Northern Beaches Community Hub reference group to be formed

Council has purchased a 3.7-hectare site between Rosewood Drive and Eimeo Road, opposite Northern Beaches High School, for the signature project.

A concept master plan has also been prepared to help guide staged development of the site.

As part of the next stage of planning, council is calling for nominations for community members to join a reference group for the project.

Up to 10 members are being sought for the group, which is intended to be representative of potential users of the Northern Beaches Community Hub.

Mayor Greg Williamson said this was an exciting community project for the Northern Beaches and it was important to canvass the views of likely users during planning and design.

“The Northern Beaches is the major population growth area in our region, with a population of 20,000 in 2018, forecast to grow to 30,000 by 2036,’’ Mayor Williamson said.

“This centrally located community hub will become an important venue for community interaction in the heart of the Northern Beaches,’’ he said.

“It will be anchored by a library and indoor and outdoor community spaces in the first stage and there are plans for an aquatic facility in subsequent stages.”

Mayor Williamson said the Northern Beaches Community Hub Reference Group, once formed, would provide input on user requirements.

“The aim is to provide a forum for the Northern Beaches community and relevant stakeholders to provide their views on plans while ensuring the most efficient use of public funds and resources,’’ he said.

It is envisaged that members of the reference group will represent a wide range of community groups and individuals who will use the Northern Beaches Community Hub

“Members will also be champions for this important development, helping council build positive awareness of the project in the community,” Mayor Williamson said.

Nominations for the voluntary community reference group are open now and will close at 11.59pm on Sunday, December 6.

Representatives will include, but not be limited to:

• Representatives from established groups representing library program users
• General library users and community groups
• Sports groups and school user groups
• Youth and arts groups
• First Nations and South Sea Islander groups
• General community representatives.

For more information or to nominate for the community reference group, head to
connectingmackay.com.au