The Coolum Sports Complex Master Plan was endorsed by Sunshine Coast Council at today’s Ordinary Meeting.
Division 9 Councillor Vivien Griffin said the Coolum Sports Complex Master Plan supports increased sport, recreation and active living opportunities for the precinct.
“Council has undertaken background research, site analysis and conceptual design to inform the development of the plan,” Cr Griffin said.
“Council has also consulted with stakeholders to ensure that the proposed development of the precinct meets the needs of user groups and the community.
“The plan caters for current and predicted population growth demands, as well as the changing needs of community and local sport and recreation users.
“The plan recommends actions that will provide increased capacity for sporting groups, accessible facilities for all users, improvements to lighting, pathways and footbridges, increased car parking and improvements to traffic flow.
“Council will be monitoring demand for an additional three tennis courts and there is a recommendation for additional shared use of the cricket and junior rugby league fields, providing greater connectivity across Stumer Creek.
“Negotiations are already underway for the relocation of touch football to Coolum Ridges. This will mean better facilities for touch football including two fully lit, full sized rectangular fields with sports appropriate turf, drainage and irrigation as well as clubhouse facility and car parking.
“In council’s capital works program there is over $400,000 allocated over the next two years for implementation of the Master Plan. There is an additional $500,000 scheduled over the next ten years depending on future council approval.
“In the first two years of implementation it is expected that the surface of the western car park will be upgraded, signage will be installed and bike parking facilities provided.
“A footbridge is also expected to be constructed near the shared rugby league and cricket clubhouse and fields to provide better community access to the complex.
“Touch football fields are expected to be converted to shared use cricket and junior rugby league fields once they are relocated.
“Council will also seek Department of Transport and Main Roads approval to reduce the speed limit adjacent to the complex on David Low Way to 60kmph. A pedestrian refuge is planned to be constructed on David Low Way near the bus stops that will allow for safe pedestrian accessibility to the complex.
“The endorsement of the master plan now places council and site stakeholders in a strong position to lobby for state and federal funding in support of master plan initiatives.”