount Larcom Youth Centre meet the minimum district needs for a youth space. SWIMMING POOL The Mount Larcom/Calliope/Boyne Valley district is serviced by the Mount Larcom Swimming Pool and Calliope Community Swimming Pool. 53 Mount Larcom/Calliope/Boyne Valley
WATER ACCESS Boat ramps are provided at the following locations:  Calliope River Camp Ground  The Narrows  Ramsay’s Crossing  Raglan Creek What the community said:  Boat ramps at Ramsay’s Crossing and Raglan Creek need to be upgraded and better maintained. TOURIST STOP Calliope River Camp Ground, Calliope Historical Village, Boynedale Bush Camp, Ubobo Discovery Centre and Bicentennial Park (Mount Larcom) provide significant tourist stops for the region. The Mount Larcom Art Gallery and Memorabilia (MLAGM) are hoping to create a tourism opportunity for people stopping at Bicentennial Park. SHOWGROUNDS The Mount Larcom Showgrounds meet the district and regional needs for a showground facility. DISTRICT PATHS AND TRAILS PATHS AND TRAILS The National Bicentennial trail runs through the Mount Larcom, Calliope and Boyne Valley district. The trail uses back roads and road reserves to link townships. There is some confusion over the Gladstone round trail and if the trail is still in existence and opened to horses. What the community said:  Discussions with the local National trail representative indicated that trail users would like looped trails off the national trail, into centres such as Gladstone. The representative has mapped out suitable trails and is discussing with Council rangers opportunities for camping along the routes. Considerations for the District 1.
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Working with the Department of Environment and Resource Management to ensure access and coordinated management of the green space natural and protected areas in the district. Ensuring that playgrounds throughout the district are diverse in setting, age and theme (considering the need for more natural play spaces and the need for playgrounds suitable for older age groups) and be shaded appropriately. Investigating if Gladstone Round Trail is still in existence and if it is opened to horses. Supporting the development of Mount Larcom Showgrounds as a regionally significant facility. That District projects have been assessed and prioritised, as follows: a. A significant playground for the district (Medium) b. A district signage strategy for sport, recreation and community facilities (Medium) c. Development of a district picnic park (undercover table and chairs, along with BBQ’s and toilet amenities – Hazelbrook Park as priority option) (Medium) d. A Regional Equestrian facility located in the Calliope/Mount Larcom/ Boyne Valley District (Medium) 54 Mount Larcom/Calliope/Boyne Valley
8.0 Prioritisation of Projects IDENTIFICATION OF NEED OR REQUEST A request for open space or recreation needs can come from:  Regional planning processes (using the standards of provision and determining needs, future urban development);  A community group (an organisation that may need more fields, or a play area);  The community (a number of groups and people within a community requesting a park);  Council staff and Councillors (being in contact with communities needs may be identified); and  An individual (people bringing it to Council’s attention of an idea or need). Each request or identified need should be assessed under the same process to determine if it is a priority. Requests or needs can be assessed even if it is considered not a Council responsibility as it will provide evidence to support or not support a request or identified need. ASSESSMENT The assessment tool has been designed to determine the priority of each request or identified need. The tool is a multi‐criteria assessment which allows for a range of examining questions to be considered. 8.1 ASSESSMENT CRITERIA The assessment tool for identified open space, park facility and sporting requirements has seven key areas for assessment. Each area requires a Yes or No response. The assessment criteria are as follows: 1.
Does the request come within a Standard of Provision? A minimum standard of provision has been determined for open space, parks and recreation facilities and sporting facilities. If the request is identified as a requirement within any of the provision standards then the response is YES. If the request is over the identified minimum provision than they answer is NO. Example: It has been identified that a multipurpose half court facility be provided for within a group of suburbs or a small township. If under the Parks and Recreation Standard of Provision there is no court facilities, then this is a requirement under the standard of provision. However, if the community already has access to a multipurpose half court facility, then this project would be deemed to be above the minimum standard of provision and the answer would be NO. 2.
