OUR TOWNS STAGE 3 SUSTAINABLE CENTRES PROGRAM · of the Cooloola Coast lie within the Great Sandy National Park, which is one of the largest ‘vegetated sand dune systems’ in the

11 SEPTEMBER 2015 - ISSUE A

OUR TOWNS STAGE 3SUSTAINABLE CENTRES PROGRAM

TIN CAN BAY

COOLOOLA COVE

12/11/2015

2015/2016-Q059

CONTENT1. INTRODUCTION

2. TOWNSHIP LOCATIONS

3. PROJECT PURPOSE & SCOPE

4. METHODOLOGY

5. COOLOOLA COVE

5.1. INTRODUCTION

5.2. TOWN CONTEXT AND FEATURES

5.3. INITIAL OBSERVATIONS

5.4. PRELIMINARY CONCEPT IDEAS

5.5. COMMUNITY CONSULTATION

5.6. CONSULTATION FINDINGS

5.7. CONCEPT MASTER PLAN

5.8. RECOMMENDATIONS

6. TIN CAN BAY

6.1. INTRODUCTION


6.3. INITIAL OBSERVATIONS






7. APPENDICES

CONTENT

Tin Can Bay: Trawler fleet and fishing at the boat ramp.

PLACE DESIGN GROUP / GYMPIE REGIONAL COUNCIL 2

PLACE DESIGN GROUP / GYMPIE REGIONAL COUNCIL 3INTRODUCTION

1. INTRODUCTION

Gympie is a region of communities with a rich

and vibrant history and, importantly, a promising

future. With the City of Gympie at its core,

the network of rural and coastal communities

provides important economic support and

employment to residents, and offers choice in

lifestyle and residential living.

Through the “Our Towns” Sustainable Centres

Program, Gympie Regional Council has

committed to undertaking a staged concept

planning and consultation process to identify a

range of opportunities to enhance a number of

rural and coastal townships within the region.

At the time of writing the various completed and

ongoing stages of the “Our Towns” program

were as follows:

Completed Planning Stages

Stage 1 Kilkivan and Kandanga

Stage 2 Amamoor and Gunalda

Ongoing Planning Stages

Stage 3 Tin Can Bay and Cooloola Cove

Stage 4 Goomeri

Stage 5 Rainbow Beach

This report summarises the process and outcomes

of Stage 3 of the “Our Towns” program, focussed

on the Cooloola Coast townships of Tin Can Bay

and Cooloola Cove.

Cooloola Cove: Mullins Creek Recreation Area.

PLACE DESIGN GROUP / GYMPIE REGIONAL COUNCIL 4INTRODUCTION

The “Our Towns – Sustainable Centres Program”

aims to assist and support the ongoing

sustainability of the region’s townships as

attractive and desirable places to live, work,

recreate and visit.

A primary objective of the project is to build

upon the existing character and amenity currently

enjoyed by residents and visitors, and to identify

cost-effective strategies to strengthen and

enhance the sense of place and unique identity

of each township.

The program seeks to assist in the ongoing

sustainability of each township through an

inclusive consultation process to arrive at targetted

small scale capital works. The concepts seek to

strengthen the sense of place and the unique

identities of these townships and to improve and

build upon this identity rather than reinvent the

existing character of the townships.

This placemaking process has involved

consultation with locals and key stakeholders

so that local knowledge and culture has been

considered in the process and to ensure that

key recommendations are in accordance

with predominant and realistic community

expectations.

Tin Can Bay: Local Centre on Gympie Road.

PLACE DESIGN GROUP / GYMPIE REGIONAL COUNCIL 5TOWNSHIP LOCATIONS

2. TOWNSHIP LOCATIONSThe Gympie Regional Council area has an approximate

area of 690,000 hectares, is located less than 150km

north of Brisbane and is in close proximity to the

Sunshine Coast. The estimated resident population

of the area is 50,011 people as at 30 June 2011

(Office of Statistical Research April 2012). Gympie is

the Principal Centre for the Region and is supported

by a number of smaller coastal and rural townships

including Tin Can Bay and Cooloola Cove, both

close to Rainbow Beach, located to the north of the

Cooloola Coast.

