BBundabergundaberg RRegegiionalonal CCounounccilil regional sport and recreation strategy

July 2010 BBundabergundaberg RRegionalegional CCouncilouncil regional sport and recreation strategy

July 2010

This Strategy has been prepared by:

ROSS Planning Pty Ltd ABN 41 892 553 822 9/182 Bay Terrace (Level 4 Flinders House) Wynnum QLD 4178

PO Box 5660 Manly QLD 4179

“The Regional Sport and Recreation Strategy was developed in partnership with the Telephone: (07) 3901 0730 Queensland Government and the Bundaberg Regional Council to get more Queens- Fax: (07) 3893 0593 landers active through sport and recreation.”

© 2010 ROSS Planning Pty Ltd This document may only be used for the purposes for which it was commissioned and in accordance with the terms of engagement for the commission. Unauthorised use of this document in any form whatsoever is prohibited. Table of Contents

1. Recommendations 1 Viability of Sport and Recreation Groups 2 Open Space and Council Planning 4 Maintenance and Improvement of Existing Facilities 7 and Programs New Facilities, Programs and Initiatives 8 2 Purpose and Objectives 9 Purpose 9 Background 9 Study Approach 9 3 Background Research 11 Existing Plans and Studies 11 Demographics 13 Trends in Sport and Recreation 15 4 Demand Assessment 17 Consultation 17 Community Meetings 17 Sport and Recreation Clubs and Organisations 19 Sport and Recreation Clubs Survey 20 Schools Survey 26 5 Open Space 28 Open Space Outcomes 28 Guiding Principles 28 Open Space Classifi cations 29 Open Space Assessment 31 6 Appendices 33 Acronyms The following acronyms are used in this Strategy:

AFC Australian Football Club BRC Bundaberg Regional Council BRL Bundaberg Rugby League DSS Desired Standard of Service DERM Department of Environment and Resource Management DSQ Disability Services Queensland EQ Education Queensland HLG Healthy Lifestyle Group PCYC Police Citizens Youth Club NBT North Burnett Tourism NSO National Sporting Organisation QT Queensland Transport SAB Sports Advisory Board SRS Sport and Recreation Service (Department of Communities) SSO State Sporting Organisation TQ Tourism Queensland recommendatIONS 1 SECTION

This Bundaberg Regional Council Sport and Recreation Strategy extends the 2006 Regional Sport and Recreation Strategy developed by Bundaberg City Council and the Burnett Shire Council. It has not been a complete re-write of this earlier document, but rather the focus has been on integrating the needs of the Kolan and Isis Shires into a Regional Strategy. This document cannot be read alone. The background information in the 2006 Strategy is still relevant excepting the information supplied by sport and recreation clubs that is now included in Appendix 1. The recommendations in this report though have included the 2006 recommendations as well as some outstanding ones from the 2004 Kolan Sport and Recreation Plan so that all recommendations are in the one document1. The Bundaberg Regional Sport and Recreation Strategy is an oppor- tunity for Council to support and build upon the Region’s diversity of sporting facilities, parks for locals and visitors, play spaces for children and young people and pedestrian paths. Implementation of the recommendations outlined in this Strategy will continue the good results that the community and Council have achieved over many years. The recommendations of this Strategy are detailed below and are grouped into four strategic areas. These are: 1. Viability of sport and recreation groups 2. Open Space and Council Planning 3. Maintenance and improvement of existing facilities and programs 4. New facilities, programs and initiatives Priorities are assigned for each action. A “short” recommendation should be undertaken as soon as resources allow while “Medium” (in the next 2-5 years) and “Long” priorities (when resources allow) are not as urgent. However, should resources become available, in most cases projects can be brought forward. Prioritisation is often about spreading the available resources rather than the actual timing of the need.

1 Recommendations from 2006 that have been completed have been excluded. 1 bundaberg regional council sport and recreation strategy

Viability of Sport and Recreation Groups

No. Recommendation Responsibility Priority Lead Agency Partners 1 Develop a Sport Advisory Board with community and Sport and Recreation Services BRC SRS, Local Short and membership. The membership should be refl ective of facility managers and program Clubs Ongoing deliverers in the region. The Sport Advisory Board could provide information to Council on the needs in the region as well as assist Council in allocating its resourc- es and developing policy responses to issues. 2 Liaise with Sport and Recreation Services to improve the coordination of an annual BRC SRS, Local Ongoing process for clubs to notify changes to offi ce bearers or contact details. Details Clubs should free from privacy restrictions so that they can be distributed as required e.g. a public request for details on clubs that play an activity they are interested in. Or- ganisations should be encouraged to establish generic email addresses (e.g. hotmail/ yahoo or gmail) so that they do not change with a change of executive. 3 Use the Community Grants Program funding to assist organisations receiving fund- BRC Local Clubs Ongoing ing under the Sport and Recreation Services’ Minor Facilities Program. Under this program, applicants (must be incorporated not-for-profi t clubs), must have one-quarter of the total project cost while Sport and Recreation Services will contribute up to three-quarters of the project cost. Budget permitting, Council should consider providing 50% of the contribution of the club (one-eighth of total project cost) subject to the club providing the same, and being successful in their fi nal application. This process ensures the club takes responsibility for the project by fi nancially contributing, but the majority of project costs (seven-eighths) are borne by Council (one-eighth) and the State Government (six-eighths), minimising the operational impact on the club. As an example, by contributing $5,000 under this system, Council would see the completion of a signifi cant community project to the value of $40,000. 4 Increase the promotion and celebration of local achievements by people and events SAB BRC, Local Ongoing in sport, recreation and community by supporting the development of a reward and Clubs recognition program. 5 Coordinate the updating of Sport and Recreation Services's and the Community BRC Local Clubs Short Links data base (annually) as sport and recreation groups are dynamic with new ones being formed and some disband regularly. Ensure other sport and recreation information is current and useful. 6 Assist the YMCA to develop a strategic plan and master plan for their site (in the YMCA BRC Short context of other developments and proposals). The Plans will direct development, operational plans, budgets and Council support over the longer term. 7 Facilitate a program of education and training for sport and recreation groups across BRC SRS, SSO’s, Ongoing the Region, focussing on identifi ed training needs. Training and club development NSO’s should focus on: • strategic and business planning for clubs • advertising and marketing • volunteer management • club governance and committee management • asset management and maintenance. 8 In partnership with industry, community and Sport and Recreation Services, facilitate BRC SRS, SSO’s, Medium practical maintenance and asset management training programs and encourage the NSO’s implementation of a rolling program to improve the fi eld and court surface condi- tions and the quality of lighting. This could include bringing specialists to the region to advise and assist sport and recreation groups to undertake fi eld surface condition testing from which maintenance and watering regimes can be developed. 9 Assist the Moore Park Beach Football Club and Moore Park Netball Team to MPBSC BRC Short/ Me- prepare a feasibility study and develop a master plan (acknowledging other possible dium community needs) for a site adjacent to the Moore Park School. The feasibility study should consider planning, development, management and funding options.

2 bundaberg regional council sport and recreation strategy

No. Recommendation Responsibility Priority Lead Agency Partners 10 Pilot a biennial forum for key community based sport and recreation organisations. BRC SRS, SSO’s, Short and The forum should aim to: NSO’s, Volun- then every • educate the volunteer club sector in appropriate management techniques teer Organi- two years • promote Council’s plans and policies sations • gather information for Council’s planning and open communication with the sector • reward volunteers • promote and encourage physical activity and healthy eating in the community, and • provide information on innovative program and planning responses. The forum could be delivered in partnership with Sport and Recreation Services and should provide a platform to coordinate the delivery of information for the benefi t of both community and Council. 11 Assist and support key sports to develop and implement facility asset management Local Sporting BRC Short/ Me- and master plans to clearly guide future development decisions. Initially provide sup- Clubs dium port to the following: • Bundaberg and District Tennis Association • Bundaberg Amateur Cycling Club • Bundaberg Basketball Association • Bundaberg Rowing Club Inc • Bundaberg Rugby Football Club and Bundaberg Cricket Association (Salter Oval) • Childers Aerodrome • Eastern Suburbs Leagues Club • Gin Gin Sports Reserve • Western Suburbs Leagues Club. 12 Improve the long term use and condition of Kendalls Flats sports fi elds by: Bundaberg BRC Short/ Me- • developing an asset management plan including backlog and forward Cricket dium maintenance requirements • develop a cooperative implementation program with the user groups/ management committee • providing disability access to facilities • providing sight screens • maintaining a minimum standard of active playing surface (level surface).

3 bundaberg regional council sport and recreation strategy

Open Space and Council Planning

No. Recommendation Responsibility Priority Lead Agency Partners 13 Review achievement of this Sport and Recreation Plan annually and report progress BRC SAB Ongoing to Council. 14 Continue Council’s role in creating local environments that support active, healthy BRC SAB, HLG, Ongoing communities and lifestyles. Key Stake- holders 15 A rolling program of recreation park improvements (e.g. concept plans, minor and BRC Ongoing major park improvement schedules) to meet contemporary community expecta- tions and Australian standards requirements. 16 Improve the level of directional signage to key sport and recreation facilities to assist BRC QT, Local Ongoing visitors in locating them. Clubs 17 Continue implementation of the Bundaberg Regional Council Multi–Modal and Walk BRC QT, SRS, TQ, Short to Cycle Plans. NBT Long 18 Commence the development of regional walking/ cycling opportunities by fi nalising BRC QT, SRS, TQ, Short (plan- the walk–cycle route from Bundaberg City to Bargara and commencing its construc- NBT ning) Me- tion. dium/ Long (construc- tion) 19 Adopt the Wide Bay Burnett Regional Recreation and Sport Strategy. For all regional BRC Short facility developments establish working parties with the relevant organisations to plan and deliver the improvements required for regional level status (also see rec- ommendation 51). 20 Complete the master plan of the Bundaberg Recreation Precinct. BRC Key Stake- Short holders 21 Review Council’s lease/ use agreement policies with a view to: BRC Lessees • making policy consistent across the regional council area • developing alternative and more effi cient models of management for existing providers • improving awareness of policies and procedures • clarifying roles and responsibilities • including performance measures and development requirements in agreements • increasing the involvement of key Council Offi cers in the granting and renewal processes. 22 Develop an open space plan for the Regional Council area that meets the needs of BRC Key Stake- Short the Sustainable Planning Act 2009. An up-to-date open space plan will allow Council holders to levy an infrastructure charge on new developments and to provide the recreation and sporting open space the community needs. 23 Liaise with Council’s Planning staff concerning the need to protect, through Council’s BRC Short Planning instruments, hard-to-locate and noisy sports. In any amendments or rewrit- ing of the Planning Scheme, establish provisions that will protect groups involved in these activities from being relocated due to encroaching residential activity. 24 Investigate and plan for a district level recreation park in Childers. Embellish with BRC Community Medium high quality, innovative playground items and facilities for families. 25 Develop a brochure promoting use of Councils’ parks and walk–cycle networks. The BRC QT, Local Medium brochure should include: Clubs • maps of the network • information on the facilities provided in each park, including playgrounds, barbecue and picnic facilities, disabled facilities and toilets • parkland attractions, key nodes and location of facilities and amenities • information on distances between nodes. The brochure should be widely distributed across the region, on Council’s website and be made available to new residents and at tourist information points. 26 Investigate the long term open space value of Bundaberg City’s refuse facility (Uni- BRC Medium versity Drive) prior to its closure as this site has the potential to augment particular (planning) open space, sport and recreation needs. with Long (implemen- tation)

