RESIDENTS could be enjoying a new sports spark in the future, if plans are approved.
A new area for recreation has long been something that residents would like, as the region’s population grows.
More than a decade ago, a parcel of land known as Havengrand was purchased by council to provide for future recreation uses in the longer-term plans for the region.
But the land, located off Shute Harbour Road around the Brandy Creek area, has so far been used to grow cane, while a decision on its future is made.
The land is currently leased to farmers, with the lease having just been renewed for a further 12 months.
When the lease was renewed last year, for 12 months, it caused uproar within the community, with several letters from residents received by the Whitsunday News.
“Ten years of leasing to the same cane farmer is enough!” Gary Boers, from Woodwark, said at the time.
“The intended use of the sports park was for sports, recreation and community activities, not to grow cane.
“As the Cannonvale area is expanding, so too should available areas of community grounds be allocated, and to give back to the ratepayers and have facilities established at the Brandy Creek sports park.
“The land required is only two hectares of land. Surely this is not too much to ask for?”
But now, it seems that Whitsunday Regional Council is moving ahead regarding future plans for the land.
Although it is still ‘very early days’ according to a council spokesperson, a draft masterplan is being drawn up for the land.
“We are up to draft masterplan stage, being done by external consultants, who have been engaging with key stakeholders to present a draft to Council in late January,” the spokesperson said.
“Community consultation on the draft plan will then commence for six to eight weeks, in late February.
“It is a precinct masterplan, so one aspect will be sporting fields, and stakeholder and community consultation feedback will feed other aspects.”
Residents are encouraged to give their feedback, when the time comes, to help shape this important piece of community infrastructure that has been so long in the pipeline.
