Have your say on the future of Maleny recreation facilities

The Maleny Recreation Draft Master Plan 2015-2030 is now open for comment, allowing residents and the sport and recreation community clubs and groups to provide their feedback on a series of recommendations.

Division 5 Councillor Jenny McKay said the Maleny Recreation Draft Master Plan covered three key sport and recreation sites within the Maleny locality including the Maleny Showgrounds, Witta Sportsground and the sport and recreation uses across the Maleny Community Precinct.

“The draft Master Plan considers the current usage levels and the most appropriate type and level of future recreation facilities and infrastructure at these venues over the next 15 years,” Cr McKay said.

“We want to ensure the project will be consistent with community demand and meets the needs of clubs and organisations within the Maleny locality and the wider region.

“The study has explored the current and future needs of the Maleny Showgrounds and Witta Sportsground and what role the Maleny Community Precinct can play to service future gaps.”

Cr McKay said throughout the development of the draft Master Plan, Council conducted extensive community engagement to ensure the broader community and key stakeholders had an opportunity to provide feedback.

“This included face-to-face meetings with site user groups, lessees, landowners and other stakeholders, surveys of clubs and schools, and design workshops for community members,” she said.

“The community now has the opportunity to view and discuss the draft Master Plan with Council representatives and planning consultants on Thursday, October 29 from 3pm to 6pm at the Maleny IGA.

“It is important to note council has not made a commitment to fund all recommendations from the Maleny Recreation Master Plan and its implementation will require external funding assistance.

“It is vital to have a well-researched plan in place to ensure council is aware of Maleny’s needs and take advantage of funding opportunities as they arise.

“This is an important project for Maleny and we look forward to hearing from residents.”

The key recommendations of the draft Master Plan include:

• Retention of soccer at the Maleny Showgrounds with capacity for a second full-sized field to accommodate growth in this sport

• Construction of a proposed new building for the Maleny Bridge Club with options at the Maleny Community Precinct and Maleny Showgrounds

• Extension of community buildings including the Playhouse and Arts and Crafts facilities

• Potential development of a dog off-leash area and recreation node

• Provision for multi-use equestrian fields within the Maleny Community Precinct (portion leased to Maleny District Sport and Recreation Club)

• Additional tennis court at the Witta Sportsground

• Improved parking and access across all sites

• Support for the extension of walk/cycle pathways to connect Maleny Showgrounds to the Maleny Community Precinct.

Visit council’s website to view the draft Master Plan and provide feedback by 5pm on Friday, November 13.