place making Mooloolaba

final Master Plan November 2015 Quality Information

Document Master Plan Report Ref 60343178 Date 2-November-2015 Prepared by Joshua Hinwood & Mike Gillen Reviewed by Mike Gillen

Revision History This Master Plan was prepared by an independent consultant in conjunction with Sunshine Coast Council. The Master Plan is reflective of a higher level vision Revision Revision Date Details Authorised by for Mooloolaba over a 20 year time frame and is A 7-August-2015 For Review Mike Gillen subject to further consultation with all stakeholders. B 2-September-2015 For Public Mike Gillen The contents of this report are not endorsed Consultation by Sunshine Coast Council and may not reflect current council policy. All feedback will be considered and the final plan put forward to C 2-November-2015 Final Draft Mike Gillen Sunshine Coast Council for consideration. D 13-November-2015 Final Amy Stewart All plans, sections, perspectives and imagery contained within this report are indicative artists impressions to illustrate conceptual ideas Client: Sunshine Coast Council only and are subject to further stakeholder consultation, detailed design, and approvals. Prepared by Specific items to note include: AECOM Australia Pty Ltd // Any proposed use of State land that is inconsistent Level 8, 540 Wickham Street, PO Box 1307, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006, Australia with the purpose of a lease or reserve tenure of the land, or if the land is unallocated State land, T +61 7 3553 2000 will require an application to the Department www.aecom.com of Natural Resources and Mines (NRM) ABN 20 093 846 925 // Any proposed changes of the purpose Job No.: 60343178 or tenure to State land requires an application under the Land Act 1994 AECOM in Australia and New Zealand is certified to the latest version of ISO9001, // Proposed uses at the school site are ISO14001, AS/NZS4801 and OHSAS18001. subject to agreement with the Department © AECOM Australia Pty Ltd of Education and Training (DET) (AECOM). All rights reserved. // All future designs shall be in accordance with relevant Australian Standards and authority requirements // Further detailed traffic studies will be required through future design development stages and various elements of the Master Plan may change as a result of detailed analysis

2 1 Project Background 5 Places Introduction and Purpose 04 Foreshore and Esplanade 38 Context 06 Northern Parkland 42 Opportunities and Challenges 08 Central and Southern Parkland 46 Community Engagement 10 Mooloolaba’s Heart 52 Stories of Mooloolaba 12 The Wharf 58 Patterns of Mooloolaba 14 Southern Gateway 62 64 Relationship to the Spit 16 Mooloolaba Planting and Materials 2 Vision and Principles 6 Implementation Vision 18 Key Actions and Recommendations 66 Principles 19 Sources of Funding 67 Priority Projects 68 3 Illustrative Master Plan Indicative Budgets and Timing 70 Strengthening and Unifying the 20 Mooloolaba Experience 4 Strategies Access and Movement 24 Public Realm and Open Space 27 Land Use, Built Form and Activation 30 Sustainability Framework 32 Place Making 34 Value Benefit 36

3 one project background

Sunshine Coast Council’s Introduction and purpose generating key directions and outcomes of the Master Plan. In terms of the Place Making Mooloolaba project, Project Quality Plan, aspirational vision is The Mooloolaba Master Plan provides a clear, compelling feedback received from the community provided a clear Inception and Tour to be Australia’s most and unique vision for the future of Mooloolaba over understanding of the highly valued qualities of this the next 20 years and proposes initiatives for short, place and their aspirations for the future of the town. A Communication Plan sustainable region. medium and long term change. The Master Plan

The Master Plan will guide the maturing of 2015 presents a transformative vision that involves place- Review Background Studies, Mar - Apr A place that is vibrant, green and specific planning and design principles that will be the town, drawing upon Mooloolaba’s natural 1 stage Best Practice Analysis supported by an implementation and staging strategy. strengths (celebrating the ocean and river) and diverse with communities that are building upon its attractive qualities such as its Develop Community clean, accessible and inclusive. The Master Plan consists of four interrelated elements: high amenity, coastal urbanity, and local, domestic Engagement Materials // Vision and international leisure and tourism appeal. / The Sunshine Coast prides / Principles The Master Plan demonstrates how balanced growth can // Strategies and Places itself on its outstanding open be achieved by creating a sensible mix of public space Establish Community Engagement Plan // Projects improvements together with sustainable redevelopment

space and waterways and opportunities, enhanced by integrated transport solutions. B Mooloolaba has been the focus of numerous planning The outcome seeks to cultivate the simple, authentic Phase 1 Community aspires to create places that; studies, investigations, and infrastructure works since