4 bundaberg regional council sport and recreation strategy

No. Recommendation Responsibility Priority Lead Agency Partners 27 Develop a policy and range of strategies to relocate existing fi eld sporting uses away BRC Medium from valuable foreshore land, especially at Burnett Heads and Bargara. 28 Consider options and determine a preferred location for a neighbourhood level BRC Medium sports/ community facility accessible to the Burnett Heads community. There is the need to ensure that the site is well located and has few restrictions that will impact on the long term use and development (e.g. lighting, noise). 29 Over time, develop concept master plans for all district level and signature recrea- BRC Community Medium tion parks. The following are priority parks: • Boreham Park • McGladdery Court Park • McCarthy Street Park 2 / Frank Gilbert Drive • Queens Park • Federation Park • land acquired adjacent to Moore Park School (currently undeveloped) • a new recreation reserve in Childers • a new recreation reserve in Gin Gin. 30 Develop a plan to ensure that the noisy and hard-to-locate sports (motor and BRC Key stakeholders Medium shooting sports) are not driven from their homes or Bundaberg Region by expand- ing residential development. The rural areas in the west of the LGA also offer oppor- tunities for new facilities that should be explored—particularly for motor sports. 31 Establish the rights users have to stored-water bodies and publicise to avoid on- Sunwater BRC, BMRG, Key Short/ Me- water confl icts (e.g. at the Bucca Rowing Course). Stakeholders dium 32 Review Council’s resource allocation policies including: BRC Local Clubs Medium • review the policy of allocating water to sports clubs to establish a more equitable and sustainable basis (e.g. consider fi eld condition or sport code requirements rather than just the number of fi elds). As an example an option is to research appropriate fi eld watering benchmarks for Bundaberg and apply accordingly for sports clubs. This can be supported by training (most clubs over–water or use water ineffi ciently) and capital improvement programs (e.g. sensor automated irrigation). A monitoring and evaluation program should also be established for the benchmarking and policy. • review mowing and maintenance support. Establish an improved framework for delivery that allows community organisations/ clubs to undertake these operations in a more cost effective and effi cient manner. (e.g. establish mowing standards, such as cuts per annum and height, assist clubs sharing sites to acquire mowers that meet their needs and determine obligations and resourcing). 33 Develop an Outdoor Recreation Strategy. This Strategy would establish the opportu- BRC WBROC, Medium nities and priorities for the development of outdoor recreation opportunities in the NBRC, Key non-urban areas of the region. If possible, combine with other local governments of Stakeholders the Wide Bay Burnett, and in particular, North Burnett Regional Council. 34 Acquire land central to urban development along the coast of at least district park BRC DERM, EQ Long size (10 hectares minimum) for the development of a multi–purpose sports facility. 35 Work with the key stakeholders of the Bundaberg Racecourse to undertake a man- Bundaberg BRC, Key Long agement and development plan to guide the development of the organisation and Race Club Stakeholders the site. This planning should include: • investigating the feasibility of relocating the premises to other sites or consolidating other compatible uses on the existing site • increasing sporting and recreation use of the site (particularly for the inner track) and • improving the connection and presentation of the site with the surrounding land uses. The study should ensure that tenure and development options maximise eligibility and access to grants and subsidies.

5 bundaberg regional council sport and recreation strategy

Maintenance and Improvement of Existing Facilities and Programs

No. Recommendation Responsibility Priority Lead Agency Partners 36 Identify options to support to those organisations who have identifi ed their needs in Sporting Or- BRC Ongoing either this Plan or through other development plans lodged with Council or Sport ganisations and Recreation Services, in particular: • Across the Waves – Australian Rules and various softball clubs (Frank Coulthard Complex) – upgrade lighting and canteen facilities • Alloway Country Club – lighting upgrade • Avondale Rugby League – new dressing shed • Bargara District Little Athletics – upgrade toilet and storage facilities • Bargara Football Club – upgrades to facilities at Neilson Park • Bucca Horse and Sports Association – new amenities • Bundaberg Amateur Cycling Club – upgrade lighting • Bundaberg Athletics Club – upgrade athletics track to a synthetic surface • Bundaberg Basketball – upgrade of outdoor courts, lighting of outdoor courts • Bundaberg BMX – additional seating and shade structures • Bundaberg Cricket (Juniors, Seniors, Veterans) – fi eld resurfacing, sight screens and amenities upgrade (Kendalls Flats) • Bundaberg District Tennis – umpire chairs and facility developments • Bundaberg Hockey – lighting of grass fi elds (Hinkler Park) • Bundaberg Netball – increase court numbers, court resurfacing and shade structures • Bundaberg Rowing Club (City facility) – new administration, training and storage facility • Bundaberg Rugby League – drop in/out wicket • Bundaberg Rugby Football Club, Bundaberg Cricket Association and Bundaberg Rugby Club (Salter Oval) – further lighting to outer fi elds • Bundaberg Softball – increase number of diamonds, lighting to diamonds, ground improvements, additional seating/ shade • Bundaberg Touch Association – shade structures, clubhouse development/ extension/ all weather area, upgrade existing lighting, further lighting of fi elds • Burnett Heads Lighthouse Angling Club – boat ramp at Littabella Creek • Burnett Zone 7 Pony Club – covered arena • Football Bundaberg – replace unsafe grandstands • Gin Gin District Pony Club – upgrades to Pony Club grounds • Gin Gin RLFC – Upgrade lighting and develop new amenities (after a master plan is completed) • Isis Deep Sea and Off-Shore Fishing Club – boat ramp upgrades • Isis District Horse and Pony Club – various facility improvements at Apple Tree Creek • Isis District Small Bore Rifl e Club – develop new facilities (toilets/ showers/ change rooms etc) • Isis Tennis Club – court surface upgrades • Moore Park Beach Community Association – hall improvements • Moore Park Surf Life Saving – provide disability accessible toilet • Saxon Archery – extend clubhouse and storage • Surf Life Saving – long term regional offi ce accommodation. • West Bundaberg Athletics Club – upgrade athletics track to a synthetic surface • Western Suburbs Rugby League & Western Suburbs Softball Club (Jubilee Park) – lighting upgrade and ground improvements • Woodgate Tennis Club – court surfaces repairs and replacement. 37 Council’s Youth Development Offi cer work with youth services organisations to BRC Local Clubs, Ongoing deliver joint school holiday programs for young people. Youth Groups, Service Pro- viders

6 bundaberg regional council sport and recreation strategy

No. Recommendation Responsibility Priority Lead Agency Partners 38 Continue involvement in the support of community sport and recreation events. BRC Local Clubs Ongoing Council’s current assistance includes: • publishing an events calendar on the Council website • development and promotion of a self–help event kit for sporting groups • promoting sporting events in regular publications (e.g. emails and newsletters) • helping organisers to establish contact with the appropriate people in Council for operational issues, such as negotiating temporary access for car parking or park bookings • in-kind assistance. 39 Council to support and encourage sport and recreation organisations to upgrade Local Sporting BRC, DSQ Ongoing facilities to improve disability access. Clubs 40 Investigate and undertake improvements to the Region’s Skate Park facilities includ- BRC Community Ongoing ing: • providing shade over and around the facility either with trees or artifi cial structures (Bundaberg, Burnett Heads/ Gin Gin and Childers) • improve the mix of users by proving a broader range of facilities that cater to a range of ages • upgrade the toilets and access to users (Bundaberg Skate Park) • provide more seating (Burnett Heads Skate Park). 41 Conduct a disability audit of Council-controlled facilities. Encourage sport and rec- BRC DSQ Short reation organisations, where they control the facility, to also undertake similar audits. 42 Work with and encourage the PCYC to undertake a feasibility study on the pro- PCYC BRC Short posed conversion of the outdoor court to a dedicated gymnastics venue. This should also include the development of a master plan for Barber Park to ensure appropri- ate layout and development requirements are achieved and that community use is optimised. 43 Work in partnership with all school (private and State) to improve the community BRC EQ, Local Medium use of sport and recreation facilities. Sporting Clubs 44 Investigate the feasibility of providing a therapeutic water environment at Norville BRC Long Pool. This may be achieved through undertaking minor modifi cations and program- ming changes. As the population ages a facility of this type will be increasingly required.

7 bundaberg regional council sport and recreation strategy

New Facilities, Programs and Initiatives

No. Recommendation Responsibility Priority Lead Agency Partners 45 Support and facilitate partnerships (e.g. HeartStart, YMCA, PCYC, Healthy and Ac- BRC Key Stake- Ongoing tive Communities) to develop a range of physical activity programs initially aimed at holders target groups (e.g. men’s health program; walking programs, pram stroller’s/ single parents’ program, physical activity for the disabled). 46 Investigate construction of bike dirt jumps or challenging play facilities at: BRC Community Short/ Me- • Yandaran in consultation with school children dium • the emerging communities around the suburbs of Branyan and Elliott. 47 Develop a master plan for the Bundaberg Airport Sports Park including the reloca- BRC Key Stake- Short tion of the athletics facility to ensure the appropriate mix of users and maximum holders outcomes for indoor and outdoor sports are realised. 48 Develop a range of strategies to attract and host major sporting events to the region BRC Local Sporting Short Clubs, NBT 49 Undertake a feasibility study for a new state level swimming complex in the BRC Key Stake- Short Bundaberg Region holders 50 Coordinate the facility needs of all athletics clubs and plan for a single major facility. BRC Athletic Club, Short A management plan needs to be developed to accommodate multiple clubs’ needs in SSO the single facility. 51 For all regional facility developments in the Wide Bay Burnett Regional Recreation BRC Key Stake- Short to and Sport Strategy establish working parties with the relevant organisations to plan holders Long and deliver the improvements required for regional level status (also see recom- mendation 18). Working parties will be required to advance the following facility recommendations: • a synthetic athletics facility in Bundaberg • a 4-court indoor facility in Bundaberg (for basketball and other indoor sports) • a dedicated gymnastics facility in Bundaberg that meets regional standards • upgrades to amenities and facilities at Monduran Dam • various upgrades to Bundaberg Showgrounds including arenas, spectator access and arena lighting • additional facilities and amenities at the Bundaberg Rowing Club • a 20 Bay indoor pistol facility and another 25m turning target range at the Bundaberg Pistol Club • a new regional level swimming complex facility in Bundaberg. 52 Identify options to support key sporting and recreation organisations who have iden- Sporting BRC, DERM, Short to tifi ed the need to acquire land to meet current and future demand in particular: Organisations SSO’s Long • AFL • Rugby Union 53 Plan for the replacement of the Isis War Memorial Swimming Pool. Part of the plan- BRC Medium/ ning should include a feasibility study that reviews appropriate sites and considers Long the facility mix. 54 Plan for the upgrading of the Gin Gin Swimming Pool. An upgrade may include addi- BRC Long tional pools with a leisure focus. Part of the planning should include a feasibility study that considers the facility mix.