Is there strong community demand? Strong community demand is defined as:  ongoing evidence of the community requesting the project (petitions, letters, requests to Councillors/ staff)  a number of people or groups articulating the need  action taken from the community or area to take some responsibility for the need (fundraising, lobbying, research and providing information The support needs to be in proportion with the extent of the proposal. 55 Mount Larcom/Calliope/Boyne Valley
Example: Twenty people who have signed a petition requesting a community centre is NOT considered “strong community demand”, but a community group formed to work on the project, publicly fundraising, with letters and support from lots of people and groups involved would be perceived as strong community support. 3.
Does it meet a greater risk? Risks can be physical, financial, social or environmental and can be to individuals, the broader community and/or to Council. Example: A number of people have highlighted the need for a fence between playground equipment at a park and a busy road. This request has identified a physical risk to individuals, the broader community and to Council. 4.
Is the request financially realistic? This questions the financial viability of the project to Council and the community. This includes the ability of Council to fund the project or if Government or community funding is available to support the development and ongoing management and maintenance of the project. Example: The development of a playground with financial support from the community and very little ongoing maintenance requirements would be YES as opposed to a swimming pool facility that is expensive to develop and maintain. 5.
Does a growing demographic support the request? The demographics of the community need to match the demographics of the proposed project. This ensures that projects undertaken support the growing need of that community. Example: If the request is for a playground and the community demographics indicate a decreasing or small number of children in the area, the demographics do not support this request. 6.
Is the request add to the environmental protection and natural sustainability of the area? Supporting the conservation and protection of the natural environment, this criteria supports requests that maintain or create more natural settings, rather than developing sites. Example: A project that includes tree planting to make a park “more natural” would be given a YES, as opposed to a request that built facilities or cleared trees. 7.
Does the request add diversity or value to the existing provision? One point is given to requests that provide diversity for communities. Requests that are already provided within the community are less of a priority than those that provide something that does not already exist. Example: A new skate park to a community that did not have one, would have a YES over a request for a playground when there are already 5 playgrounds existing. 56 Mount Larcom/Calliope/Boyne Valley
SCORING Once each request has been through the assessment process each YES is allocated one point. From the seven possible points the following prioritisation is allocated: Points (Yes scores) Priority Timeframe 7 ‐ 6 High one – three years 5 ‐ 4 Medium three – five years 3 ‐ 2 Low five – eight years 1 No 8.5 ASSESSMENT MATRIX Each need identified through the Mount Larcom/Calliope/Boyne Valley Open Space and Recreation Plan process has been assessed to determine a priority. The assessment process produced the following outcomes: Multi‐criteria analysis Q1. Does the need come within the Standard of Provision? Q2. Is there a strong community demand? Q3. Does the need meet a greater risk? Q4. Is the need financially realistic? Q5. Does a growing demographic support the need? Q6. Does the need add to the environmental protection and natural sustainability of the area? Q7. Does the need add diversity or value to the existing provision? NEED Additional 2.65Ha of recreation land in Calliope by 2016 and a further 15.9Ha of recreation land by 2026 Additional 2.73 Ha of sport land in Calliope by 2016 and a further 10.6Ha by 2026 Additional 2 Rugby League fields and mini field space in Calliope Jaycees Park Redevelopment Q1 Lighting of cricket/soccer field District level children’s playground Tourist stop at Builyan Green Space Recreation for Nagoorin Bunting Park multipurpose hard court (upgrade) Q3 Q4 Q5 Q6 Q7 Score Priority
       7 High        7 High       6 High
       5 Medium 5 Medium    Sport and Recreation Signage Strategy Fencing of Playground areas near roads – Hazelbrook and Bunting Park More bikeways in Calliope
Regional Equestrian Centre Q2  
        5 Medium    
            5 Medium 5 Medium 4 Medium
4 Medium 4 Medium 4 Medium 4 Medium     
    57 Mount Larcom/Calliope/Boyne Valley
       4 Medium 3 Low
 3 Low
 3 Low
3 Low  3 Low              3 Low 3 Low 3 Low 3 Low 3 Low 3 Low 2 Low
2 Low 2 Low
2 Low 2 Low 2 Low 2 Low    2 Low 2 Low
2  1  1 Low
priority No priority No priority Hazelbrook Park Development Scenic Multipurpose Trail along the Boyne Valley Upgrade Mount Larcom Tennis Courts Upgrade Mount Larcom Sports Oval     Paths in Mount Larcom 
Access to Golding Park (Mount Larcom) from residential areas Dog Park for Calliope Skate Park/youth space in Nagoorin Community playground in Nagoorin Multipurpose hard court in Builyan Redevelop Pincham Park Youth space in Builyan Youth space in Ubobo Paths in Builyan Paths in Nagoorin Paths in Ubobo Community playground in Ubobo Shaded Picnic area at Yarwun Cricket Pitch for Ubobo Recreation Ground Shaded picnic area at Nagoorin Community playground for Builyan Community playground for Yarwun               