2015 Engagement (1 - 25 May) qualities that typify Mooloolaba and preserve the 1 age

the endorsement of the Maroochy Plan 2000 and the Apr - Jun essence of this place while integrating elements that will st / Are resource efficient and subsequent Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme 2014. stimulate year round and long term vitality for the town. Key Findings and Recommendations environmentally sensitive Under the Sunshine Coast Operational Plan 2014-2019, Mooloolaba is identified as one of five priority towns Process / Embrace creative techniques within the region that is to undertake a comprehensive The development of this Master Plan has involved and smart technology to planning and design review. The is intended to promote several stages, as illustrated opposite. Community innovative urban design, place development, and engagement has been critical component throughout. Draft Master Plan improve quality of life place management outcomes that will set a strong Earlier this year, background reviews and

strategic direction for the future of Mooloolaba, whilst 2015 Jul - Aug best practice analysis was undertaken after 2 stage / Create an engaging and maintaining natural assets and enhancing lifestyle. Urban Design Advisory Panel Review completing a guided site investigation. inclusive public realm By drawing on the ideas generated by previous Enquiry by Design workshops and existing projects Following on from this, the first phase of community and studies, several key project opportunities engagement was undertaken to gain an understanding of what the community love about Mooloolaba, what were established to initiate broader community Phase 2 Community Engagement engagement. This document demonstrates how they would change, and what their vision for the future (4 - 30 Sep) the combination of those two processes has then of the town would be. Conversations had established formed a holistic Master Plan for Mooloolaba. a broad range of opportunities and challenges for Sep age 3 age Mooloolaba, particularly as experienced by local 2015 AECOM Creative Review

What is Place Making? traders, accommodation providers, educational st institutions, community and environmental groups, The Master Plan has emerged by employing the event organisers, tourism operators and developers. Key Findings and Recommendations principles and practices of a place making process. The This phase of engagement provided significant input fundamentals of place making aim to seek genuine and into the key initiatives of the Draft Master Plan. detailed feedback from the community, local traders, key stakeholders and visitors alike through engagement A second phase of community engagement was held, and collaboration. This helps to develop a plan that is providing an opportunity for the community to review the Final Master Plan established from a good understanding of values, needs Draft Master Plan and provide feedback on its direction. 2015 stage 4 stage Oct - Dec and hopes for the future as expressed by the local Feedback received again helped to inform and finalise community. Community participation is instrumental in the delivery of this Master Plan for Mooloolaba. 4 Objectives Relationship to Existing Studies A number of previous site specific studies and Similarly, a range of related projects have informed In addition, the following strategic planning and Sunshine Coast Council’s objectives for recent projects have been carried out within the the development of the Master Plan, including: tourism documents have also been reviewed and the Mooloolaba Master Plan are to: Mooloolaba Master Plan study area. This report used to guide the development of the Master Plan; looks to build upon these previous studies and // Sunshine Coast Light Rail, Shaping • Capitalise on the future integrate the projects into a holistic vision for our Future Report - 2014 // Sunshine Coast Corporate Plan 2014-2019 Mooloolaba, with principles and strategies that // The Spit Futures Plan - 2009 // Sunshine Coast Regional Council – Mooloolaba direction for Mooloolaba to will inform high quality and achievable transport, // Brisbane Road Widening – Preferred Centre Background Planning Report - October 2012 become an outstanding tourist public space, built form and economic outcomes. Concept Layout - September 2011 // Sunshine Coast Regional Economic / Development Strategy 2013 – 2033 The following studies and reports have informed / Mooloolaba to Minyama Cycleway, River and residential locality // Sunshine Coast Tourism Opportunity the brief, scope and direction of this Master Plan, Esplanade Section – December 2014 Master Plan 2009-2017 • Develop exciting parks and which have then been refined further through // CoastConnect (Concept Design Impact community engagement and feedback received (as Management Plan – CDIMP) // Sunshine Coast Tourism Region Destination entertainment spaces outlined in the following section of this report): Tourism Plan - August 2014 // SCC Regional Economic Development Strategy • Create better pedestrian // Internal SCC Place Making Visioning Tourism, Sport and Leisure Action Plan 2014 – 2018 walkways and cycle links Workshop – July 2011 // Region Wide Key Issues Paper No. // Mooloolaba Place Audit Report – 8th October 2012 1: Economic Development • Reinvigorate older areas // Mooloolaba EBD Visioning Workshop // Sunshine Coast Waterways and Coastal 1 – November 2012 Management Strategy 2011 • Improve the transport network and // Mooloolaba EBD Stage 2 Workshop // Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme 2014 Outcomes Report. – 3rd November 2014 parking and provide a significant // Sustainable Transport Strategy 2011-2031 // Active Transport Plan 2011-2031 opportunity to further reduce // Mooloolaba Integrated Land Use parking and congestion issues Transport Study 2015 // SEQ Principal Cycle Network Plan • Become one of the top 10 beaches in Australia place making Mooloolaba