8 purpose and Objectives 2 SECTION

Purpose As stated in the Project Brief, the purpose of the project has been: “To develop a Regional Sport and Recreation Strategy by identifying present and future demands in sport and recreation in the region and developing guidelines for the Regional Council to provide for the existing and future demand, based on existing information, detailed community profi les, consultation, research, identifi ed needs and analysis. More specifi cally, the purpose of the project is to: • develop a regionally focused strategy establishing the links and needs shared by previous council plans leading out to a single Sport and Recreation Strategy for the newly formed Bundaberg Regional Council. • develop a strategic framework to guide sport and recreation planning, facility development, management, maintenance and administration within the Bundaberg Regional Council. • develop a plan that provides a coordinated and rational approach to the provision and development of infrastruc- ture and opportunities for recreation and sport within the Bundaberg Regional Council. • create a 5 year action plan and identify longer term issues (for up to 10 years) for the region to work together with sporting organisations for the development of sport and recreation in the region”. The Regional Sport and Recreation Strategy will provide detailed strategies, policies and recommendations to guide council over the next 5 years while incorporating major long term issues (up to 10 years) Background In 2008, Bundaberg Regional Council was formed through the amal- gamation of Bundaberg City Council and the Shires of Kolan, Burnett and Isis. Each of these local governments had some form of sport and recreation planning and, where relevant, this Strategy has built upon these. In 2006, Bundaberg City Council and Burnett Shire Council, as they were known then, jointly developed the Regional Sport and Recrea- tion Strategy. The two Council’s worked together on the Strategy as they realised that each respective community used facilities in the other’s—with Bundaberg providing many of the higher level sport facilities and Burnett Shire providing most of the outdoor recrea- tion experiences. As many of the recommendations in this Strategy have not been met, or are only partially met, they have been carried forward into this Strategy where they are still considered relevant. Kolan Shire Council developed their second Sport and Recreation

9 bundaberg regional council sport and recreation strategy

Plan in 2004 and it had a 15-year time frame. Recommendations, • undertake consultation including: where backed by consultation and analysis in 2010, have been inte- − Council Offi cers grated into this Strategy. − a survey of organisations (all organisations in the former Kolan and Isis Council areas and organisations that The 1999 Isis Shire Sport and Recreation Facility Plan was also made participated in the 2006 Bundaberg Burnett Regional Sport available but this Plan is considered too old to add any value. and Recreation Strategy) In April 2010 the Wide Bay Burnett Regional Recreation and Sport − a cross-section of sport and recreation providers in Strategy was completed. This Strategy reviewed the needs for regional Childers and Gin Gin (and higher level) facilities across the six local governments1 that − community workshops in Gin Gin, Bundaberg and make up the Wide Bay Burnett. Childers—to offer an opportunity for the community to meet the consultants and discuss their wants, needs A number of recommendations in this report relate to facilities within and desires. The Bundaberg workshop was focussed on the Bundaberg Regional Council area and are taken into considera- reconfi rming the existing recommendations and priorities tion in this Strategy. − a survey of schools. • analyse the information and develop the draft Bundaberg Regional Council Sport and Recreation Strategy Study Approach • review the draft Bundaberg Regional Council Sport and Recreation Strategy with Council offi cers and amend as required The study approach has been to build upon existing strategies and following a three week public display other information. Given the resources available for the project, and • fi nalise the project. the fact that the former local governments of Bundaberg and Burnett have recent and comprehensive strategies, consultation has been primarily focussed upon the former shires of Kolan and Isis. However, the community of Bundaberg was given the opportunity to consider and update information and priorities in the existing Strat- egy and sport and recreation clubs that contributed to last Strategy were given the opportunity to update their information. Broadly, the study approach used has been to: • review existing plans and strategies and incorporate information where relevant • review the demographics for the regional council area • inspect open space areas in Gin Gin and Childers as well as key sporting hubs or facilities • analyse the quality of open space in Gin Gin and Childers • provide updated information on sporting and recreation trends

1 The Bundaberg, Fraser Coast, North Burnett, South Burnett and Gympie Regional Councils and the Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council

Paradise Dam

10 Background research 3 SECTION

Existing Plans and Studies Existing plans need to be recognised in this study as this Strategy will build upon them. As mentioned earlier, this Strategy builds upon the 2006 Regional Sport and Recreation Strategy to include the former shires of Isis and Kolan while updating some of the information within the former local governments of Bundaberg and Burnett. Bundaberg Regional Council Corporate Plan 2009 - 2014 Following the amalgamation of the four local government areas into the Bundaberg Regional Council a new Corporate Plan was developed. The Vision adopted for the region—an expression of how the region might desirably look in the future—is: Bundaberg Region – Vibrant, Progressive, Connected and Sus- tainable. The Corporate Plan identifi es four outcome areas where it needs to achieve if it is to realise the vision. There are various strategies within each outcome area. The outcome areas are: 1. Community 2. Environment 3. Economy, and 4. Governance. Of most interest to this study is the Community outcome area and the following strategies: 4.1.1 Outcome: A safe, active and healthy community Strategy—provide a range of leisure, physical activity and recreation programs to help meet basic community needs 4.1.2 Outcome: Equitable access to adequate services and well main- tained facilities Strategy—plan, provide and maintain or facilitate a range of leisure, physical activity and recreation services and facilities to help meet basic community needs. Wide Bay Burnett Regional Recreation and Sport Strategy Over the next 25 years, the Wide Bay Burnett is expecting a popula- tion increase in the order of 180,000 people and it is important that the lifestyle infrastructure is in place to support this population. In developing the Wide Bay Burnett Regional Recreation and Sport Strategy, information was sought to identify the region’s future recrea- tion and sport requirements. The identifi cation of these was to assist Councils within the Region to plan for future land and facility provi- sion in areas that will have the population to sustain them. 11 bundaberg regional council sport and recreation strategy

This Strategy focused on a range of regional level sport and recrea- Physical Activity and Healthy Living tion facilities (not local level and not State or higher level facilities). Regional, as used in this Strategy, means serving the needs of the In the 2006 Regional Sport and Recreation Strategy there was a Wide Bay Burnett or a signifi cant proportion of it. discussion of Council’s role in Physical Activity. Despite their ability to host regional level competitions, most facilities Back then, Council being involved in infl uencing physical activity was also host local level competitions on a regular basis. Regional level a relatively new role. Nowadays, many Councils are realising that they competitions may, in many instances, be held only a few times per can be quite effective in increasing physical activity and are seeing year. The local level competition is important for the viability of the physical health, mental health, social and cultural, economic and envi- facility. ronmental benefi ts in their community. Recommendations were made generally as well as for a number of Bundaberg Regional Council, in partnership, works with the Healthy sports. The recommendations below have been extracted from the Lifestyle Group to promote improved physical activity in the com- report and are now also refl ected in the recommendations of this munity. Regional Sport and Recreation Strategy. The relevant recommenda- Since 2006 there has been a recognition that “healthy eating” is also a tions are: societal problem that links to health and physical activity. In 2009 and • 2.6.1 Local governments, when reviewing or drafting new 2010 the Queensland State Government has been promoting widely planning schemes, include provisions to protect existing and the benefi ts of healthy eating (as well as increased physical activity) potential sites for noisy and hard-to-locate sporting facilities as a tool to reduce health costs and improve people’s quality of life. • 8.1.1 Construction of a new synthetic Athletics facility at Again, local government is well placed to effect some of this change. Bundaberg Information from the Queensland Government notes: • 8.2.1 Set land aside in Bundaberg for a new AFL oval “Physically inactive Australian adults are costing the health • 8.2.4 Lighting installed at Brothers Sports Club and Across the care system an avoidable $1.5 billion a year. More than half of Waves (for the playing of AFL) Queensland adults are not getting enough physical activity for • 8.3.1 Construction of a new 4-court indoor facility at Bundaberg good health, and only 12 per cent consume the recommended (for basketball and other indoor sports) serves of vegetables and 53 per cent consume the recom- • 8.10.1 Construct a new dedicated (gymnastics) facility in mended serves of fruit per day. Regular physical activity and Bundaberg that meets regional standards healthy eating reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 • 8.13.1 Upgrades to amenities and facilities at Monduran Dam diabetes, obesity, breast and bowel cancer, depression and anxi- • 8.15.5 Installation of lighting at the Bundaberg Kart Club ety. These chronic diseases are now the major cause of death • 8.17.1 Upgrade the Bundaberg Netball Association to regional and disability in Australia, estimated to be responsible for nearly standards 80 per cent of all disease and injury and more than two-thirds • 8.20.3 Upgrade to Bundaberg Showgrounds including arenas, of the total health expenditure. spectator access and arena lighting • 8.21.1 Construct additional facilities and amenities at the There is strong national and international evidence that the Bundaberg Rowing Club built environment can help people to develop and maintain • 8.25.1 Construction of a 20 Bay indoor pistol facility at the healthier lifestyles. Councils can play a role in shaping the built Bundaberg Pistol Club environment through their urban planning processes, provision • 8.25.2 The construction of another 25m turning target range at and maintenance of infrastructure and facilities in their commu- the Bundaberg Pistol Club nities, and also through their leadership power to bring together • 8.28.2 Construction of a new (regional level swimming complex) various agencies and community groups to create supportive facility in Bundaberg1 environments for physical activity and healthy eating”. • 8.32.1 Construction of a long distance (walking) trail from Bundaberg to Bargara. To effect change, the Government suggest that Council’s can use their: • corporate planning tools • operational planning tools • local law and policy matters • gis/analysis tools, and • funding and awards opportunities. Some of the suggested Healthy Eating actions that Council’s can undertake include: • breast-feeding and baby care facilities • community-supported local food systems and agriculture • limiting access to fast food and increasing access to healthy foods • signage regulation • policy – food availability through council operated venues and functions • mapping of key health statistics at the local level • community grants and award opportunities. 1 Queensland Swimming advised that Bundaberg needs a new facility/ Key information can be found at activehealthycommunities.com.au. complex with a 50m pool, a 25m pool, automatic timing, additional amenities and parking. Norville Pool does not currently meet regional level facility standards due to shallow depth warm-up pool (that cannot have starting blocks). Bundaberg is a key location in the Region being close to transport and a central point between Rockhampton and Brisbane 12 bundaberg regional council sport and recreation strategy

Demographics In Table 1, selected demographics are shown for Bundaberg Regional Council with a comparison with the State of Queensland. Table 1: Selected demographics for Bundaberg Regional Council Characteristic Bundaberg Regional Council Queensland Number of People 82,965 3,891,568 Age Profi le Aged 0 to 4 5.9% 6.6% Aged 5 to 14 14.8% 14.1% Aged 15 to 24 11.4% 13.8% Aged 25 to 44 22.9% 28.2% Aged 45 to 64 27.7% 25.0% Aged 65 to 74 9.8% 6.6% Aged 75 and over 7.6% 5.7% Median Age 41 36 Ethnicity and Cultural Diversity Identifi es as Indigenous 2.7% 3.3% Born in Australia 82.4% 75.2% Born Elsewhere 10.9% 17.9% Speaks only English at home 91.8% 86.4% Speaks language other than English at home 3.0% 7.8% Household Composition and Income Family households 73.8% 72.7% Lone person households 23.4% 22.8% Other households 2.8% 4.5% Mean Household Size 2.5 2.5 Household income under $350 per week 20.4% 15.1% Household income under $500 per week 31.4% 20.6% Family Composition Couples without children 45.4% 39.2% Couples with children 37.3% 43.3% One parent families 16.3% 15.9% Other families 1.0% 1.7% Highest level of Schooling Year 12 or equivalent 30.1% 45.9% Year 10 or equivalent 37.1% 29.9% Year 8 or below 13.6% 8.2% Did not go to school 0.5% 0.5% Other Characteristics People needing assistance with core activities 6.6% 4.2% People undertaking volunteer work 21.8% 20.3% Dwellings with an internet connection 54.2% 64.8% Dwellings with no motor vehicle 7.6% 8.2% Dwellings with one or more motor vehicles 92.4% 91.8% Source: ABS 2006 Basic Community Profi le (Release 1) cat no: 2069.0.30.001 and Planning Information and Forecasting Unit (Department of Infrastructure and Planning) Population and Housing Fact Sheet 2009. These fi gures are an aggregate of the census collection districts that most closely align with the boundaries of these areas.

