Draft master plan to guide development of Woodlands District Park

Many improvements are proposed including more paths to ensure better access and connectivity through the park, a new district-level playground, and public amenities.

The draft master plan sets a long-term vision for the park, with the opportunity for improvements to be progressively implemented over four stages.

Mayor Greg Williamson said funding had been secured to proceed with the design for the first stage of upgrade works, in the former Broomdykes Drive Park portion of the site, this financial year.

“The new district park will meet the needs of residents in the Andergrove, Beaconsfield and growing Kerrisdale community, which is home to about 13 per cent of Mackay’s total population,” he said.

“It is a popular location among families, and we expect this area to grow significantly over the next decade, which is why this project is a priority for council.

“Our vision is to transform the various under-utilised park reserves and adjoining parcels of land acquired for drainage purposes into a key destination for locals to gather, socialise with friends and family and exercise.”

The draft master plan sees this 21-hectare site split into three distinct precincts – Central Precinct, Lake Precinct and Woodlands Reserve Precinct.

“Each precinct will have its own unique feel,” Mayor Williamson said.

“The Lake Precinct will allow residents to take in the serenity around the existing water feature, while also incorporating large open spaces and shared paths for exercise,” he said.

“The Central Precinct will serve as the key meeting place for recreational activities, with a district-level playground earmarked for this location, which will be similar in scale to the playgrounds at Northview Park and Queens Park.

“And, the Woodlands Reserve Precinct will highlight the significant environmental value of the park.”

Stage one of the draft master plan is anticipated to include:

• A pump or riding track as the first component of the central active recreation zone
• New barbecue and picnic facilities
• Public amenities
• Improvements to the park’s entry along Broomdykes Drive
• Additional pathways with a new cross-park connection
• Drainage and landscaping improvements including a proposal to naturalise the unsightly open swale drain.

Residents are invited to visit Connecting Mackay to view the draft master plan and share their thoughts and ideas. Feedback will be open until Tuesday, October 20.

A hard copy of the draft master plan is also available to view at the council administration building on Gordon Street and at Gordon White Library and Dudley Denny City Library.