20 Vision Principles Strategies Projects planning and Places desired year design function and implementation intent and design plan direction character

5 one project background

context Traffic congestion and parking are the primary issues affecting Mooloolaba. Historically, access Mooloolaba is located on a prime north facing beach, to Mooloolaba has been problematic but in recent nestled amongst the natural assets of Alexandra years the increase of regional day trip visitors has Headland and the Mooloolah River. For generations created long queues predominantly lining Brisbane these assets, together with a relaxed atmosphere, Road stemming back from the Mooloolaba exit off the have continued to attract residents and visitors alike Sunshine Motorway. A reliance on vehicles for local to the Mooloolaba stretch of coastline. From modest movements and under provision of public transport beginnings as a fishing and timber village into one services through Mooloolaba further add to this of the Sunshine Coast’s premier water-based leisure congestion. This Master Plan aims to promote more and holiday precincts, Mooloolaba is a strategically sustainable and efficient movements through the town important asset to the region and protecting the to ease congestion and related parking problems. assets that inspire its popularity is key to sustaining its position as a leading tourism destination. Initiatives such as the four-lane widening of the major arterial road through Mooloolaba and a consolidation of Over time, tourist accommodation and associated public car parking away from the foreshore will provide retailers have grown to establish a distinctive opportunity for more efficient traffic flows and minimise boutique resort strip along Mooloolaba Esplanade. congestion associated with finding a parking bay.

In recent years, Mooloolaba has reached a point Future public transport enhancements, such where the popularity of the foreshore has outgrown as rapid bus and light rail systems, will connect its current level of amenity, its pathway networks and Mooloolaba to other Sunshine Coast destinations car parking provision. Visitor numbers to Mooloolaba and attractions. The introduction of light rail in summer are reaching unprecedented peaks and would significantly contribute to a reduction of as a result, access into the foreshore area is highly congestion and parking issues in the area. constrained. Once within the precinct, pedestrians and motorists are conflicted and experience further The integration of a light rail system will require further planning investigations to be undertaken congestion. It is apparent that the foreshore area Scope of Master Plan study area is struggling to accommodate these large numbers for Mooloolaba and the wider region. and diversity of users. By removing clutter and reclaiming space, a prime recreational foreshore parkland is possible for the enjoyment of all. population* Within the next two decades (the timeframe of this Master Plan) Mooloolaba’s population is predicted * Sources: to grow by 20%. At present, there is potential to accommodate a greater number of permanent // Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2011 & 2014 residents living in the area, which would help to // Sunshine Coast Council Population 11,064 553 ha 20 support the local economy year round. The area Assessment Project (PAP) permanent residents area of Mooloolaba / persons per hectare between the canals and foreshore is at the heart // Quarterly Tourism Report & Data living in Mooloolaba / Alexandra Headland 2015 2036 of Mooloolaba and predominantly characterised by Appendix, Sunshine Coast Destination Alexandra Headland low-rise residential development. It currently lacks Ltd, June Quarter, 2014 Sunshine activity and connectivity to the water. This area, Coast Tourism Update, Sunshine 58% 20 to 24 termed the ‘Heart of Mooloolaba’ by this study, has the Coast Destination Ltd, July 2015 80% 43% 18% The Sunshine Coast’s largest age group in potential to become an attractive mixed use precinct / permanent resident of permanent temporary residents that / Tourism Research Australia (National and predicted population Mooloolaba & the highest that could offer an urban village lifestyle and cater population in residents that rent own a property soley for International Visitor Surveys (June 2014) increase by 2036 growth rate of new for growth, easing the pressure on foreshore parking Mooloolaba / personal holiday use // Sunshine Coast Tourism Region Destination residents to the area and creating an alternative destination to the beach. Tourism Plan, Final Report August 2014 Alexandra Headland 6 Mooloolaba benefits from a range of natural features and mix of natural assets leisure, tourism and commercial activities, that together create a strong sense of place and identity. Key aspects include: economics*