13 bundaberg regional council sport and recreation strategy

The population of the aggregate Regional Council area was 82,965 at Figure 3: Age Distribution for Bundaberg Regional Council to 2031 (Department of the 2006 census (the Census was undertaken two years before amal- Infrastructure and Planning) gamation so the four local government areas have been combined for this analysis). The Department of Infrastructure and Planning’s 2008 Population and Housing Fact Sheet indicates that population growth was above 2%p.a. in both years prior to 2008 (annual increase of 1,916 and 2,376 in 2005/06 and 2006/07 respectively). It is expected that growth will continue. Population projections as prepared by the Department of Infrastructure and Planning (see Figure 1) project a 2031 population between 122,000 and 141,000 with a medium series projection at 130,548, nearly 50,000 more residents than in 2006. Figure 1: Population projections for Bundaberg Regional Council (Department of Infrastructure and Planning)

Year Projected Population The percentage of households with an income of under $500 per Low Medium High week (31.4%) is signifi cantly higher than that for the whole of Queensland (20.6%), indicating that the average household in the area 2011 95,013 96,196 97,694 has a lower level of income, so low-cost activities must be provided 2016 100,914 103,762 107,056 Otherwise most population and demographic characteristics are 2021 106,855 111,472 116,697 similar to Queensland (or are not likely to signifi cantly affect sport 2026 113,929 120,453 128,057 and recreation activities). 2031 122,260 130,548 141,324

Figure 2 shows the age distribution of Bundaberg Regional Council’s population in 2006. With a median age of 41, compared to Queens- land at 36, the local government has a somewhat older population. People aged 15-44 are under-represented in the local population. Figure 3, also prepared by the Department of Infrastructure and Planning, shows the projected age distribution of the 2031 population (with a comparison to the 2006 population). What stands out is the very signifi cant increase in the percentage of the population aged 65 or more. This group will move from about 17% of the 2006 population to about 26.5% of the 2031 popula- tion. This means that more than one quarter of the population of Bundaberg Regional Council will be aged over 65 by 2031. This is likely to increase the need for walking paths, heated pools and areas for light recreation (e.g. indoor bowls and card games) as these type of activities are favoured by older people.

Figure 2: Age Distribution for Bundaberg Regional Council in 2006

30.00% BRC Queensland 25.00%

20.00%

15.00%

10.00%

5.00%

0.00% 0 to 4 5 to 14 15 to 24 25 to 44 45 to 64 65 to 74 75 and over

14 bundaberg regional council sport and recreation strategy

Trends in Sport and Recreation The Play Experience To an adult, play is a way to pass time, with no immediate useful Sporting Trends product. To a child however, play is doing something interesting or Councils face an increasing trend to develop and re-develop sporting enjoyable that they are in control of. Through play, children can be fi elds to a higher level in order to increase carrying capacity. Up- anyone, at anyplace, at anytime. grades, such as fi eld lighting and irrigation, allow training and competi- To a play-planner, play is the outcome of a sophisticated interaction tion times to be extended and increases the ability of fi elds to cope between the physical setting, the play opportunities and the child with the resulting wear and tear. Given the current water challenge users. When carefully planned, a play facility instantly delivers benefi ts facing most of Queensland, this strategy may confl ict with the re- to the delight of the child users. It can also have wider benefi ts such quirement to reduce water consumption. as promoting the child’s physical, emotional and social competencies, Some sporting clubs have reported a decrease in membership over or by providing a community asset for either active or passive enjoy- recent years. This may well be partly due to an ageing population but ment. Children at play should be seen as an integral component to is probably also a refl ection of changing lifestyles where employment any public park facility. and the greater range of pursuit available makes people reluctant to lock-in to rigid seasons of sport. WWhat,hat, WWherehere aandnd HHowow ddoo wwee PPlay?lay? Most sporting clubs have good facilities that meet their needs, though The criterion of a successful play experience is whether children want there are still requests for facility upgrades to make them attractive to return. Play experiences need to incorporate many or all of the fol- to current, and potential new, members. lowing characteristics: • Physical form—the play area needs to be adapted to the physical Bundaberg Regional Council’s current sport and recreation facilities landscape (rocks, trees, and gullies) and supplemented by man- have an outdoor focus. What came through the consultation and the made variations (mounds, bridges, platforms). It can benefi cially inspections is a need for better indoor facilities. refl ect the local sense of place or identity. There is likely to be some pressure on Council to assist with planned • Child and adult participants—consider the local demographics upgrades as well as new facilities as the groups will be unlikely to within the user groups. There is a need to offer separate areas meet the costs on their own. Obtaining State Government grant as- for different age groups (2-5 years, 5-12 years, and 12+ years), sistance will be important in defraying some of these costs. while providing for active adult supervision or for adult passive watching. Recreation and Physical Activity • Safety—the play area should be accessible to all, including the physically challenged and supervisors with prams. The design Factors such as age, gender and family life-stage can impact on the must incorporate safety standards to prevent traumatic events, type of activities and frequency with which people recreate. For but still provide challenge and invitation to explore. example, current trends show: • Invitational design—this tends to be subtle, so that children • walking is the single most frequently undertaken activity across spontaneously move between play opportunities - exploring the Queensland population (32.0%) and discovering, using their imaginations to create new uses for • along with walking, aerobics/ fi tness, swimming, cycling and infrastructure or loose parts (water, sand, and leaves), interacting running are in the top fi ve activities for Queensland residents with each other and utilising rhythm, movement, co-ordination • there is substantially higher participation in informal, and balance. unstructured activities than in organised sports When an area for play cannot deliver on the four points above, then • older people are more likely to participate in informal, the users will be less than satisfi ed and will not want to return. unstructured activities with young people being more likely to engage in organised sports A PPlaylay EExperiencexperience vversusersus a PPlaygroundlayground • women, older adults, married people (or those in de-facto relationships), people in lower income households and obese A play experience is, or should be, vibrant and exciting—whereas a people are less likely to participate in suffi cient physical activity. playground is just the infrastructure that is provided. The difference is somewhat like that between a mountain bike ride and a stationary Table 2 details the physical activity preferences in 2007 and the bicycle. More importantly, a play experience does not innately require changes since 2001. the installation of structured play equipment. Interesting and interac- tive places to play and explore may be created by designing magical Table 2: Physical activity preferences of Queenslanders Activity Total Participation Rate % change 2001-2007 2001 2007 Walking (other) 28.8 33.0 23.7% Aerobics/fi tness 13.0 20.2 68.4% Swimming 16.0 12.0 -18.6% Cycling 9.5 9.7 10.6% Running 7.2 7.6 14.8% Tennis 9.2 5.8 -31.2% Walking (bush) 5.3 5.7 16.6% Golf 8.2 5.6 -26.2% Football (outdoor) 3.7 4.2 23.9% Netball 4.1 3.2 -15.4% 15 bundaberg regional council sport and recreation strategy

and evocative landscapes. This may include sculpting the earth or uti- lising the natural contours, planting (for example, vegetated tunnels or mazes, forests) and/ or utilising various textures and materials such as creative paving patterns (stepping stones, steps, edgings for balancing). A play space may incorporate interesting views or vistas, showcase art or innovation (mobiles and alternate energy sources), sculptural park furniture, landscape structures or buildings. Play experiences may incorporate elements such as: • storytelling/ sculpture trees • labyrinth/ mazes/ tunnels of plants • hidey holes • mist water play • meandering paths • meeting places • water jets • musical play. The common characteristic in all of these elements is that the infra- structure suggests (but never dictates) how it is to be used. Moreover, each element can be used in many ways—common sense says that a toddler will use a mist water play area quite differently to a 12 year old child. Such unstructured play needs to complement and be integrated with other recreational facilities to encourage active recreation for chil- dren, youth and adults. Examples include: • basketball courts/ hoops • play structures/ equipment • cycling/ pedestrian networks and skill development trails/ circuits • attractive open space areas for ball games etc • water play parks • surfaces and markings for games such as hopscotch and handball • swings for all ages including adults • fl ying foxes/ climbing walls • fi tness stations/ training equipment. The images on this page show various forms of play experience, quite different from the traditional playground.

16 Demand Assessment 4 SECTION

Consultation Consultation was undertaken to understand the wants, needs and desires for sport and recreation in the community. Broadly, consultation was undertaken with: • the community through three, open-invitation, community meetings • a survey to clubs in the old Kolan and Isis Shires • an update opportunity for sport and recreation clubs that provided information to the 2006 Bundaberg and Burnett Regional Sport and Recreation Strategy • interviews with a sample of sport clubs • a range of Council offi cers • swimming pool staff • various community groups. The results of this consultation are detailed below. Community Meetings Community meetings were held in Bundaberg, Gin Gin and Childers.

BBundabergundaberg CCommunityommunity MMeetingeeting The purpose of the Bundaberg Community Meeting, as explained earlier, was to revisit the issues, priorities and recommendations from 2006. Comments made during the meeting were: • upgrading the Daphne Eddes Netball Courts—part of the current court surface needs to be replaced as water is getting underneath. An improved surface would allow higher level competitions to be attracted • the Bundaberg Cycle Group spoke of their ageing facility—it has Community Meeting in Childers not been updated since the 1970’s. The facility can only host local events. It is classed as a track, not as a velodrome, which is what the Club would like. The Club is in discussions with Council on improving its facilities • Council’s limited resources are spread thinly across the Region making it hard to make a real difference • facility maintenance is the responsibility of Clubs. While it can be expensive, it is the Club’s role and clubs should have an asset management plan in place. Council can assist though when upgrades (e.g new, better or extended facilities) are being undertaken. Clubs need to be seeking grants from the State and Federal governments to assist themselves with new facilities • facility viability is generally increased through greater usage. Where appropriate, multi-use facilities should be developed (or potentially multi-club facilities where a number of clubs build and share a facility) • sports fi eld lighting is required in various locations. Along the coast, lighting needs to be turtle-friendly. A lack of lighting is holding some sports back (e.g. junior AFL) • a Sports Advisory Board or similar would assist Council 17 bundaberg regional council sport and recreation strategy

understand what is happening in the sporting community club has a lease. There was some discussion around needs for car • strong support for the Bundaberg to Bargara Cycleway to be parking and general tidying of the area. It was also suggested that developed the horse stables on Childers Showgrounds could be relocated to • as the population is ageing, facilities should recognise this Appletree Creek. One activity that struggles for area at Appletree growing demographic Creek is polocrosse and it was suggested that they may fi t on the • the club sector needs the skills to manage their activity and airport site—they need 4ha of land. the club’s operations. Skill upgrading in governance, volunteer Clubs are fi nding it diffi cult to meet all government and legal require- recruiting and retention, club management and others are ments and generally remain viable. It was suggested that there should required. A comment was also made that there are too many be fewer, stronger clubs, to meet these challenges. clubs and some consolidation needs to take place • communication from Council on relevant matters was rated well. Heating of the Isis pool to extend the season was supported. The Comments concerning open space and parks included: pool is well used now but activities could continue further into the season if the water was heated. • a brochure and map detailing what facilities are provided in each park would greatly assist new residents Other discussions concerned: • playgrounds should be shaded • more footpaths are needed in parts of Childers • safety lighting in parks should be considered. • sporting clubs are not sure what support they can get from CChildershilders CCommunityommunity MMeetingeeting Council or the State government and do not get regular mailings (or emailings) from Council A well attended community meeting in Childers discussed many • the indoor sports stadium gets limited community use as aspects of sport and recreation but one of the early themes was the access has to be arranged through the School. Council needs to lack of land available for sport and recreation in the town. It was formalise an agreement with the School to get community use. noted that there are no large or signature parks and, generally, a lack of parks. GGinin GinGin CommunityCommunity MeetingMeeting Given the topography of the town (i.e. hilly) it is diffi cult to fi nd fl at Early discussion in this meeting was about access to and facilities areas for fi eld sports. The Isis Airport, about 6 kms to the east just at major water areas. Paradise Dam has part of its boundary with off the Bruce Highway is reasonably fl at and there is suffi cient land Bundaberg Regional Council and this section provides a “natural” here for future fi eld sports. The site has been cleared in the past but camping experience (no change was requested). Of more concern there has been some regrowth that would need to be cleared again. was getting shared use of Bucca Weir with the Bundaberg Rowing A downside of this site is that there is limited public transport to the Club. There was signifi cant discussion at the meeting, and also it was site and cycle access along the highway would be dangerous. reported, on the water, about who can use the facility and when. There was not a defi nitive answer at the meeting but it needs to be The Childers Showground is the only dedicated sports fi eld in the established. urban area and it is used for training and game play Monday to Friday by either touch football, rugby league, soccer or little athletics as well Along the Burnett River there was a call for more overnight camping as general community use. There is little time available in the schedule facilities and a boat ramp at Smiths Crossing. for maintenance of the turf. Childers High School has an adjacent fi eld The Gin Gin Soccer Club plays on fi elds at the Gin Gin State School. and through an agreement with Council is available for community There are some restrictions upon their use of this area, including use. restrictions on marking the fi elds, building facilities and storing items. Pony Club activities are undertaken at Appletree Creek where the The Club does have facilities at Bullyard Community Hall but does not use them. These facilities are about 15 kms from Gin Gin which is, apparently, too far for many parents to take their children so these facilities have not worked for the club (see photos). It was suggested that the Gin Gin Sports Reserve become multi-purpose and include the soccer club.