The Cooloola Coast lies between the Noosa River

and Inskip Point taking the small townships located

on the estuarine inlets of the Tin Can Bay inlet. Parts

of the Cooloola Coast lie within the Great Sandy

National Park, which is one of the largest ‘vegetated

sand dune systems’ in the world.

The coastal strip of Cooloola features high sand

dunes, coloured sand cliffs, sand-blows, perched

lakes, high dune rainforests, and over 70kms of

pristine beaches. Whales can be seen offshore

between August and October, while dolphins and

manta rays are more regular visitors.

GYMPIE

Gunalda

Amamoor

Kandanga

Imbil

50km

Cooroy

Yandina

Nambour Maroochydore

NoosaTewantin

PomonaCooran

Kin Kin

Wolvi

Goomboorian

Rainbow Beach

Murgon

Nanango

Goomeri

Kilkivan

Woolooga

Tiaro

Maryborough

TIN CAN BAY

COOLOOLA COVE

Figure 1: Map of Gympie Region, showing locations of Tin Can Bay and Cooloola Cove relative to Gympie and Rainbow Beach.


3. PROJECT PURPOSE & SCOPE

PROJECT PURPOSE & SCOPE

Council committed to undertaking concept planning and consultation

within the 2015/16 financial year, to identify opportunities to enhance

the Tin Can Bay and Cooloola Cove townships.

The “Our Towns” – Sustainable Centres Program was initially

established in the 2012/13 financial year to assist in ensuring the

ongoing sustainability of the region’s rural townships, as attractive

and desirable places to live, work, recreate and visit.

The aim of the program is to prepare concept master plans, undertake

community consultation and prepare final recommendations for

ongoing actions, programs and improvement works in the townships.

The concept designs are primarily focused on the quality of the public

realm in each town, and are intended to do the following:

• assist in ensuring the ongoing sustainability of each township

as attractive and desirable places to live, work, recreate and

visit;

• improve upon the existing character and amenity currently

enjoyed by residents and visitors;

• contribute toward strengthening the sense of place and

unique identity of the townships;

• potentially include the addition of small scale, low

maintenance entry statements, street trees, landscaping

and/or street furniture, where considered appropriate; and

• be cost-effective in terms of expenditure versus

community benefit.

Tin Can Bay: Marina Foreshore.

PLACE DESIGN GROUP / GYMPIE REGIONAL COUNCIL 7PROJECT PURPOSE & SCOPE

It is through experiencing the public realm that we come to know

our towns and cities. Whether it is the streets and squares, or the

parks and open spaces, it is these spaces that physically engage

and delight us.

Well-designed public places have been proven to add economic

and social value to communities and to underpin the environmental

performance of our settlements.

In small communities, the ability to attract visitors, strengthen

economic investment, improve land values and attract new residents

while maintaining a sustainable population base, can all be linked

directly or indirectly to considerations of urban design.

Community pride, which is at the heart of any sustainable

community and an individual’s attachment to his or her town,

is directly influenced by an association with the public spaces,

including open space, streets and the buildings and the uses that

flank them.

A key aim of this project was to identify opportunities to enhance

the physical aspects of the public realm of each township, build on

the unique identity of each location, harness community initiatives

and the motivations of active interest groups, and identify the

implications of the agreed actions. Achieving value for money

in any investment is a prerequisite for all of the recommended

proposals and has been used to filter priorities identified by the

community.

Cooloola Cove: Entry Statement on Bayside Road.

PLACE DESIGN GROUP / GYMPIE REGIONAL COUNCIL 8METHODOLOGY

4. METHODOLOGYThis section of the report outlines the stages and

methodology followed in the preparation and finalisation

of concept master plans and community consultation

stages.

STAGE 1 - PROJECT INCEPTION

The intent of Stage 1 was to familiarise the project

team with the townships and undertake a review of any

relevant documentation and background information.

Each township and surrounds was also visited to

enable the design team to become familiar with the

context, layout and character of each town. A detailed

photographic survey of each town was undertaken for

ongoing reference of existing conditions. The project

team was also briefed by Council project officers as

to current issues and projects of relevance to the two

townships.