23 degrees 7 hrs 1 km

average year round average sunshine prime north temperature per day facing beach

1.5M 4.5 nights $219.5M 8.6/10 transport annual day-trip visitors to domestic visitors average tourist dollars brought passengers rated Mooloolaba (the largest day- length of stay into the regional Mooloolaba 8.6 / 10 during trip destination in the region) economy in 2014 the maiden P&O cruise ship visit in July 2015. This is the 3,500 highest on-shore destination rating in Australia. approx. domestic overnight visitors staying within 14 km 4 km bus & light marina Mooloolaba on any given day from the Sunshine from the new Maroochydore rail offers protected berths in Coast international Town Centre the heart of Mooloolaba to connect Mooloolaba airport to the rest of the 1 hr 15m coast in the future from Brisbane by car 60% 30% 10% 15.7% open space domestic day-trip international increase in international overnight visitors visitors to the visitors to the Sunshine visitors reqion on any Coast region, given day Queensland’s highest 4,000 international visitor competitors participate in the growth area > 2000 Mooloolaba Triathlon Festival tourist dwellings in Mooloolaba 63% 40% major events family friendly framed by walk, jog or cycle average annual accommodation visitors to the region occupancy in Mooloolaba stay with friends see world class athletes children’s play on nature easily accessible and caters at no spectator cost the foreshore for recreational, commuter with a low of 51% in May to or relatives landform and retained and exercise activities a peak of 76% in January coastal vegetation

7 one project background

opportunities and challenges The previous studies and community engagement undertaken for Mooloolaba identified the following opportunities and challenges: 1 // a need to prioritise infrastructure improvements // adaptability to cater to the growing international and regional tourism markets // a desire for enhanced open space, including recreational and community facilities Mooloolaba Esplanade // interest for improved connectivity and links for Budrim Ave Mooloolaba Esplanade First 2 pedestrians and cyclists to and across the town Avenue First Lane Brisbane Road First Avenue Smith Street // integration of new infrastructure to better Burnett Street Venning Street

cater for festivals, markets and events Meta Street Parkyn Parade 3 Muraban Street // improving the local economy and building resilience to carry through low tourism seasons // increased housing and accommodation Muraban Street

diversity with an consideration for Naroo Ct Douglas Walan Street permanent residents and affordability River Esplanade Street

Bahlaka Street

Burnett Street // retention, protection and enhancement of the natural Venning Street

Coree Ct Smith Street character and elements along the foreshore

Goonawarra Avenue Brisbane Road // balancing road corridor constraints with enhanced active and multi-modal modal transport movements 4

Barooga Cres As a result of the previous Enquiry By Design Foote Street Tarcoola Avenue workshops, three key place making opportunities were identified early on in the process of establishing this Master Plan. The key opportunities included the foreshore, a central ‘heart’ area 0 50 100m behind the Esplanade and the wharf area. E xisting Projects Links and Nodes Key Opportunities In addition to these three key opportunities, an & Studies upgrade of the entry experience along the Southern Active links 1 The Foreshore Gateway into Mooloolaba along Brisbane Road Waterfront promenade was identified as a fourth opportunity during a Cycle Links Iconic ‘cliff to beach’ walk 2 Green Links through the Heart stakeholder engagement workshop held in the first Family activity zone phase of community engagement held in May. Preferred Light Rail Route (such as water play, swimming 3 for further investigation The Wharf The four key opportunities are shown lagoon and tidal pool) on the adjacent diagram. Gateway arrival node Brisbane Road Widening 4 Southern Gateway (4 lane upgrade) Event hub Development core Brisbane Road Car Park Site Pedestrian links between foreshore and canal

8 Key Place Making Opportunities Collectively, these four opportunities defined distinctive places in Mooloolaba and provide locations for positive change, such as the creation of new public spaces, built form, and access and movement improvements.