Views of the Bullyard soccer fi elds and Community Hall 18 bundaberg regional council sport and recreation strategy

Other comments included: synthetic approach to the jump pits. • the Showground is currently trying to source grants for arena The Gin Gin Athletics and Rugby League Clubs have developed a site lighting master plan and have a good understanding of how the site is to be • the rural areas around Gin Gin may have possibilities for noisy developed. sports (motorbikes) • there are limited parks and playgrounds in Gin Gin WWoodgateoodgate TTennisennis CClublub • there needs to be a User Agreement with the Gin Gin Woodgate Tennis Club hire the three-court facility from Council. State High School concerning access to the indoor centre. Council has discussed the Club taking a lease of the facility but the Alternatively, a new hall needs to be built to provide Club does not want to take the lease as it would become responsible opportunities for indoor sport and recreation for maintenance once leased. Even now, the complex needs some • communication from Council on relevant matters was rated well. maintenance to the court surface with some cracks in the surface of Sport and Recreation Clubs and Organisations two courts that trouble the Club (these cracks are around, but not across, the court proper). BBundabergundaberg RRugbyugby LLeagueeague There are lights on all three courts. One of the courts, the newest, The Bundaberg Rugby League (BRL) competition now only has six is a multi-purpose court meant for the play of netball, basketball and local teams as Maryborough rejoined with the Fraser Coast League. tennis. It is not used by the tennis club (it is too hard) nor anyone The meeting discussed issues concerning the shared use of Salter else as it is locked within the complex. Oval by rugby league and cricket—both with control of the site The Club would like the two courts that it uses resurfaced with artifi - for six months each year coinciding with their season. The issue of cial grass. The benefi t of this would be: concern is that the cricket square and the rugby league fi eld overlap. • a new surface with no cracks When league plays on the cricket square the area is harder than the • a softer surface—the members are an older age group rest of the fi eld, has less grass (particularly at the start of the season) • can be available for play quicker after rain. and when wet, is slippery. The Club believes that members will return to play if they get a new Salter Oval’s design places the cricket square in the rugby league fi eld. surface. Current membership is 30 but a few years ago it was 55. The pitch runs north-south as it should. The rugby league fi eld runs north-east to south-west and the whole fi eld area is enclosed by a Other Stakeholders fence and a number of signifi cant buildings (e.g. grandstand, cricket clubhouse and lighting towers). Without replacing most infrastructure, IIsissis WWarar MMemorialemorial SSwimmingwimming PPoolool MManagementanagement there does not appear to be a way to align fi elds so that they do not The managers of Isis War Memorial Swimming Pool (Childers) have a overlap. The BRL suggested that the Council consider a drop-in pitch. busy program involving school use, swimming club, fi tness swimming, Other comments concerning Salter Oval were: aqua-aerobics, infant aquatics and general admission. • the grandstand seats are brittle and need replacement The pool is a 6-lane, 33m complex. The change facilities and the pool • more shade is needed on Fields 2 and 3 were repaired before the 2009/10 season and are in good condition. • a playground for non-playing children would be good but this is probably a club responsibility. The lessee says that the main wish from the community is for solar pool heating so that the pool can stay open all year (or at least have a Comment: In Australia, the Melbourne Cricket Ground is the only longer, more pleasant, season. venue using a drop-in pitch. Queensland Cricket rejected the use of a drop-in pitch at The Gabba citing the differences in performance of a drop-in pitch and favourable weather for staying with the tradi- tional pitch preparation.

GGinin GinGin AthleticsAthletics andand GGinin GGinin RugbyRugby LLeagueeague These two clubs share the Gin Gin Sports Reserve. Over the years, the complex has been improved greatly, but both organisations are keen to continue to improve the complex. One need that affects both organisations is improving drainage as the fi elds do get very wet from water fl owing down the “hill” to the west of the fi eld, and not drain- ing properly to the east. Rugby league is hoping to, over time: • construct new amenities, including disabled facilities (plans are drawn) • upgrade the lighting, including relocating the poles so that they are safe for touch football. The Club has been quoted $170,000 just to upgrade the power to the site. This cost, if it is still similar after obtaining an updated quotation, may mean that the club needs to look at alternatives such as a generator • providing better vehicle access to the rugby league side of the complex. The Gin Gin Athletics Club would also like lights, eventually, but it is not an immediate priority. More immediate priorities are fi xing the drainage problems associated with the long-jump pit and laying a 19 bundaberg regional council sport and recreation strategy

Sport and Recreation Club Survey MMembershipembership TTrendsrends ooff SSportport aandnd RRecreationecreation GGroupsroups The Sport and Recreation Organisation Survey was distributed to Sporting and recreation organisations were asked to indicate the approximately 62 organisations providing sport and recreation in numbers of members (senior and junior) now and also in 2007. Full the old Kolan and Isis Shires (see also the update survey results in details can be found in Table 3. Appendix 1 for other sport and recreation clubs). Respondents to the The membership numbers in touch football, senior cricket, pony club 2006 Strategy also were asked to update and review their comments (in both Gin Gin and Childers), croquet, fl ying and Surf Life Saving (for from 2006 and there were 67 of these organisations. To encourage the region) are increasing. The Pony Club fi gures in both centres stand a high response surveys carried a letter from the Mayor explain- out as some of the best performers of the reported statistics. ing the purpose of the Strategy and Council offi cers followed up non-respondents to encourage returns. Activities and organisations that are doing less well include tennis at Woodgate (Isis did not report current membership but did indicate Of the 62 surveys distributed to organisations in the old Kolan and that falling membership was not an issue) and fi shing. Isis Shires 20 surveys were completed and returned, correlating to a disappointing 32% return rate. Groups were asked to make a prediction as to what they thought their membership fi gures would be in three years time. As Figure 4 The purpose of the survey was to identify: depicts 58% of responding organisations predicted that there mem- • membership details and trends bership numbers would increase over the specifi ed period. This may • current usage of facilities be optimistic given that 24% of organisations experienced a decline in • levels of satisfaction with existing facilities the previous three years. All other groups expected membership to • essential facility needs stay relatively static with 5.3% of organisations believing their mem- • ranking of issues affecting the organisation bership would decline. • training and development needs. Figure 4: Future membership predictions The clubs and organisations which responded to the survey are: 5.3% 1. Bargara Football Club 2. Childers Touch Association Inc Increase 3. Gin Gin District Pony Club 4. Gin Gin Football Club Inc Static 5. Gin Gin Golf Club Inc Decrease 6. Gin Gin Social Club Inc 36.8% 7. Gin Gin Women’s National Fitness Club 8. Isis and District Little Athletics 57.9% 9. Isis Croquet Club Inc 10. Isis Deep Sea and Offshore Fishing Club 11. Isis District Horse and Pony Club 12. Isis Flying Club Inc Table 3: Reported current and past organisation membership 13. Isis Tennis Club Inc 14. Rotary Club of Bundaberg City of Organisation Seniors Juniors Daybreak 2009-10 2007-08 2009-10 2007-08 15. Surf Life Saving Wide Bay Capricorn Bargara Football Club 15 15 160 140 16. TSKF Childers Inc Childers Touch Association Inc 140 100 30 30 17. Wide Bay Cricket Inc 18. Woodgate Fun and Fitness Club Gin Gin District Pony Club 29 11 44 19 19. Woodgate Tennis Inc Gin Gin Football (Soccer) Club Inc 10 - 52 67 20. Woodgate Beach Camera Club. Gin Gin Golf Club Inc 48 50 4 7 It will be noted that there are some or- Gin Gin Social Club Inc 60 70 - - ganisations in the above list that were not Gin Gin Women’s National Fitness Club - - - - in the old shires of Kolan or Isis. Isis and District Little Athletics Not stated Not stated Not stated 127 These organisations asked to complete Isis Croquet Club Inc 19 11 1 - a survey so it would be remiss to not include them in the study. For the most Isis Deep Sea and Offshore Fishing Club 13 21 0 8 part, they are new clubs since the 2006 Isis District Horse and Pony Club 40 23 49 22 Strategy was developed. Isis Flying Club Inc 29 15 - - Isis Tennis Club Inc Not stated 36 Not stated 44 Rotary Club of Bundaberg City 9 15 - - Surf Life Saving Wide Bay Capricorn 1,484 1,233 956 778 TSKF Childers Inc 15 9 14 21 Wide Bay Cricket Inc 1,057 857 861 922 Woodgate Fun and Fitness Club 28 - - - Woodgate Tennis Inc 29 42 1 5 Woodgate Beach Camera Club 29 24 - -

20 bundaberg regional council sport and recreation strategy

FFacilityacility UsageUsage aandnd SSatisfactionatisfaction aandnd AAdequacydequacy Organisations were also asked to specify: • facilities utilised • frequency of use • satisfaction with facilities • issues with facilities. Results are shown in Table 4. Forty-two percent indicated they are “very satisfi ed” or “satisfi ed” with their facilities while only 15% were “very dissatisfi ed” or “dis- satisfi ed” with their facility. The remaining facilities were deemed “neither”. There was no common reason for dissatisfaction—each instance was a separate case.