STAGE 2 - DRAFT CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT

Site analysis was undertaken to inform the preparation

of preliminary concept plans for both townships. Various

attributes were considered and defined including existing

land uses and any development applications, township

history and heritage, identification of community nodes

and key spaces, topography and drainage, vegetation,

transport corridors, pedestrian connections, views and

vistas, and existing and proposed infrastructure.

Preliminary plans were prepared to capture and

communicate initial design ideas and concepts for the

townships that addressed findings of initial site analysis

and investigations. It was intended that the preliminary

plans would assist in stimulating discussion and new

ideas by community members and key stakeholder in

the following consultation stage. Indicative imagery of

possible outcomes were also prepared to use a reference

for ongoing consultation.

The preliminary plans, feedback forms and supporting

information were presented to Council for endorsement

for the community consultation process.

These plans and image sheets are included in this report

in sections 5.4 and 6.4.

STAGE 1 - PROJECT INCEPTION

Internal / Council

Feedback

STAGE 2 - DRAFT CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT

Counciladopts Contents for Consultation

STAGE 3 - Public Consultation on the

Draft Concept

STAGE 4 - Consultation Review

(Priorities & Direction)

Internal / Council

Feedback

STAGE 5 - Final Concept Master Plan

CouncilAdoption

STAGE 6 - Design Development to inform

Future Implementation (FUTURE STAGE)


STAGE 3 - PUBLIC CONSULTATION ON THE DRAFT CONCEPT

Community consultation for both townships was undertaken

in several ways to facilitate a broad knowledge of the project

and a variety of opportunities to have a say within the time

and budget constraints of the project. These included:

• media release and news paper stories / public notices

• information flyer / survey feedback form

• project web page

• staffed display days in local community hall

• feedback options by email, telephone, post or drop

off to local post office or Council counter

In particular the display days allowed the project team to

discuss possible options and ideas with community members

and specific community interest groups. This was a very

valuable process and allowed the development of a sound

understanding and appreciation of local concerns and the

way the community valued and interacted with the township.

In designing the survey feedback forms, emphasis was not

only placed on engaging the community to comment on the

initial proposed ideas but also to dig a little deeper to discover

a more meaningful understanding of these townships and

encourage the community to come up with their own ideas.

Examples of the actual feedback forms are included in the

Appendices of this report.

The consultation process proved to be effective and

successful, and the community in both townships actively

participated in the process. Sections 5.6 and 6.6 summarise

the key findings and outcomes of this consultation process

in more detail.

Stage 1 - Project Inception

Internal / Council

Feedback

Stage 2 - Draft Concept Development


STAGE 3 - PUBLIC CONSULTATION

OF DRAFT CONCEPT

STAGE 4 - Consultation Review


Internal / Council

Feedback

STAGE 5 - Final Concept Master Plan

CouncilAdoption




STAGE 4 - CONSULTATION REVIEW AND DETERMINATION

OF PROJECT PRIORITIES & DIRECTION

Upon conclusion of the consultation phase the feedback

forms and other feedback received by email, telephone or

post were collated and summarised for each township.

The feedback was discussed within the project team and

with specific project officers from Council.

STAGE 5 - FINAL CONCEPT MASTER PLAN

Final draft concept master plans were prepared for each

town based upon the agreed directions and priorities

determined in Stage 4. These were circulated and discussed

with Council’s internal stakeholders for final feedback and

response. Refinements were made to the plans to arrive

at the final concept master plans included in this report.

A recommendations table was prepared for each township

with broadscale opinion of cost for each action.

The final concept master plan and recommendation table

are incorporated into this report in Sections 5.7 and 6.7.


Internal / Council

Feedback



Stage 3 - Public Consultation

of Draft Concept

STAGE 4 - CONSULTATION REVIEW

(PRIORITIES & DIRECTION)

Internal / Council

Feedback

STAGE 5 - FINAL CONCEPT MASTER PLAN

CouncilAdoption




STAGE 6 - DESIGN DEVELOPMENT TO INFORM

FUTURE IMPLEMENTATION (FUTURE STAGE)

The intent of this final stage is to undertake preliminary

design development of the approved high priority (short

term) concepts to ensure “fit with site” and to provide

a sufficient level of detail to assess and satisfy project

feasibility. Design development also facilitates a higher

degree of accuracy to the opinions of cost for each

design proposal. This allows an effective translation into

the detailed design phase for endorsed priority projects

and implementation in subsequent financial years.