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     
 Public Toilets at Builyan Sports Ground Tourist stop in Yarwun 
58 Mount Larcom/Calliope/Boyne Valley
9.0 Identified Priority Projects 9.1 DETERMINING COUNCILS ROLE Once a project has been determined a priority, Council’s role within this project should be defined. Council’s role may include sole responsibility of the project; a partnership (with a community group, Government or private business/industry); or a community development role (where Council supports the community in undertaking the project). Management and Responsibility Once the Assessment process determines if the request or identified need is a priority (and the level of priority), there are a number of other questions that should be addressed. The most important question to ask is: “What role should Council play in this priority/project?” There could be many roles that Council can undertake and each priority/project should be appraised to determine Council’s role. The following are examples of the role Council could have:  Take a lead role and allocate resources and timeframes to undertake the priority/project  Work with the community or a community group to take lead responsibility in developing the priority/project  Advocate to other funding agencies for resources to assist with the development of the priority/project  Provide education and training for the community or community organisations wanting to develop the priority or project Resourcing Council can then determine what resourcing is required. Resourcing can include any number of the following:  Provision of existing or purchase of additional land  Allocation of tenure  Supporting use of an existing facility  Financial resourcing (capital or ongoing)  Building works  Support services to assist a community organisation to undertake the project  Advocating a need  Assisting with agreements (MOU, licenses)  Sourcing of grants or industry contributions Management Council also need to determine their role in the management of the project and ongoing responsibilities for management and maintenance of the project in the long term. Gladstone Regional Council staff offer the following services in relation to the management and support of open space and recreation opportunities:  Funding (Grants Program)  Training and education  Facilitation and negotiation  Critical projects: One on one support and advice 59 Mount Larcom/Calliope/Boyne Valley
 Advocacy  Activities These services are provided on an “as needs” basis with contact from the organisation or community. 9.2 DETAILS OF PRIORITY PROJECTS Additional Recreation Land in Calliope (High Priority) The need for additional recreation land in Calliope came from the assessment of current provision against the Open Space Provision Standard. This assessment showed that current supply of recreation land in Calliope is within the Open Space Provision Standards. However, by 2016 an additional 2.65Ha of recreation land will be required and by 2026 a further 15.9Ha of recreation land will be required to meet the population of the area. There is generally strong community demand for the provision of open space and recreation land and the high population growth of the township all supports this as a priority project. The provision of more land for recreation should occur with Councils planning department and should be considered as part of the town planning scheme and within the assessment of any applications for new development. Additional Sport Land in Calliope (High Priority) The need for additional sporting land in Calliope came from the assessment of current provision against the Open Space Provision Standard. This assessment showed that current supply of land for sport is within the provision standard. However, by 2016 an additional 2.73Ha will be required and by 2026 a further 10.6Ha will be required. Through the sports mapping process, it was identified that a number of sports are at or near capacity (rugby league and football) and that facilities such as Bunting Park are at their limit. As the population of the Calliope area reaches 10,000, it is anticipated that sports such as athletics, Australian rules, hockey, netball and touch will form and need space to conduct training and competition. The current growth and demographic break up of Calliope (families and young people) support the need for sports facility development. It is a priority for Council to consider the purchase or allocation of additional sporting land in the immediate future to meet this need. Additional Rugby League Field in Calliope (High Priority) The need for an additional rugby league field in Calliope has been supported through a number of sources, including the sports mapping process, strong demand from rugby league clubs and the community, and supporting demographics of the area. Rugby league is experiencing high level growth in Calliope. Existing participation in junior league is 185 and senior league 30. When measuring this current provision over the standard of provision for the sport, the existing facility (with 1 senior field) is over capacity. Sports mapping predicts that an additional senior and two mini fields are required now and that an additional senior field will be required by 2014. Overall three senior fields and two mini fields are required to meet the needs of rugby league to 2019. 60 Mount Larcom/Calliope/Boyne Valley