Table 4: Facility satisfaction and description of issues Organisation Facility(s) used Satisfaction Description of issues Isis Deep Sea and Off- Burnett Heads Boat Satisfi ed The surface on the new ramp is slippery, creating a safety issue, and shore Fishing Club Ramp parking is limited during peak periods. Walker’s Point Boat Ramp Neutral There is too much cross tidal current when the tide is running, cre- ating a safety issue, and parking is limited during peak periods. Woodgate Beach Boat Dissatisfi ed This ramp is too exposed as there is no protection from the ocean. Ramp Parking is inadequate at this facility. Buxton Boat Ramp Satisfi ed The Buxton Boat Ramp can become slippery at times. Gin Gin Social Club RSL Hall Very Satisfi ed Inc Gin Gin Youth Centre Very Satisfi ed Gin Gin Women’s Na- National Fitness Hall Satisfi ed tional Fitness Club Isis and District Little Childers Showground Very Satisfi ed Athletics Childers Touch As- Childers Showground Satisfi ed Double booking of canteen facilities and mowing. sociation Inc TSKF Childers Inc Isis Cultural Centre Neutral Woodgate Beach Cam- Woodgate Community Neutral The acoustics in the hall makes it diffi cult to hold meetings. The facil- era Club Hall ity also lacks a projector screen. Wide Bay Cricket Inc. Salter Oval Very Satisfi ed Kendalls Flats Satisfi ed Isis Tennis Club Inc Childers Tennis Courts Neutral 2 old courts require urgent upgrade. Isis Flying Club Inc Childers Airstrip Neutral Strip surface and eastern end drainage. Isis District Horse and Apple Tree Creek Neutral Surface is very compacted. Some of the external fencing is tempo- Pony Club Grounds rary. No showers no horse stalls. No kitchen. Woodgate Fun and Woodgate Community Neutral Lack of storage for equipment and air conditioning. Fitness Club Hall Gin Gin Football Club Gin Gin State School Neutral No access to toilet, can’t put up goals or mark grounds. Inc Oval Bullyard Hall Oval Satisfi ed Grounds too far from town, needs toilet upgrade and canteen facili- ties. Bargara Football Club Neilson Park Neutral Clubhouse in need of repair, door, larger. No lighting. Grounds need levelling and soccer goals. Isis Croquet Club Inc Isis Croquet Club Inc Satisfi ed Footpath not mowed by Council. Gin Gin District Pony Gin Gin Pony Club Neutral Lack of reticulated water. Lack of storage areas. Sloping grounds. Club Gin Gin Showgrounds Very Dissatisfi ed Club has been refused use of grounds 3 times in past 12 months due to ongoing maintenance. Cost is prohibitive and considered excessive. Rotary Club of Agro Trend/Showgrounds Not Stated Cost Bundaberg City of Civic Centre Not Stated Refurbish air condition kitchen. Daybreak Woodgate Tennis Inc Woodgate Tennis Courts Dissatisfi ed Problems with court surface after Council construction nearby. 21 bundaberg regional council sport and recreation strategy

PProposedroposed AActivityctivity PProgramsrograms Organisations were asked whether they were proposing to introduce any activity programs in the future, whom they were targeting, ration- ale and venue proposed to be used. Future activity programs primarily focused on: • skill development • encouraging younger players • social play (e.g. night, pay and play, modifi ed games) • hosting major events and exposure activities (e.g. come ‘n’ try). Most proposed to use existing facilities and resources. Details are provided in Table 5.

Skate park at Woodgate

Tabe 5: Proposed activity programs Organisation Proposed Activity Who for? (e.g. Rationale Possible Facility/ Program for whole Location to be Used community) Isis and District Queensland Athletics Club Older athletes, Childers Showground Little Athletics whole community Childers Touch As- Expand junior competition Whole community An expanded competition will increase Childers Showground sociation Inc junior membership TSKF Childers Inc Karate 4 Kids Primary aged school Held children regarding safety, confi - Isis Cultural Centre children dence and avoid bullying Wide Bay Cricket 20/20 cricket in conjunc- Club or community To give the community sporting activi- Salter Oval Inc. tion with Bundaberg teams ties at night cricket clubs Isis Flying Club Inc Flying training Young community To introduce the younger community Club hangar and airstrip members to an ongoing career Isis District Horse Adult horse rider nights Any adults wanting Many adult members who don’t ride Apple Tree Creek and Pony Club to learn or practise on normal rally days; want to nurture Grounds potential new instructors Gin Gin Football Off season social competi- Whole community Keep players skills up get other players Bullyard Oval, Hockey Club Inc tion involved, for those who want to try nets GGSS soccer, get fi t and have fun Isis Croquet Club Evening play Members and visi- Too hot in summer to play Isis Croquet Club Inc Inc tors School competition High school stu- Encourage young people to play mallet Isis Croquet Club Inc dents sports Gin Gin District Horse Trials Club and zone Olympic discipline lacking in area GGPC grounds Pony Club members Offi cial dressage competi- Club and zone Olympic discipline lacking in area GGPC grounds tions members Offi cial show jumping Club and zone Olympic discipline lacking in area GGPC grounds competition members

22 bundaberg regional council sport and recreation strategy

EEssentialssential FFacilityacility NNeedseeds Organisations were asked to detail their requirements for updating existing facilities or development of new facilities within the next fi ve years. Most sports are looking to upgrade facilities at their current location. Gin Gin Football Club is the only one looking for new grounds. In their case, they have grounds at Bullyard but they are looking for grounds within Gin Gin. Overall, key facility improvements focused on increasing use, function- ality and meeting required standards and, in summary, include: • lighting upgrades or provision • change rooms/ toilet upgrades or provision • increased storage, spectator seating, shade • canteen upgrade or provision • fi eld and court surface upgrades and maintenance. A detailed description of these facilities, the rationale and their prior- ity is provided in Table 6.

Table 6: Essential facility needs Organisation Description Rationale Priority Isis Deep Sea and Offshore Ramp safety, car park Treatment of boat ramps is required to reduce the slipping risks. High (1-2yrs) Fishing Club lighting Improved lighting is also required in car parking areas, to deter theft. Childers Touch Association Inc Upgraded kitchen facili- Facilities are required to be upgraded for food preparation High (1-2yrs) ties standards Woodgate Beach Camera Woodgate Community Audio visual equipment would assist all users during meetings, High (1-2yrs) Club Hall such as microphone and projector screen Wide Bay Cricket Inc. Salter Oval A lighting upgrade will enable night cricket, 20/20’s and attract High (1-2yrs) state and national teams Isis Tennis Club Inc Childers Tennis Courts Existing courts are in very poor condition with poor drain- High (1-2yrs) age which causes mildew (slippery) and are cracked and very uneven. This is a major issue Isis Flying Club Inc Crusher dust Spreading of crusher dust eastern end of strip to make the full High (1-2yrs) length of the strip serviceable and safe for aircraft use Cleaning out drains To alleviate water hazard on eastern end of strip High (1-2yrs) Woodgate Fun and Fitness Storage We need to transport equipment every week because of lack of High (1-2yrs) Club storage at Woodgate Community Hall. Gin Gin Football Club Inc Facilities Permanent soccer fi eld and goal posts, toilet, change room and Not indicated canteen facilities to allow for larger functions and carnivals. Need community sports oval that everyone can access for sports. Bargara Football Club Facility improvement Lighting, clubhouse and soccer goals. Not able to use for night High (1-2yrs) training which is hard in winter. We share facilities with Bargara Athletics not enough room for storage of equipment. Goals required for training and games to be held. Isis Croquet Club Inc Lights Needed to play in the evenings during hot summer. These lights Low (5+ are old, steel support is rusting and pole is very old. years) Extension to courts May need to extend our playing area - vacated netball courts Low (5+ next door, and old neighbourhood centre building over back years) fence. Gin Gin District Pony Club Level grounds Area is adequate but surface is poorly drained and too sloping High (1-2yrs) Cross country course to There is no longer a course in this region Medium (3- offi cial standard 4yrs Storage and shelter Growing membership requires more covered area for breaks/ High (1-2yrs) meetings etc. Valuable equipment requires adequate storage. Woodgate Tennis Inc Repair of court surface Surface is becoming dangerous to play on High (1-2yrs) Upgrading of surface to To maintain and increase membership by making surface safer High (1-2yrs) artifi cial grass and easier to play on

23 bundaberg regional council sport and recreation strategy

IIssuesssues AAffectingffecting OOrganisationsrganisations Organisations were asked to respond to a number of statements to indicate the impact that a specifi c issue is having on their organisation. The results are shown in Figure 5. The top four issues having “great impact” and “some impact” (com- bined) were: 1. Diffi culty in accessing grant funds 2. Cost of playing or participating is increasing 3. Insurance costs 4. Declining volunteers Interestingly, when this study was undertaken four years ago for Bundaberg and Burnett Shires the top four issues were: 1. Cost of playing/ participating increasing 2. Declining volunteer numbers 3. Insurance costs 4. Diffi culties in accessing grants. While the order is different the issues are still the same. That three of the four issues relate to the cost of delivering or playing sport should give direction to policy makers on how to increase participation in sport and recreation. While there are many promotional programs at the State and Federal levels to increase participation in sport and physical activity, none of these programs is focussed on reducing costs to participate, which may be the key to successfully increasing participation as desired.

Figure 5: Issues affecting organisations


  
        

Difficulty in accessing grant funding

Declining number of volunteers

Insurance costs

C ost of maintaining the venue for your activity

Poor parent support of club and/or competition Lack of access to training opportunities for volunteers and committee members Falling membership

Cost of playing or participating is increasing

Lack of qualified coaches or officials

Risk management Governing body changes in requirements are making facilities non- compliant Training and development opportunities for coaches/ officials

Less youth participation

Constant changes in committee

Technological advancements for club administration

Disability access to facilities

Difficulty in accessing school facilities

0 102030405060708090100 Percentage

24 bundaberg regional council sport and recreation strategy

TTrainingraining aandnd DDevelopmentevelopment NNeedseeds Organisations were asked to indicate their level of awareness and access to a range of training and development themes. Groups chose the response that best describes their organisation from the following options: • aware of opportunities but have not accessed them • aware of opportunities and members have attended training • not aware of opportunities, but would like to know more • not interested. Figure 6 shows the percentage of responding organisations that indicated they are aware of opportunities within each training and development category and if they had accessed them or not. Organisations have most frequently accessed training and develop- ment opportunities in the areas of: • player development clinics and camps • coach and offi cial accreditation courses and clinics • funding and grant applications. These three were the same as the 2006 survey in the old local gov- ernments of Bundaberg and Burnett. Areas where training may be directed in future are: • club governance and committee management • volunteer management • advertising and marketing.

Figure 6: Club Development Training Status

Aware but not accessed Aware and attended Not aware Not interested

Club governance and committee management

Volunteer management

Risk management

Advertising and marketing

Strategic and business planning for clubs

Funding and grant applications

Coach and official accreditation courses and clinics

Player develoment clinics or camps

0.0% 20.0% 40.0% 60.0% 80.0% 100.0%

25 bundaberg regional council sport and recreation strategy

School Survey Results sponding schools and include: • security and surveillance School principals were given the opportunity to comment on sport • public liability insurance requirements and recreation issues as they affected the school or youth in the • standard of facilities Region. The following is a summary of the responses received. • cost of maintenance and upkeep Fifteen schools responded to the survey from 52 schools, a return • coordination of use and booking procedures. rate of 29%. All but one school (Booyal Central State School) that It is interesting to note that these issues are the same as those identi- responded used other sport and recreation facilities, apart from fi ed in 2006. Despite the best efforts of many people, school facilities school facilities. There appeared to be heavy use of a range of both do not appear to be any more available today than they were fi ve Council-owned and community managed facilities with those most years ago. frequently cited: New sporting and recreation facilities planned by schools in the • the various swimming pools next fi ve years are shown in Table 7. Many indicated that the pro- • Salter Oval posals, especially larger ones, were dependent on securing funding. • Kendalls Flats (for cricket, AFL and netball) Multi-purpose indoor halls or covering of existing facilities cover • touch and athletics fi elds. most of the developments. Approximately 90% of the responding schools were “totally satisfi ed” or “satisfi ed” with the level and quality of the Councils’ sport and recreation facilities. Schools suggested the following improvements to Council provided Indoor Court at Gin Gin SHS sport and recreation facilities or programs that could be of benefi t to the community: • reviewing the provision of toilets at venues and ensuring that they were open and available when schools visited • better drainage of Kendall Flats’ fi elds • increasing shade at various venues. Though the majority of schools indicated that their facilities were available for community use there appeared little regular community use. The schools indicated that most facilities were available, but to use them, hirers needed to meet Education Queensland criteria (including the provision of suitable group insurance for public liability). Another stumbling block to the use of school facilities is that the toilets are often not made available. Issues with, and barriers to community use were similar across re-

Table 7: Proposed facility developments in Schools School Proposed Facility Development Booyal Central State School Nil Bundaberg East State School Nil Bundaberg North State School Have just completed a new covered basketball and netball court under BER Program Bundaberg West State School A new sports hall Cordalba State School (Possibly) putting a roof over the court Elliott Heads State School Nil Gin Gin State High School Nil Isis District State High School Nil Kalkie State School Multi-purpose hall in 2010 and an oval upgrade in 2011 McIlwraith State School Resurfacing of the tennis courts Oakwood State School Covering the existing tennis court St Mary’s Catholic Primary School (Bundaberg) Multi-purpose undercover court, outdoor play equipment for junior students and fi tness tracks St Patrick’s Catholic School (Bundaberg) Undercover basketball court Thabeban State School Nil Walkervale State School Nil Woongarra State School Assembly hall/ sports hall

26 bundaberg regional council sport and recreation strategy

CCommentsomments oonn DDraftraft The draft Bundaberg Regional Council Sport and Recreation Strategy was put on public display for three weeks. Three comments were received. They were: 1. Bundaberg Athletics Club and West Bundaberg Athletics Club— outlining further the need for a synthetic athletics track to allow athletes to train locally 2. Bundaberg and District Rugby—acknowledging that their re- sponses had been included in the Plan but further emphasising their desire for their own (not shared) facility 3. Brothers Bulldogs AFC—supporting the need to a new AFL facil- ity to allow the City to host large AFL carnivals.

