Fraser Coast Sport and Recreation Precinct Master Plan endorsed – Fraser Coast Regional Council

A premier field surrounded by a stadium and earth benches that could accommodate thousands of spectators is among features proposed in the 2022 Fraser Coast Sports and Recreation Precinct Masterplan.

“The Draft Master Plan approved by Council today (Wednesday 22 February) is the strategic vision for the future incremental development of the Fraser Coast Sports and Recreation Precinct,” said Cr Darren Everard.

“It sets out how the site should look and function, taking into account the needs and desires of the community, existing and potential future users, and emerging trends in sports and leisure.

“Although the master plan specifies the future development, we do not assume that all elements will be implemented immediately. It is a guide to the future development of the district.

“The timing for development will depend on available grants from the Queensland and Australian governments, demand and potential community and commercial partnerships.”

The focal point of the district is the prime field and adjacent multipurpose center.

“The world-class field will provide a world-class facility capable of hosting high-level sporting and community events,” said Cr Daniel Sanderson.

It is envisaged that the field would have permanent spectator seating for 3,500 and grass banks around the field, creating an amphitheater effect capable of accommodating an additional 20,000 spectators.

Key facilities include a premium AFL oval capable of supporting a rectangular field, lighting, scoreboard, covered seating and banks, amenities and support facilities for players, coaches and officials, kitchen and kiosk, storage facilities and a gymnasium.

The multifunctional leisure center would be the “gateway” to the headquarters. It will allow for a variety of sports, recreational and health and wellness activities.

Facilities at the leisure center could include:

• an indoor court zone with five multipurpose indoor courts and a show court with retractable seating;
• a health and fitness center with program rooms, turning room and gym;
• a wellness/health center with dedicated consultation rooms;
• indoor and outdoor climbing;
• a cafe and a shopping area;
• a water sports zone with a program pool with hot water;
• an outdoor zone with beach volleyball courts; And
• future potential multipurpose outdoor hard courts and future expansion areas.

Cr Sanderson said a key feature of the recreation center is its relationship with Premier Field, which allows both the recreation center and Premier Field to function as the central hub of the district.

“The leisure center changing rooms will be accessible outside of the Premier field to support additional teams for larger sporting events if required,” he said.

The outdoor sports zone will respond to the immediate and longer-term demand for outdoor field sports.

The master plan includes three ovals, eight additional netball courts, an athletics complex with a grass athletics track (with the option for a synthetic track in the future), and a clubhouse and recreation block.

A dedicated cycling area and “adventure park” will be established in the northern part of the district to offer a range of cycling and recreational activities for all ages and abilities.

Facilities include a pump track, skate/parkour zone, mountain bike ability park, sealed criterium track with two interconnected loops of 0.9km and 0.6km and a 200m home straight, facilities, lighting and storage facilities.

The 140-acre Fraser Coast Sports and Recreation Precinct is located on the corner of Woods Road and Chapel Road, Nikenbah.

The first tier of the district opened in February 2019 with facilities for netball, soccer and oztag.

Since opening, Fraser Coast Cycling has also been based in the district and the council has been in discussions with the Hervey Bay Basketball Association to move to the district.

The district has hosted Brisbane Roar football team for training camps and exhibition matches on a number of occasions, attended by thousands of people, while rugby union side Queensland Reds recently hosted a pre-season training camp there.

“The completion of the first phase was a significant milestone, but it is also the first step on a long journey. This district will grow as our community grows,” said Cr Everard.

“It’s an investment for now and an investment in the future of sport, leisure and entertainment on the Fraser Coast.”

For more information on the Sports District and the full Master Plan visit: https://www.frasercoast.qld.gov.au/fraser-coast-sports-and-recreation-precinct