There is strong community support for rugby league in Calliope. Senior and Junior rugby league clubs both expressed the need for additional fields to meet demand. This demand was supported by the community and school children who identified the rugby league field as a significant area in Calliope, one that was highly utilised and valued. With the high levels of growth in rugby league (in Calliope) and the current over use of the facility, there is a risk of limiting the sport and having clubs turn away new participants. There is a campaign by the senior club to have three teams in the local (Gladstone) and extended league competition within the near future. The club has identified the need to have a suitable home ground to support this campaign. The need for additional rugby league fields is supported by the future need for more sports field space in Calliope. Under open space provision standards, an additional 2.73Ha of sport land will be required in the Calliope area by 2016 and an additional 10.6Ha will be required by 2026. Jaycees Park Redevelopment (Medium Priority) Jaycees Park should be redeveloped to remove the old playground equipment and BBQ. The redevelopment project would include more natural areas created through landscaping and a walking trail through the park. The road front of the park should be developed as a signature entry to Calliope from the West and include appropriate signage and basic facility development as a tourist stop. There is a lack in diversity within Calliope Parks, with all parks toward the highly developed setting. A more natural area with dense planting and natural features would provide diversity in activities and experiences for residents. Comments from the community indicated that Jaycees Park needs to be upgraded as a suitable entrance to the township. Removal of the old equipment and signage is important to improve the visual amenity of the park. The redevelopment of this park to a more natural state would not incur a high cost and would be considered a good investment to the community and environment. Sport and Recreation Signage Strategy (Medium Priority) Community consultation and facility inspections identified there is a lack of signage for sport and recreation facilities throughout the district. Comments indicated that the community and tourists sometimes don’t know what open space and community facilities are available. During facility inspections it was often difficult to determine what parcel of land was the recreation reserve or community hall. Examples of poorly signed facilities included: Builyan Recreation Reserve, Boyne Valley Community Halls, Mount Larcom Youth Centre, Bicentennial Park, Jaycees Park, Futter Creek and Barmundoo River tourist stops. An appropriate signage strategy will promote awareness and use of Council facilities to the community and tourists. 61 Mount Larcom/Calliope/Boyne Valley
Fencing of playgrounds near roads (Medium Priority) Throughout the community engagement process residents emphasised the risk of playground facilities near roads. Parents were worried of the high risk of children running onto the nearby roads when their attention was diverted. It was suggested by residents that a fence was required between the fitness stations and the road in Hazelbrook Park to stop children running on the road, while parents were using the stations. Another location that was identified as a high risk was the playground at Bunting Park. This project is considered a priority due to the high risk. Bikeways in Calliope (Medium Priority) It was identified by the community that more bikeways are required in Calliope, linking up residential areas with shops and the school. With the high level of population growth and demographics (young families) in Calliope it is important to consider bikeways within residential developments to link residents with services. To ensure the safety of children travelling off road bikeways are preferred with safe road crossings, particularly over the Bruce and Dawson Highways. Regional Equestrian Centre (Medium Priority) There is no significant or multi‐discipline equestrian facility within the Gladstone Region. Within the district, equestrian facilities (race course, show ground, pony club and rodeo) are located a numerous locations. There is strong support within the equestrian community for a Regional Equestrian Centre. This support has been evident over a number of years, with previous planning documents exploring the need. Investment in a Regional Equestrian Centre by Council and the supporting clubs would see an economic return through major events; support clubs to combine and develop a joint facility; and support the growing equestrian community. It is recommended that a feasibility study be undertaken, in conjunction with key stakeholders to determine the location (considering Mount Larcom Showgrounds as an option) and financial sustainability of a Regional Equestrian Centre. Lighting of cricket/soccer field (Medium Priority) The need for a list soccer field was identified under the Sports Provision Standard. Calliope Soccer Club is aiming to form senior teams and hold home games in Calliope. The club require a lit field to host home games and for training purposes. The potential relocation of cricket and soccer from Bunting Park to a new sports park would significantly impact on the timing of the lighting project. It is anticipated that with appropriate tenure the clubs could apply for funding to undertake the lighting project. District level children’s playground (Medium Priority) 62 Mount Larcom/Calliope/Boyne Valley
