Over the next 25 years, the Wide Bay Burnett is expecting a population increase in the order of 180,000 people and it is important that the lifestyle infrastructure is in place to support this population. In supporting the Wide Bay Burnett Regional Plan, this Strategy seeks to identify the region’s recreation and sport requirements for the future. The identification of these needs will assist Councils within the Region (Bundaberg, Fraser Coast, Gympie, North Burnett and South Burnett Regional Councils and Cherbourg Aboriginal Council) to plan for future land and facility provision in areas that will have the population to sustain them.
One thing that is apparent is that the coastal parts of the Wide Bay Burnett have different strengths than the inland areas. The coastal areas, with their high populations, accommodation and transport options can support regional level facilities that have high capital and operational expenses e.g. aquatic centres, indoor centres, multi-field sport complexes and artificial hockey fields. The inland local governments have strengths in the large area, noisy and dangerous sports (e.g. shooting and motor sports), animal sports (campdraft and rodeo) as well as nature based recreation. This Strategy focuses on a range of regional level sport and recreation facilities (not local level and not State or higher level facilities). Regional, as used in this Strategy, means serving the needs of the Wide Bay Burnett or a significant proportion of it. Despite their ability to host regional level competitions most facilities also host local level competitions on a regular basis. Regional level competitions may, in many instances, be held only a few times per year. The local level competition is important for the viability of the facility. In many instances the move to regional level facilities, from local level facilities, will see an increasing specialisation and higher costs. Sharing the facility with other sports, whether in the same season or the off-season becomes less likely. Turf maintenance levels, and thus costs, are increased. Surfaces and lighting are often required to meet higher standards. Off field facilities, for players as well as spectators, have to be bigger and better to meet the standards determined by State Sporting Organisations.
Protecting the Region’s assets such as its natural landscape and open spaces whilst also providing opportunities for the Region’s residents and visitors is a challenge faced by all Councils in Queensland. With a significant amount of its assets already existing, it is an exciting time for the Region with many opportunities presenting themselves. Of key focus is the natural environment which provides a diversesource of potential for recreational activities and needs to be investigated further to understand its impact on the Region, now and in the future.
The Region also loves its sport and has achieved a great deal in this area. However, to continue its standing within Queensland and Australia, it is important that State Sporting Organisations seek to implement solid planning frameworks with the assistance of the State and Local Governments, encouraging a coordinated approach to sport development and infrastructure.