27 open space 5 SECTION

Open Space Framework A suggested framework for open space in the township of Gin Gin and Childers is shown below. The 2006 Bundaberg and Burnett Re- gional Sport and Recreation Strategy addressed open space in the re- maining portions of the local government area (i.e. the old Bundaberg City and Burnett Shire Councils). Open Space Outcomes It is Council’s intention that the open space network will: • provide recreation and sporting parks in line with current and emerging community needs • provide a diverse range of activity opportunities and landscape settings to encourage healthy lifestyles and maximise opportunities for engagement in physical activity • provide safe, attractive places and equitable and convenient access to recreation, sport and open space infrastructure • ensure spaces and facilities support the ongoing viability of community user groups and have capacity to adapt to changing needs over time • protect, preserve and enhance natural habitat and environmental processes • contribute to the legibility and character of neighbourhoods. Guiding Principles Guiding Principles are outlined below that describe Council’s inten- tions through the provision and management of open space. • Effective Planning—Council will ensure that provision of recreation and open space opportunities accurately refl ects current community needs and Council resource constraints. • Effective Use—Council will encourage and assist maximum utilisation of recreation, sport and open space infrastructure. • High Quality—Council will ensure that all recreation and open space opportunities are designed and maintained to a high quality, commensurate with the nature and use of the facilities and spaces. • Access—Council will ensure that all recreation and open space facilities can be safely and conveniently accessed by users. • Minimal Impacts—Council will ensure that recreation and open space facilities and activities have minimal impacts on surrounding land uses. • Effective Management—Council will ensure that recreation and open space facilities and events are managed in the most effi cient and cost effective way. • Public Safety—Council will ensure recreation and open space facilities are safe for public use.

28 bundaberg regional council sport and recreation strategy

Open Space Classifi cations Various open space types possess differing values, functions and set- tings. The sustainability of each type of open space is commensurate with the nature and level of impact on their values. Impacts arise from compatible and incompatible uses of respective open space, and/or within open space types. Impacts occur both on individual open space areas and cumulatively. For the towns of Gin Gin and Childers, with only small populations, a very simple framework is proposed in Table 8. Open space across the towns has been categorised according to the proposed classifi cation system and comments about the adequacy of the system follow.

Table 8: Public Open Space Classifi cation System Classifi cation Specifi c Description/ Defi nition Type Sub-Types or Hierarchy Recreation Parks Local Park Smaller sized parks providing a limited range of recreational opportunities for local residents. These parks contain infrastructure for recreational use, but generally cater for short visits only. District Park Parks providing a range of facilities and activity spaces for recreation. These parks have a higher level of embellishment that caters to local needs, to tourists as well as the whole town. Amenity Park Amenity Park Usually small areas of land that are maintained by Council for landscape amenity (e.g. median strips with trees, entrance statements, monument/memorial parks, landscaped buffers and access link- ages) rather than as a destination for recreation. Sports Parks Public Sports Parks that primarily cater for a variety of formal sporting activities through provision of a range of training and competition infrastructure. These parks include: • facilities specifi cally for undertaking competitive, organised activities • ancillary facilities for clubs or organisations to support sporting activities (such as canteens, clubhouses, storage facilities) • free, unrestricted access to the public at times when formal sport is not being undertaken. Specialised Sport Parks provided for sporting activities where the nature of the activity precludes free, unrestricted access to members of the public. Specialised sports include motocross/motorcycling, equestrian, golf, shooting, car racing, model aeroplanes, lawn bowls, shooting etc. Community Indoor Sport and Community facilities have specialised building and land footprint requirements to meet community Facilities Aquatic Facilities needs. Community facilities include: • Council libraries • halls and civic centres • service provider centres (e.g. scouts and girl guide halls) • indoor sport and recreation • swimming pools. As community facilities fall outside the defi nition of sport and recreation, ROSS Planning has re- corded only community facilities whose primary activities are sport and/or recreation, these being Council-owned or managed aquatic facilities and indoor sport and recreation facilities.

29 bundaberg regional council sport and recreation strategy

Population Growth State government health data from 2009 was used to establish the estimated resident populations of Gin Gin (750 people) and Childers (1,750 people). Population growth projections for the towns are not known but the State Government’s Population Information Forecasting Unit (PIFU) prepared local government-wide projections in 2008 before amalga- mation. Results are shown in Table 9. Over the 25 years from 2006, the former Isis Shire is expecting growth of about 3,615 people (total population of 10,269) which is about a 54% increase. Growth in the former Kolan Shire will not be as strong with 1,692 people moving to the area by 2031 representing an increase on the 2006 population of about 35%. As it is not possible to say how much of this growth will go into the urban areas of Gin Gin and Childers, future projections on open space required cannot be developed. This section is a commentary on the existing provision with only basic guidance about new open space requirements. Desired Standards of Service With the introduction of the Integrated Planning Act 1997; Sustain- able Planning Act 2009 and associated amendments and guidelines, many local governments across Queensland are changing the way they plan for sporting and recreational land and facilities. Councils are tending to move towards a standards–based approach, specifying a ratio of land area per head of population (usually referred to as the Desired Standards of Service). This is then supported by design and development specifi cations within statutory mechanisms to ensure open space is functional, attractive and accessible to communities. The Desired Standards of Service (DSS) were established in the 2006 Bundaberg and Burnett Regional Sport and Recreation Strategy (with reference to Bundaberg City’s Planning Scheme). The Desired Stand- ards of Service then, as developed from those plans, was: • Recreation open space: 2.4 hectares per 1,000 persons • Sports open space: 2.0 hectares per 1,000 persons. However, Desired Standards of Service do not work for open space areas when a town is small, say less than 2,000 people. There is a minimum size to a park if it is to be functional and attractive, and the minimum may be higher than indicated by the DSS. Therefore, the analysis here of open space adequacy is based upon the consultation and inspections undertaken.

Table 9: Population Projections to 2031 (PIFU 2008) Old LGA Estimated Projected Resident Population Resident Population

2006 2011 2016 2021 2026 2031 Isis (S) 6,654 7,557 8,286 8,943 9,604 10,269 Kolan (S) 4,820 5,138 5,406 5,698 6,061 6,512

30 bundaberg regional council sport and recreation strategy

Open Space Assessment SSportport aandnd CCommunityommunity LLandand The Gin Gin Sports Reserve is the home for rugby league, touch OOpenpen SpaceSpace SSupply—Ginupply—Gin GGinin football and athletics. The fi elds are high quality though some of the The key open space areas for sport and recreation within Gin Gin are off-fi eld facilities are of a lesser quality, namely the public amenities classifi ed in Table 10. A commentary on open space provision follows. and the lights. In wet weather, drainage can also be a problem and Table 10: Key open space areas in Gin Gin new channels need to be developed to allow water to drain from the site. There is spare land within the Reserve that could be developed Name Classifi cation into another fi eld. Some rearrangement of access roads and possibly Dear Street Park Recreation - District a power pole may be needed. The development of another fi eld at the Reserve may allow soccer to also be played here. Gin Gin Sports Reserve Sport Gin Gin Showground Specialised Sport The other major sport area in Gin Gin is the Showground. The Showground is also the caravan park and has a well-used community Gin Gin Swimming Pool Community Facility hall. Sporting activities are mainly equestrian based. Users would like Main Street Gardens Amenity Park/ Recreation Park lighting so that events can continue into the evening. National Fitness Park Recreation Park - Local Within the National Fitness Hall Park tennis and model car sports are undertaken. The two tennis courts will need upgrades soon as the RRecreationecreation PParksarks surface is deteriorating. The model cars use the multi-purpose courts. There are two recreation parks in Gin Gin—the Dear Street Park The Gin Gin Swimming Pool is on a large, well maintained site. It is and the parklands surrounding the National Fitness Hall (not named). the hope of locals that the existing pool will be replaced with a con- Dear Street Park contains a covered playground, half-court, toilets, temporary design in coming years and if this does happen then this picnic shelters, large open areas and a car park—most of the qualities site should still meet the needs for an aquatic centre. of a district park. To modestly enhance this Park, the wood-burning barbecue should be replaced with a gas or electric barbecue and some basic lighting should be placed in the Park and in the picnic shelters. The other recreation park is the unnamed parklands surrounding the National Fitness Hall. In this park, there are a range of sporting and recreation uses as well as some community facilities. Recreation ele- ments include the skate park and the dirt jumps. Sporting use includes the tennis courts and the model cars (the multiuse court also can be used for recreation) and the community uses include the National Fitness Hall and the Gin Gin Youth Activity Centre. There are no picnic shelters or playgrounds in this park. Travellers have to use these items in the main street (in the middle of the Bruce Highway). Over time, Council should consider relocating these items to this park and encourage visitors to stop here, where it is much safer. There is undeveloped land in the park that could be developed nicely to appeal Skate park at the National Fitness Centre Park to visitors and locals alike.

Dear Street Park

31 bundaberg regional council sport and recreation strategy

OOpenpen SpaceSpace SSupply—Childersupply—Childers the rear of the shops but has a large car park that visitors are guided The key open space areas for sport and recreation within Childers to. The park is small and contains a covered playground, gazebo, tables are classifi ed in Table 11. A commentary on the adequacy of the open and chairs, bins, water and a path. It is “full” and should not be devel- space follows. oped any further. Table 11: Key open space areas in Childers Apex Tramway Park is connected to Churchill Street via Millennium Park. Millennium Park is an Amenity Park providing places to eat and Name Classifi cation public toilets. It also has a number of items of public art. It is not Apex Tramway Park Recreation - Local a recreation park. Again, it is “full” and does not require additional embellishment. Childers Historic Complex Community Facility Childers Showground Sport Park The Childers Historic Complex was most likely not intentionally developed as a park but the grounds are so attractive that people do Churchill Street (Bruce Hwy) Amenity/ Recreation use the Complex for picnics and gatherings. Streetscapes Park Heritage Park Recreation - Local The skate park and half-court tennis court are an attractive youth precinct close to the commercial area and schools. It appears to work Isis SHS Sports Oval Sport Park well. Shade over part of the skate park should be considered when Isis War Memorial Swimming Pool Community Facility resources allow. Millennium Park Amenity Park In future planning, Council should aim to obtain land for a signature Skate Park Recreation - Local recreation park and develop it with innovative play equipment and attractions for families. RRecreationecreation PParksarks At fi rst glance, Childers has a green appearance and appears well-ser- SSportport aandnd CCommunityommunity LLandand viced by parkland. It is then surprising to fi nd that Childers has only Sporting land for fi eld sports, until recently, was confi ned to the one traditional recreation park and it is its newest—Heritage Park. Childers Showground. Recently though, Bundaberg Regional Council came to an arrangement with the Isis State High School to allow The very intense greening of Churchill Street (Bruce Hwy) and community access of the School’s Oval. This fi eld allows for fi eld adjoining small Millennium Park and Tramway Park, as well as sport and cricket. Council has added lights that allows for training in streetscapes throughout the town and private gardens, contribute to the evening. the image of a green town. The Childers Showground site is heavily used for athletics, touch Heritage Park is relatively new and would appear that further de- football, soccer, rugby league, cricket, events and community fi tness. velopment may be undertaken. It has a small playground and picnic The site has lights and good off-fi eld facilities. shelters. The Park could be improved by: • further planting to create some privacy and shelter Even with the new Isis SHS site, there are reports that the available • shade over the playground sporting land is heavily used. As the town grows there will be more • a tap or water bubbler, and some bollards to defi ne the edge of pressure and a further area will need to be found. Sporting land needs the park and stop vehicles from driving on the Park. to be fl at (or can be made fl at for a reasonable cost) and such land is diffi cult to fi nd adjacent to Childers. The open space area along Churchill Street (Bruce Highway) is a credit to the town and the people that look after them. They stand The Childers Aerodrome is about 6 kms from Childers and is fl at. out in the minds of visitors and are a real encouragement to stop and There is suffi cient spare land at the Aerodrome for other activities, enjoy the town. Apex Tramway Park is part of the Streetscapes. It is at including sport. Reportedly, part of the site was developed for sport many years ago but is now partly overgrown. This site may be suitable Heritage Park, Childers for development as sport and recreation land in the future as the pressure on existing sites becomes too great. The Isis War Memorial Swimming Pool is old and is on a very tight site. In time, it will need to be replaced and at that time a new loca- tion, within Childers, should be considered that gives the pool more space for out-of-water activities.