Internal / Council

Feedback



Stage 3 - Public Consultation

of Draft Concept

stage 4 - Consultation Review


Internal / Council

Feedback

stage 5 - Final Concept Master Plan

CouncilAdoption

STAGE 6 - DESIGN DEVELOPMENT

TO INFORM FUTURE IMPLEMENTATION (FUTURE STAGE)

PLACE DESIGN GROUP / GYMPIE REGIONAL COUNCIL 12COOLOOLA COVE

5. COOLOOLA COVESUSTAINABLE CENTRES PROGRAM


5.1. INTRODUCTION

The township of Cooloola Cove is also situated

approximately 50km (by road) from Gympie

and lies south of Tin Can Bay. The 2011

Census reported the population of Cooloola

Cove to be 2,513.

Cooloola Cove has developed over time to

house the largest population on the Cooloola

Coast. Originally named Cooloola Village, the

first lots were established in the mid 1970’s.

Residents enjoy a range of lifestyle choice

with larger residential lots between 1,000m2

– 2,000m2+ in size developed until the early

1990’s. From around 1992 until 1995, lots

ranging in approximate size between 800m2

– 1,000m2+ were created and the most recent

subdivision containing lots of approximately

600m2 – 1,000m2+ was completed between

2005 and 2008. A small area of rural residential

and industry lots exists on the southeastern

side.

A modern shopping centre, the largest on the

Cooloola Coast, opened in 2009 containing

tenants including Woolworths, a medical

centre, pharmacy, discount variety store,

real estate office, bottleshop, takeaway,

newsagent and other specialty stores.

Other facilities include the Cooloola Cove

Veterans and Community Hall, a boat ramp,

recreational parklands and footpath network.

COOLOOLA COVE - INTRODUCTION

Cooloola Cove: Local Centre including Cooloola Sands Shopping centre Billabong Park and Cooloola Cove Veterans and Community Hall.


Cooloola Cove is located near the Mullins Creek system

on predominantly low lying land with some elevated

ridges. Several watercourses run through the township

into the inlet, and most of them have linear parks

associated with them.

The designated Local Centre is located on the corner of

Queen Elizabeth Drive and Nautilus Drive, east of Santa

Maria Court.

The settlement is located off the main roads of Tin Can

Bay Road and Rainbow Beach Road with access points

to both of these roads. As a result traffic can travel

through Cooloola Cove between the larger Cooloola

Coast townships.

Land use if primarily detached low density residential

with 2 major parkland areas (Billabong Park and

Centenary of Federation Park). There is recreational

access to the foreshore and a Wader Bird Trail via the

Mullins Creek Recreation Area at the north eastern

termination of Bayside Road.

COOLOOLA COVE - TOWN CONTEXT AND FEATURES


MAIN ROUTE THROUGH TOWNSHIP

ALTERNATIVE ROUTE THROUGH TOWN

ENTRY POINT

RETAIL / COMMERCIAL / POST OFFICE

PARK / RECREATION AREA

AERODROME

COOLOOLA COVE VETERANS AND COMMUNITY HALL

Bayside RoadBayside Road

QE Drive

QE

Driv

e

Investigator Avenue

Mullins CreekRecreation Area

En

de

av

ou

r D

riv

e

Nautil

us Driv

eLEGEND

Figure 2: Cooloola Cove Context and Features.N


Cooloola Cove is fairly consistently signposted by Main

Roads signs at the Gympie end of Tin Can Bay Road

and also along the length of Tin Can Bay Road.

Heading east along Tin Can Bay Road the turn off

to Rainbow Beach is signed and then further along

Rainbow Beach Road there are several signs that

indicate the Cooloola Cove turn off.

The journey is mostly along a designated Gympie

City Tourist Drive and is relatively scenic traversing

a variety of natural and man made rural landscapes

including prominant sections through areas of pine

tree plantation.