Under the Parks and Recreation Provision (minimum standard) a District level playground should include: A range of children’s play area with diversity in equipment for various age groups in a range of settings (natural – developed). A significant play area with toilet amenities for longer stays. The district lacks diversity in children’s playgrounds and play areas should be developed in more natural settings and styles, rather than the brightly coloured play equipment. The district also lacks a significant play area with toilet amenities. The growing population and demographic (young families) of Calliope, coupled with strong community demand for the upgrade of parks and demand for diversity for young people support the development of Hazelbrook Park as a potential site for more play equipment and toilet amenities as a significant playground/picnic park. Tourist stop in Builyan (Medium Priority) It was identified by Builyan residents that they are missing out on the economic benefit of tourists stopping at the township. There is currently no tourist stop providing “a signed stop with picnic area, toilet amenities and parking”. The community risks losing potential trade and linking tourists with other facilities and services within the township. A project of this type could be driven by the local progress association or the community itself, and funding could be sourced to develop a tourist stop which the local economy would benefit from. Consider the location of this tourist stop to be tied in with other recreation facilities within the Builyan community. Green space for Nagoorin (Medium Priority) There is currently no community green space in Nagoorin. There was an indication from the community that they were disappointed with the sale of Council land considered by the community as park land. There was also recent demand from the community for a skate park in the township in the form of a petition. This project could be undertaken as a Community Development Project with the support of the community to develop a park with the provision of Council land. Bunting Park multipurpose hard court ‐ upgrade (Medium Priority) The community identified that the hard court basketball court in Bunting Park is unusable in its current state. The surface is uneven and poses a risk to users. This court provides for the young people in Calliope and has the potential to be used more with multipurpose line marking. The population growth and demographics of Calliope support the development of a diversity of facilities, particularly a facility that meets the needs of young people. Hazelbrook Park development (Medium Priority) Hazelbrook Park should be developed as the premier family park for Calliope, including toilet facilities, irrigation, landscaping, picnic and BBQ facilities. 63 Mount Larcom/Calliope/Boyne Valley
The community identified the need for high quality park facilities and noted that Calliope should have a “green park” (serviced by irrigation). The population growth and demographics of Calliope support the development of a premier park. Hazelbrook Park is located in a new estate and services the needs of these residents. Rather than accepting developer contributions of small local park areas, investment should be made in the development of Hazelbrook Park into the township’s premier park. 64 Mount Larcom/Calliope/Boyne Valley
10.0 Activities Physical activity is critical to the health and well being of not only individuals but also of communities, particularly small rural communities who rely on activities to provide the social network. Without activities the facilities provided are just empty shells or vacant land, it requires people to be undertaking activities in or at these facilities to make them become a wise investment. These activities can be formal (sport competition) or informal (individuals or groups participating in a social physical activity). The population of each township or community will to some degree dictate what activities work best for that community. However no matter what the size or demographics of a community, activities must be wanted, support and driven largely by the community itself. Calliope has a number of formal community sport and recreation organisations that manage and conduct competitions, events and activities. Some of these sporting clubs are involved in competitions in the Gladstone Region. Smaller rural and remote townships such as Builyan, Nagoorin, Ubobo and Mt Larcom have progress associations, P & C associations, service clubs, hall committees, QCWA’s and a number of various other small organisations. As part of the open space and recreation plan a majority of these organisations were interviewed to investigate the current situation and main issues of the organisation. From these interviews it appeared that there were very few activities conducted regularly in the smaller rural and remote townships (those that were conducted were bingo and craft activities which mainly attracted the older ladies in the community). There were a number of annual events conducted but these were social or celebration events and not related to physical activity. When survey respondents were asked what they think their community needs in relation to sport and recreation, a majority of respondents said “more community activities”. In smaller communities, “more activities” was indicated more than “more or better facilities” whereas in the more populated area such as Calliope “better and more facilities” was a more popular response. Although Calliope people when asked what else would you like to do, the most popular response was more activities, more variety in activities for the kids. The communities varied in what type of activities they most wanted, with the following communities indicating their activity needs as: Mount Larcom  Youth Centre to be reopened and activities conducted on a regular basis  Generally more activities for the kids  Sporting competitions played in Mt Larcom  Dances at the hall again  Touch  Swimming lessons  Volleyball  Netball 65 Mount Larcom/Calliope/Boyne Valley