Millennium Park

32 bundaberg regional council sport and recreation strategy

Appendices 6 SECTION

As part of the development of this Strategy, sport and recreation clubs that responded to the 2006 Strategy were given the opportu- nity to update their Facility Usage and Satisfaction, Essential Facility Needs and Essential Activity Needs. This information needs to be read in conjunction with the 2006 Strategy. Where a sport and recreation club has not updated their details then the 2006 information stands. If it appears here, then this information replaces the comments made by the organisation in 2006. On the following pages readers will fi nd: • Facility Usage and Satisfaction Needs • Essential Facility Needs and • Essential Activity Needs as reported by survey.

33 bundaberg regional council sport and recreation strategy

FFacilityacility UsageUsage aandnd SSatisfactionatisfaction

Organisation Facility (s) used Level of Use Activity used Satisfaction Description of Adequacy for for issues next 5 yrs Bingera Football Rams Grounds 3 Times per week Football Neither satisfi ed No sewerage and Fair Club Queen St 2-4hrs or dissatisfi ed lack of lighting Bundaberg & Western Suburbs 2-3 Days/week Training and oc- All of these facili- District Rugby Leagues Club casionally, games ties are tenured, Union Inc. Alloway Sports 2-3 Days/week Training and oc- and arrangements for usage are Club casionally, games made with the Eastern Suburbs 2 Days/week Training managing tenants, Leagues Club which impacts Bargara Sports 2 Days/week Occasionally on long term facil- Complex home games are ity usage/tenure. played at this The club has venue established good Across the Waves October to De- Training and relationships with Sports Complex cember games managing tenants, however it has resulted in "out of season" fi xtures due to limited facility availability. Bundaberg & Rotary Park 6 Days per week Tennis Satisfi ed Upgrade of syn- District Tennis thetic grass lights Association Inc. and shade Mad Cycologists Various cycle Weekly Recreational rides Dissatisfi ed lack of community paths Moore Park MPBCA Oval Not used due to Previously used Beach Commu- poor condition for soccer foot- nity Association ball cricket Inc Bundaberg PCYC PCYC 6 Days/week Youth group, box- The current ing, breakdancing, facility cannot friendship club, accommodate the gymnastics, karate, large numbers markets, vacation participating in care, belly dancing, gymnastics, result- hip hop, women’s ing in gymnastics self defence relocating to a hired venue Saxon Archery Archery range Twice per week Archery Neither satisfi ed Requires expan- 3 years Club for 7hrs or dissatisfi ed sion Clubhouse Twice per week Meetings, canteen, Neither satisfi ed Requires upgrade 2 years for 2hrs club activities or dissatisfi ed

Amenities block Twice per week Amenities Satisfi ed Requires upgrade 3 years

34 bundaberg regional council sport and recreation strategy

EEssentialssential FFacilityacility NNeedseeds ((UpdateUpdate ffromrom 22006)006)

Organisation Facility Description Rationale Priority Bingera Football Club Sewerage To allow building of toilet block High Toilet block To allow home games, separate facilities for males and females High Lights Double our fi eld capacity and increase participation High Bingera and South Kolan Upgrade to rear access we Improve access for disabled and viewing for all members High Small Bore Rifl e Club Inc have received a quote and applied for a grant Bundaberg & District Field renovation, fi eld light- Western Suburbs Leagues Club/Alloway Sports Club/Eastern Sub- Rugby Union Inc. ing, spectator facilities urbs Leagues Club/Bargara Sports Complex - the current lighting standard at these facilities is not adequate for night fi xtures The fi eld sizes are smaller than required and in a substandard condition (hard surface). There are also limited spectator facilities. Rugby union facility A dedicated rugby union venue will meet a current defi ciency in High adequate facility supply. Requirements include: 3 x full size rugby union fi elds (international standards), 1 x fi eld - lighting to repre- sentative standards), 2 x fi elds - lighting to min. Match standards, change rooms, canteen, storage, spectator facilities, parking. With- out this venue, growth of the sport is limited. Bundaberg & District Ten- Upgrade of synthetic grass Synthetic grass is 15yrs old and is worn out needs urgent repair High nis Association Inc. courts Upgrade court lighting The lux reading of lights doesn’t meet the Australian Standards for High club and competition Shade areas for spectators To provide shelter and shade Medium and volunteers Minimum 8 umpiring chairs There are no chairs to required standard available High Construction of physi- Now required for tournament hosts High otherapy rooms Irrigation upgrade Current system continually ruptures and is expensive to maintain High Replacement of fencing Wire fences at the southern end of courts High Bundaberg Clay Target Trap layout No. 4 To hold 2 day shooting carnival - zone carnival High Club Inc. Grass Between lands etc New facility built High Bundaberg Little Athlet- Our club is reasonably well equipped but in the long-term a suit- ics Centre and Thabean able synthetic track would be a bonus for the regional area. There Athletic Club is none between Sunshine Coast and Townsville but it would need to be region rather than 1 club use Bundaberg Mens Division Facilities are adequate Bowls Association Inc. Bundaberg Netball As- Resurfacing of all playing Bitumen there now is breaking up, it will allow us to host a state High sociation courts event Bundaberg Netball As- Shade shelter and seating To provide shade/seating for players and spectators High sociation Second storey on main Meeting area for committee and other groups Medium clubhouse Better lighting Too many shadows and the big poles in the middle are dangerous High

Heartstart Require funds for a new No toilets currently available for participants High pavilion

New equipment - Thera- For stretching and fl exibility High ban Mad Cycologists Cycleways commuter cycle Increase us of bicycles for recreation and workplace commuting High paths Moore Park Beach Com- MPBCA oval refurbished Soccer and cricket club no longer uses oval for play or training High munity Association Inc. surface due to poor surface

35 bundaberg regional council sport and recreation strategy

Organisation Facility Description Rationale Priority Pacifi que Surfriders Club Re landscape headlands Ease of through-people traffi c, site safety, site access for trailer, re- High where most surf competi- vegetated to provide windbreaks

tions are judged Seating and tables Better ergonomics not just for club but general public High Toilet block Nearest toilets 400m away Medium Upgrade bitumen Existing very rough on feet Bundaberg PCYC Facility expansion A larger facility with wooden fl oors and storage space is required to accommodate the current usage requirements and relocate

gymnastics to the PCYC facility. Solar system installation It is envisaged that solar powered electricity will reduce the elec- tricity costs. Saxon Archery Club More ranges Better competitions, attract more competitors. Allow us to host High state and national titles

Clubhouse canteen Upgrade to meet latest standards and cope with numbers High

Amenities Upgrade to meet requirements of growing membership Low

36 bundaberg regional council sport and recreation strategy

EEssentialssential AActivityctivity NNeedseeds

Organisation Proposed Activity Who for? Rationale Possible Facility/ Location to be Used Bingera Football Club Any summer sport Whole com- Utilisation of grounds Existing munity

Any night activity Whole com- Utilisation of grounds Existing munity Bundaberg & District Rugby union development School children Currently working with Qld rugby union School facilities Rugby Union Inc. offi cer to source funding for a development offi cer. Bundaberg and districts junior

rugby union has contributed $10,000, ad- ditional funding is being sourced from the corporate sector. The overall objective will be to provide school aged children and teachers with an opportunity to learn about the sport, and to increase junior participation. Qld country junior state Junior players The Bundaberg and district junior rugby Across the Waves championships u12-u17 union club recently gained admission to compete in this event independently, which will provide junior players with representative opportunities. Qld country rugby union Players u17+ The Bundaberg and District Rugby Union Multiple locations across state championships Club recently gained admission to com- Wide Bay and Central pete in this event independently, which Queensland will provide players with representative opportunities. Local coordinator Rugby union Qld Rugby Union is assisting Bundaberg clubs in the and district rugby union to obtain funding district for a local coordinator, under the Qld government’s local sport and recreation jobs plan. This position will assist all af- fi liated clubs with regard to governance, development, risk and volunteer man- agement etc, and relieve the reliance on volunteer resources. Amalgamation of clubs All existing and Qld Rugby Union is assisting in the estab- and governing bodies - future stake- lishment of one governing body to over- rugby bundaberg ltd holders see the whole of rugby in Bundaberg to provide a more structured and balanced approach to the development of the sport in the region. It will also improve the transition from juniors to seniors and will allow for a joint approach to funding sponsorship opportunities. It will also limit duplication of administrative tasks. Bundaberg & District Revise regular domestic Club and Through lack of commitment family time Rotary Park Tennis Association fi xture competition community we need to introduce new concepts Inc. members Fitness and learn and play Parents and To make parents more comfortable on Rotary Park programs members court with their children giving more family time Free night time coaching Whole com- Improve confi dence for ex-players to Drinan Park for adults munity return to tennis after long gap Additional tennis nights Use courts more and promote tennis Drinan Park Bundaberg Clay Clay target shooting Members 2 day carnivals New facility Target Club Inc.

37 bundaberg regional council sport and recreation strategy

Organisation Proposed Activity Who for? Rationale Possible Facility/ Location to be Used Bundaberg Little Cross country Anyone To bring a club comp into line with school Schools Athletics Centre and season Thabean Athletic Regional carnivals Little as sen- Give local opportunities to promote Club iors region Triathlon Alc We support Bargara effort Bargara

Bundaberg Mens Develop a wider base Whole com- Develop lawn bowls for all ages and abili- various Division Bowls As- comp munity ties sociation Inc. Bundaberg Netball Summer season night Whole com- To utilise our facility all year netball courts Association comp munity and members Heartstart Water walking for heart Seniors Some people cannot move suffi ciently to Fairymead Pool walk at the track Mad Cycologists Annual city to coast family Whole com- Family participation promotion of cycling cycle ride munity as healthy lifestyle and reduce car usage Moore Park Beach Top dressing of oval Who commu- Benefi t to community in organised and Community Associa- nity non-organised activity and use of oval tion Inc. Pacifi que Surfriders Development classes for Community To bring new members to club local beaches Club beginners Bundaberg PCYC Continue existing pro- Whole com- New members will be encouraged from PCYC grams munity and discrete groups such as disabled, indig- members enous, disadvantaged youth, and youth interested in participating in a healthy activity. Saxon Archery Club Midweek archery shoot Members who So as not to discriminate against week- Archery club facilities work week- end/shift workers ends and shift workers

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