1 2 3 4

Foreshore & the mooloolaba the southern esplanade heart wharf gateway

A ‘Great Ocean Walk’ experience The ‘Heart of Mooloolaba’: a place to explore A revitalised Wharf precinct Welcome to Mooloolaba A place that encourages active, healthy living and An integrated ‘green’ hub that supports and A vibrant mixed use precinct to explore and experience The Southern Gateway is the first experience of establishes Mooloolaba as one of the top 10 beaches encourages sustainability and livability by offering Mooloolaba’s enviable coastal lifestyle. The precinct Mooloolaba and what it has to offer for most visitors in Australia. A wide, continuous waterfront pedestrian a vibrant place to live, work, meet and connect. integrates residential and short-term accommodation arriving into Mooloolaba. The journey will celebrate and and cycle promenade takes in Mooloolaba’s greatest North-south active pedestrian connections link the with leisure, entertainment and tourism activities, promote the identity of Mooloolaba with streetscape natural assets via a string of community, cultural, beach and canal waterfronts via a new coastal celebrating an identity enriched by a strong connection and architectural statements that frame views, and event spaces. Catering to a variety of activities urban village, which is supported in the future to water - from canals to the river and out to the ocean. create memorable moments and improve wayfinding and experiences - from family BBQ’s on the lawn to by the Sunshine Coast light rail system. through treatments that reflect Mooloolaba’s natural hosting weddings, markets, festivals and events. assets, coastal context and relaxed lifestyle.

