Plans coming out for new rec spaces

Community consultation is an invaluable step to ensure feedback is received... BURDEKIN MAYOR LYN MCLAUGHLIN

IDEAS for a new stage, youth activity hub, water feature and nature play space have been put to the public after the draft masterplan for two of Home Hill’s recreation areas was unveiled.

The draft masterplan, which included consultation with stakeholder groups, is set to be released on Monday for feedback after it was approved in the Burdekin Shire Council meeting on Tuesday.

Completed by Ross Planning, the plan incorporates Watson’s Green and Memorial Park with proposals for a new stage area and youth hub at Watson’s Green while Memorial Park’s war memorial groundings would be further enhanced with a water feature and landscaping.

The masterplan also recommends removing the former home of the Home Hill Choral Society at Memorial Park and the current Burdekin Brass Band location.

During Tuesday’s council meeting, Burdekin Mayor Lyn Mclaughlin reiterated the plan was only a draft with the wider public now able to have their say.

She said there were aspects of the plan she did not agree with and would also be providing feedback as a ratepayer.

“The community consultation is an invaluable step to ensure feedback is received from as many individuals and community groups as possible, so I encourage everyone to look over the draft and be prepared to have your say,” she said.

“Community consultation will be open for four weeks, before the master plan will be further workshopped by council and the consultant based on feedback received.”

Already stakeholders, including the Home Hill Chamber of Commerce, have indicated a need for more facilities to cater for teenagers in periods of time after school, where they could “hang out” with friends.

Ross Planning were previously contracted by council to complete the Ayr Anzac Park Precinct Master Plan which carried an indicative cost of $7.2 million and included a water play space, pump track and outdoor fitness circuit.

Consultation for the Watson’s Green and Memorial Park master plan will open on Monday.