Palmwoods Sports Complex Master Plan adopted

Sunshine Coast Council today adopted a Master Plan for the Palmwoods Sports Complex which incorporates Grahame Rae Sports Ground, Briggs Oval and Palmwoods Sport and Recreation Reserve.

These sites are considered integral sport, recreation and community facilities servicing the Palmwoods precinct and Sunshine Coast community.

Division 5 Councillor Jenny McKay said the Palmwoods Sports Complex Master Plan’s intent is to provide a long-term (15 year) vision for the sites, identifying how they should be developed and managed into the future to ensure current and future needs are met.

“A master plan works with existing site facilities and characteristics to ensure the integration of new features enhances and complements community use,” Cr McKay said.

“The adoption of the Palmwoods Sports Complex Master Plan ensures existing facilities are designed to meet the needs of the community and service multiple disciplines. This is particularly important to improve overall sport and recreation opportunities for users of the complex.

“Impact from flooding, accessibility and connectivity to sites, residential development in proximity to Briggs Oval and Palmwoods Sport and Recreation Reserve and the preservation of vegetation at Grahame Rae Sports Ground were considered in the development of the master plan.

“Council will now present the master plan to the existing user groups to assist with future planning.”

Throughout the development of the Palmwoods Sports Complex Master Plan, usage and membership patterns, population projections and trends in sport were analysed. Extensive community consultation occurred including individual meetings, workshops and surveys.

Palmwoods Sports Complex is home to a range of sport and recreation organisations including Palmwoods Warriors Football Club, Nambour and Hinterland Australian Football Club, Palmwoods Cricket Club, Palmwoods Tennis Club, Palmwoods Western Districts Junior Rugby League Football Club, Palmwoods Guides, Palmwoods Scouts and the Palmwoods Aquatic Centre.

Key features of the master plan include:

• Support improvements to playing surfaces, including drainage, surface profiling and installation of appropriate turf varieties;
• Improved management/tenure arrangements resulting in reduced conflict between user groups;
• Increased parking accessibility and connectivity throughout sites; and
• Introduction of community recreational elements through proposed local recreational park and trail network.