9 one project background

community engagement Place Making Mooloolaba - Phase One Key findings from engagement identified the following: // validate the vision and strategic directions presented by the Draft Master Plan Engagement (1 - 25 May 2015) // the community place significant value The community engagement strategy for the Place // generate community, trader and visitor/tourist interest The first phase of broad community engagement on the beach and Mooloolaba’s natural Making Mooloolaba project aimed to capture feedback for the potential future changes to Mooloolaba was held over four weeks in May 2015 to introduce environment, particularly the ocean views from a broad range of people that live, work and/ // consult the community and key stakeholders about the ‘place making’ concept and Mooloolaba Master // the identity of the locality is enshrined in the or play in Mooloolaba. The result is a clear and optional elements of the Draft Master Plan compelling vision for the future (achieved in short, Plan project to the community. This phase sought beach and its associated healthy lifestyle, // deliver a genuine and robust engagement process mid and long term stages) with a strong identity of feedback from a broad cross section of the community with the area offering a diversity of active / what Mooloolaba will become and how it will evolve - from school children, local residents and traders and passive recreational opportunities / build support and commitment amongst all stakeholders to take Mooloolaba forward in a to meet current and future needs of locals, traders to community groups, event organisers, visitors, the // enhanced access to the beach and supporting shared effort between council and the community and tourists while preserving Mooloolaba’s natural regional tourism board and state government agencies. family friendly facilities are essential for any beauty and heritage within a growing region. The focus of this phase of engagement was to future outcomes of the Master Plan A variety of engagement activities were used to / Three phases of community engagement have establish what the community love about Mooloolaba, / improved car parking provision across the town revisit previously consulted stakeholders and capture been undertaken for the Place Making Mooloolaba what areas needed improving, and what would // the potential of transforming existing foreshore a broader range of people. As this consultaton project, details about each phase are below. be their vision for the future of Mooloolaba. car parking into public open space, considered was held during September school holidays, there essential for enhancing foreshore amenity was more opportunity to obtain feedback from The community engagement period was advertised // traffic congestion and public transport provision in tourists and visitors holidaying in the area. Enquiry by Design (November 2012) by means of council’s website, a project information need of urgent attention with road improvements An Enquiry by Design workshop was held in November letter mailed to 1800 property owners in the 4557 About 1850 people participated in this second a priority over new development that could 2012 involving key stakeholder groups from the postcode, a walk around and chat with 300 local phase of community engagement and overall, encourage more visitors to Mooloolaba Mooloolaba community together with council officers businesses, advertisements published in local there was strong support for the Draft Master Plan. from internal departments. The workshop propositioned newspapers, local radio and television broadcasts, // the potential of the wharf and marina Feedback was obtained predominately via survey the group to consider the future of Mooloolaba with poster displays in shops, flyer handouts, and frequent // the growing demand and attraction of Mooloolaba to and one-on-one conversations either at two public a ‘no constraints’ brief in order to produce thought- notifications published over social media. Social media tourists (including day trippers, regional, interstate, feedback events or in stakeholder meetings. provoking ideas and visionary high level concepts. was also used as a community engagement tool international tourists, and cruise ship tenders) The 38 question survey invited specific comment with members of the public given the opportunity to // the potential economic opportunities stemming Existing issues known to council were presented to and indication of support for the following key participate through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram from regional growth other than tourism, the stakeholders for consideration and included: topics and initiatives of the Draft Master Plan: using the hashtag #placemakingmooloolaba. such as cultural events and festivals // the transport interchange, car parking // the overall intent and vision Three key engagement methods were employed to Refer to the Phase 1 Community Engagement needs, locations and strategies provide the community with various opportunities to get Feedback Report (June 2015) for further details on the // car parking provision and traffic movements // the beach frontage and opportunities to involved and “have your say” which included a public process and outcomes of this stage of engagement. // revitalisation of the foreshore and esplanade precinct return car parking to public open space ‘chalk visioning’ day held on Mooloolaba Esplanade // creation of a new ‘heart’ precinct for Mooloolaba // open space and community events, major on Saturday, 9 May, as well as, one-on-one meetings Place Making Mooloolaba - Phase Two // revitalisation of the Wharf site events (e.g. Mooloolaba Triathlon, etc.) and a two day workshop with key stakeholders. Engagement (4 - 30 September 2015) // revitalisation of the southern gateway arrival // commerciality of the foreshore and public land The participatory approach used for this phase of Phase two of engagement introduced the community experience (i.e. Brisbane Road) into Mooloolaba // the role of the two caravan parks engagement reached over 1000 participants and to the Draft Place Making Mooloolaba Master // future light rail The results for key survey questions are shown adjacent. allowed a variety of ‘place’ ideas and aspirations Plan to seek feedback on its direction. The Draft // building heights and envelopes to emerge for Mooloolaba. A summary of the Master Plan was developed by previous studies, Approximately 1240 written submissions were received providing feedback to council on the Draft Emerging from this workshop were four opportunities feedback received and some of the stakeholders council policies and strategies and findings from Master Plan, including 1086 validated surveys, 86 or ‘big ideas’ envisioned for the future of Mooloolaba: involved during this first phase of engagement the first phase of community engagement. was captured in a video developed by council, emails, 13 letters, and 54 social media comments. The objectives of this second phase 1. A healthy thriving place available to view at https://youtu.be/r79a8L0hYos. 2. An international focus of engagement were to: Refer to the Phase 2 Community Engagement Feedback Report (October 2015) for further details on the 3. Reclaiming Mooloolaba // seek broad feedback on the Draft Master Plan process and outcomes of this stage of engagement. 4. The resort heart of the coast // build on previous conversations with the community and key stakeholders 10 Engagement Activities

1. White-walling of vision & ideas Public Event Days 2. Focus on key areas: Surveys 1. Chalk day visioning Workshop • ‘the Wharf’ 1. Online 2. Street activation • ‘the Heart’ 2. Hard copy 3. Interactive feedback • ‘the Esplanade’ 3. Other submissions 4. Survey questionnaire and • ‘the Southern Gateway’ (letters & emails) social media feedback

1. Surf Club - Thu 17 Sep, evening session 2. Esplanade - Sat 19 Sep, Stakeholder meetings morning session 1. Discussing opportunities and challenges 2. Ideas-focussed Public Feedback 3. Coordinated stakeholder response Sessions