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Tae Kwon Do Cricket Calliope  Generally more activities for the kids  More sporting competitions played in Calliope  Aqua Aerobics at the Calliope pool  Swim Club needs a club coach to operate  School students from Calliope said they wanted to do more rugby league, soccer and swimming  Discos for kids  More library activities Boyne Valley  More things for the kids and youth to do Yarwun  Activities that encourage the community to work together  Holding community sports days All of the smaller rural and remote townships had access to a community hall and a recreation space, however many of these facilities are underutilised. The Ubobo School Principal stated the school facilities like the multipurpose court which is in excellent condition needed to be advertised more widely. Many of the smaller organisations and people from the more rural and remote townships indicted that they pretty much look after themselves and they only require minimal support from Council. In larger communities there is the population base to form sporting clubs and teams. Council supports these organisations through educational workshops, advice and funding programs. However it is the smaller more isolated and rural townships that do not have the population base to form competitions or teams. These communities rely on community events and activities to provide them with the social interaction, connectedness and physical activities one might find in a more populated area. Some of the reasons why communities may be more reluctant to undertake activities include: people using time differently, not motivated or don’t care enough about community activities, litigation, don’t have the skills or support, don’t know where to get assistance and many more. There is much literature available about the benefits of Community Development and how the process is particularly beneficial for small rural communities. It is unrealistic to consider that the Gladstone Regional Council can and should conduct activities; however Gladstone Regional Council already plays a strong role in supporting community development. It is therefore recommended that Gladstone Regional Council takes a “Community Development” approach to supporting individuals and or organisations to conduct community events or activities in rural and remote townships. 66 Mount Larcom/Calliope/Boyne Valley
Communities may need support to set up regular sport and recreation activities. A meeting facilitated by Council may be the driver to initiate community support for an ongoing activity. It is the responsibility of the community to continue the activity. If the community cannot sustain the activity, Council can monitor the situation and encourage the community when they are ready for action. Considerations for Activities 1.
2.
3.
4.
Conducting community meetings in rural townships regarding setting up activities and competitions (E.g. A touch competition in Mount Larcom and Calliope). Identifying any individual or existing organisation that can undertake activities – building a core group of people who are motivated to conduct events in the community. Continuing to implement Healthy Active Gladstone Region initiatives, with a focus on the Mount Larcom/Calliope/ Boyne Valley district. Implementing youth activity programs in Mount Larcom, Calliope and the Boyne Valley, using existing youth focussed facilities. 67 Mount Larcom/Calliope/Boyne Valley
11.0 Community Development There are a number of organisations within the district providing various levels of open space and recreation facilities and activities (E.g. schools, churches, community and sporting organisations, where possible use of these spaces and facilities should be maximised. To ensure that this happens negotiations and joint planning with owners/managers of facilities should occur. Schools are often the hub of rural communities and provide significant open space and recreation land and facilities. Use of school grounds is crucial in smaller communities to meet the open space and recreation needs of the community. To ensure the community has the required elements to be able to undertake community activities the following is required:  Commitment ‐ the community‐wide will to act, based on a shared awareness of problems, opportunities and workable solutions.  Resources ‐ financial, natural and human assets and the means to deploy them intelligently and fairly  Knowledge ‐ having the information or guidelines that will ensure the best use of these resources and  Skills ‐ including the talents, expertise and governance structure and processes of individuals and organisations that can be drawn upon to address problems and capitalise on opportunities. The United Nations Development Program (as stated by Jim Cavaye Capable Communities ‐ A Guide to Community Development (2000)) suggested where a community is responsible for taking actions to meet their particular community needs it builds capacity of people within that community to perform core functions, solve problems, define and achieve objectives, and to understand and deal with their development needs in a broad context and in a sustainable manner. According to Cavaye the benefits of community development (a process of the community itself taking action and participating together) improves the situation of a community as a strong functioning community. It is through participation in their community that people rethink problems and expand contacts and networks, building social capital. Cavaye goes on to suggest that people:  learn new skills, building human capital;  develop new economic options, building physical and financial capital; and  improve their own environment. Considerations for Community Development 1.