Key Results from the Phase 2 Survey

13% 9% 6% 7% 15% 18% 18% 7% 13%

Question 1 (of 38) Question 3 (of 38) Question 4 (of 38) Question 7 (of 38) Question 16 (of 38) Question 23 (of 38) Question 31 (of 38)

11% Answered: 1077 Answered: 1077 Answered: 1002 Answered: 964 Answered: 956 Answered: 935 Answered: 928 Skipped: 9 71% Skipped: 79 Skipped: 84 Skipped: 122 Skipped: 137 Skipped: 151 Skipped: 158 78% 85% 80% 82% 94% 93%

Do you support the intent Do you support the vision of Do you support increasing Do you support the following key Do you support the Do you support the Do you support the of the Draft Master Plan? the Draft Master Plan? parking provision within initiatives proposed to revitalise creation of a new ‘heart’ following key initiatives revitalisation of Brisbane Road Mooloolaba? the foreshore and create an for Mooloolaba that would in the revitalisation to promote the southern arrival additional 40% of public provide an alternative of the Wharf site? experience into Mooloolaba? parkland with an enhanced experience to the waterfront Yes Yes, I would support it if ... No 1km ocean walk experience? for visitors and locals?

11 one project background Stories of Mooloolaba early surveying stories of Mooloolaba Europeans did not discover The Spit until 1823. In 1823 Thomas Pamphlet, John Finnegan Mooloolaba is named from an Aboriginal word meaning and Richard Parsons became the first known “black”. Another meaning is “red-bellied black snake”. Europeans in the locality where they were It was originally known as Mooloolah Heads. adopted by an Aboriginal group and travelled with them through the Sunshine Coast region. 1890 The first inhabitants of the Maroochy district were the Aboriginal people of the Gubbi Gubbi language In the 1860s, shipping along the Queensland coast group, which consisted of a number of tribes including was increasing significantly and the need for a safe the Nalbo, Gubbi Gubbi, Dallambara and Undanbi. harbour between Brisbane and Maryborough emerged. From the 1870s and into the 1880s, Mooloolah Heads For 20,000 years they hunted the ranges, fished became the gateway to the Maroochy District. It the rivers and gathered seafood from the ocean. established itself as the favoured port in the region over Every third year, hundreds of Aboriginal people the Maroochy River which was susceptible to large travelled to the Blackall Range for feasting on bunya ocean swells and had sand bars that made navigation nuts, exchanging goods, initiation ceremonies, into the port hazardous. Mooloolah Heads on the other performing corroborees and unifying their culture. hand was suitably sheltered by Point Cartwright. By the time Europeans came to the Sunshine Settlement of the area dates from around the 1860s, Coast, the tribes had formal distinct territories with with land used mainly for timber, grazing, farming and clearly defined boundaries. Tribal boundaries were fishing. Gradual growth took place in the late 1800s often marked by sacred trees along the sides of the as Mooloolaba became a timber depot and wharf. pathways. There was a network of Aboriginal pathways Growth stopped in the late 1890s as river transport across the Sunshine Coast - the main one ran from declined and the timber depot was relocated. Land 1870 Beerburrum to Cooran and the North Coast Railway was subdivided in the late 1910s, with expansion timber trade line was later built alongside it. Undanbi territory lay in the 1920s as a seaside holiday village. to the East and Nalbo to the west of the pathway. Significant residential development took place With the coming of Europeans, the local Aboriginal 1820’s 1860’s - 70’s 1880’s - 90’s from the 1960s, spurred by Brisbane residents people could no longer pursue their nomadic heading to the beach for holidays, with rapid Europeans discover The Spit. Lieutenant Heath surveyed Construction of the North way of life and progressively lost the use of their growth also occurring during the 1980s. The and chartered the Mooloolah Coast Rail line. resource areas. In 1897, legislation was passed Thomas Pamphlet, John population continued to increase between 1991 River mouth and harbour. which legalised the removal of Aboriginal people Finnegan and Richard Parsons The importance of the depot at and 2006 as new dwellings were added to the area, from white settlements. Many of those living in the are ‘adopted’ by an Aboriginal Early Settlement of the area Mooloolah Heads declined when particularly medium to high density housing. Maroochy area were resettled on Fraser Island, group and travelled with them included the founding of a timber Pettigrew transferred his activities and later taken to a reserve at Cherbourg. For further detail regarding the history of the area, refer through the Sunshine Coast. depot and wharf at Mooloolaba to Maroochydore, establishing to the Stories of Mooloolaba Report (August 2015). in 1864 by William Pettigrew. a sawmill there in 1891. In 1897 legislation was Sources: Sunshine Coast Regional Council; Helen Gregory, passed which legalised the Making Maroochy: a history of the land, the people and the removal of Aboriginal people shire, Brisbane, Boolarong for Maroochy Shire Council, 1991 from white settlements.

12 1935 1920 surf club evolution 1981

1890 holidaying on the river Esplanade resorts 1915 2015

river and canal development 1970 1995

1900’s - 20’s 1920’s - 30’s 1940’s - 50’s 1960’s - 70’s 1980’s - 90’s 2000 - today 2015 - 2031

Early land subdivision and The name ‘Mooloolaba’ Expansion due to Early 1960s - name Rapid population growth High rise resorts continue Creation of a world class expansion to include holiday was adopted to differentiate affordable seaside blocks “Sunshine Coast” becomes sees the construction of to fill out the Esplanade and foreshore parkland through cottages and houses along between this developing area for Brisbane residents. official for the area. taller hotel buildings. establish the outdoor dining relocation of car parking the Mooloolah River. and the Mooloolah township strip that exists today. and northern caravan park. Public amenities and Continued residential Duplication of the Bruce on the North Coast Railway. Industry focussed on trafficable roads improved. development and the creation Highway cuts travel Streetscape upgrades associated Wharf reinvigoration as fishing and fruit growing. Establishment of community of larger canal estates at the time from Brisbane. with new development a high quality leisure and leisure and tourism facilities mouth of the Mooloolah River. continue to enhance the entertainment precinct. Mooloolah River Sports SEALIFE Mooloolaba such as the bowls club and Esplanade experience. Club established in 1919. Redevelopment of the (Underwater World) Mooloolaba Surf Club (1923). Enhanced permeability Surf Life Saving Club. opens in 1989. Development of First Avenue. and activation of the Camping on the Spit. Heart of Mooloolaba. Construction of the Loo with a View. 13 one project background

water mark

Pandanus

headland p atterns of Mooloolaba Mooloolaba is well known for the beauty of its natural In addition to the natural setting, Mooloolaba’s headland, rock pools, beach and waterfront, and beach and foreshore exhibit iconic fosters a strong attachment in the hearts and minds imagery and patterns in the form of: of residents and visitors. The Master Plan aims to / embrace the natural surrounds and draw on the forms / Clustered masts at the marina and patterns of nature as inspiration for the design // Beach flags flapping in the breeze intent, composition and character of public realm and // Recognisable form and striking outlook foreshore enhancements into the future. This includes: from the ‘Loo with a View’ // Beach front dining and cafe culture // Smooth flowing forms of the crescent shaped // The palette of materiality and patterns beach and sinuous headland are reflected in of the Esplanade streetscape. the flowing forms of the foreshore parkland. // The combination of hard rock pool and soft Public realm upgrades within the Mooloolaba Master patterns of Mooloolaba sand dunes inspires the balanced approach to Plan area will draw upon this inspiration and utilise beach edge enhancement and preservation. elements from these natural and built forms, aiming // The foaming waves and watermark on the beach to strike a balance that will enhance user amenity and influence form and patterning of pavements provide opportunities to interact with the natural setting. and demarcation of different zones. Treatments, colour schemes and finishes will reflect dune planting // The signature Sunshine Coast foreshore a distinctive Mooloolaba character that aligns species of Casuarina, Banksia and Pandanus with its natural, healthy and vibrant lifestyle. provide striking leaf forms, shadows, fruit, flowers and nuts that influence the design and detailing of elements such as custom children’s play grounds, water play and art. stone native vegetation

14 rock pools patterns of Mooloolaba timber deck

boat masts

15