2.
3.
4.
Providing feedback on the consultation results from the Open Space and Recreation Plan highlighting the need for activities and the type of activities. Supporting people or organisations that are in the core group through expanding their skills in leadership, conducting events, and identifying applicable funding options. Supporting communities to build capacity to deliver recreation related activities/ programs. Establishing “Community use of school facilities” agreements with school Principals. 68 Mount Larcom/Calliope/Boyne Valley
12.0 Policies In relation to open space and recreation provision, Council has the following policies: Grants to Community Organisations (P‐2.00.01) This policy details the financial assistance provided to community organisations, including the following grants: g. School/College Bursaries and Awards h. Traditional Support i. Corporate Partnerships (sponsorship of major regional events) j. Sports & Recreation k. Facility Assistance Grant l. Club Development Grant m. Regional Sport & Recreation Event Sponsorship n. Regulatory Fee Reimbursement o. Use of Council Plant & Equipment p. Public Hall Subsidy q. Tidy Towns Entry Fees r. Waste Tipping Fee Waiver s. Use of Rooms by Not‐For‐Profit Community Groups Through the planning process, it has been identified that there is a need for the following policies: Open Space Provision Policy – detailing the open space provision standard; developer contributions, parks standards and embellishments Tenure Policy – detailing land tenure options and the process for applying, approval and terms of the various types of agreements Considerations for Policies 1.
2.
Developing an Open Space Provision Policy, in conjunction with the development of the Town Planning Scheme. Developing a tenure policy. 69 Mount Larcom/Calliope/Boyne Valley
13.0 Methodology The following methodology was used to undertake the Mount Larcom/Calliope/Boyne Valley Open Space and Recreation Plan: 12.1 Literature Review The following literature was reviewed as part of the Calliope, Mount Larcom, Boyne Valley Open Space Development Plan: ‐
ABS Census (2006) ‐
Demographic Profile; Buckley Van (2009) ‐
Yarwun Targinnie Community Strategy (2008) ‐
Gladstone Regional Council – Grants to Community Organisations Policy (2009) ‐
Jim Cavaye Capable Communities ‐ A Guide to Community Development (2000) 70 Mount Larcom/Calliope/Boyne Valley
12.2 Community Engagement Community engagement of Mount Larcom, Calliope and Boyne Valley residents was undertaken through a number of mechanisms, as follows:  One on one community surveys were undertaken in the Calliope, Mount Larcom and Boyne Valley areas. A total of individual 73 surveys were undertaken.  School Diaries were undertaken by Calliope State School (where children from throughout the district attend). 63 students completed recreation diaries.  Surveys were completed with sport, recreation and community organisations in the area (phone surveys were undertaken and where the representative was not available a survey was sent to the organisation’s email address). A total of 32 sport, recreation and community organisations completed a survey.  Surveys were sent to all school Principals in the area. Completed surveys were returned by Builyan State School; Calliope State School; Nagoorin State School; Mount Larcom State School; and Ubobo State School. Results of the community engagement have been included under the Current Situation Summary. 12.3 Facility Inspections Site visits and audits were undertaken at all identified sport, recreation and community facilities in the Calliope, Mount Larcom and Boyne Valley areas. Information collected as part of the audit was entered into Councils Facility Information System. 71

Mount Larcom/Calliope/Boyne Valley Open Space and Recreation

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