COOLOOLA COVE - INITIAL OBSERVATIONS

5.3. INITIAL OBSERVATIONSENTRY EXPERIENCE - ENTRY OFF RAINBOW BEACH ROAD

Main Roads Signage in Gympie identifying route to Cooloola Cove, Tin Can Bay and Rainbow Beach via Gympie City Tourist Drive.

Main Roads Signage on Rainbow Beach Road. Main Roads Signage on Rainbow Beach Road at turn off to Cooloola Cove.

PLACE DESIGN GROUP / GYMPIE REGIONAL COUNCIL 16COOLOOLA COVE - INITIAL OBSERVATIONS

5.3. INITIAL OBSERVATIONSENTRY EXPERIENCE - ENTRY OFF RAINBOW BEACH ROAD

Cooloola Cove Entry Signage on Queen Elizabeth Drive.

Main Roads Signage at turn off to Investigator Avenue. View heading north-west along Investigator Avenue.

Once beyond the forestry plantations the natural

environment predominates providing Cooloola Cove

with a natural / environmental context of wallum

heath, scribbly gum open forest and casuarina forest

patches.

The edges of the township are well defined by its

bushland setting lending an isolated village type

character particularly when entering from the Rainbow

Beach direction.

Heading towards Cooloola Cove along Queen Elizabeth

Drive there is a basic entry sign with a Black Cockatoo

image. Apart from this the eastern entry to the town

is relatively unheralded. The turn off to Investigator

Avenue and the through route to the Local Centre

(Shopping Centre) and Tin Can Bay are simply signed.

For newcomers it is easy to miss this turn and continue

along Queen Elizabeth Drive until it terminates another

600 metres further.


Cooloola Cove is quite well signposted along with the

other larger and more tourist oriented Cooloola Coast

townships of Tin Can Bay and Rainbow Beach.

The Bayside Road turn off to Cooloola Cove is

prominently signed and the feeling of arrival at a

settlement after travelling “through the bush” is

provided by the presence of the Cooloola Coast

Community Complex, Bowls Club and the small Light

Industrial estate accessed by Scullett Drive.

Heading south along Bayside Drive the journey is

through a bushland setting which again reinforces the

isolated village feel of Cooloola Cove.

There is a small isolated Cooloola Cove entry sign on

the western side of Bayside Road. Visually the sign is

not overly prominent in location of arrangement with

no supporting planting or the like. The Black Cockatoo

has again been used as a motif for Cooloola Cove.


5.3. INITIAL OBSERVATIONSENTRY EXPERIENCE - ENTRY OFF TIN CAN BAY ROAD

Welcome to Cooloola Coast signage on Tin Can Bay Road.

Cooloola Cove turn off onto Bayside Drive. Cooloola Cove Entry Signage.


5.3. INITIAL OBSERVATIONSENTRY EXPERIENCE - ENTRY OFF TIN CAN BAY ROAD

Welcome to Cooloola Cove Entry Sign on Bayside Drive.

View heading south along Bayside Drive. Bayside Drive: Elevated view towards and across Cooloola Cove township.

There is another Welcome to Cooloola Cove sign

further along on the eastern side of Bayside Road.

This sign matches the one located on Queen Elizabeth

Drive on the entry route from Rainbow Beach.

There is a strong environmental setting particularly

on the eastern side of Bayside Road that contributes

strongly to the character of the township.

Bayside Road like many of the collector type roads in

Cooloola Cove are long and straight. The undulating

topography provides a view to the south towards

the Cooloola Sands Shopping Centre and further to

Cooloola National Park beyond.


The designated Local Centre in Cooloola Cove incorporates

the Cooloola Sands Shopping Centre, Cooloola Cove

Veterans and Community Hall and Billabong Park. The

Local Centre designation also takes in lots on the southern

side of Nautilus Drive, some of which have been built on

for detached housing.

The Cooloola Cove Shopping Centre is the largest shopping

centre in the Cooloola Coast area and attracts visitation

for weekly shopping and the like from Tin Can Bay and

Rainbow Beach.


5.3. INITIAL OBSERVATIONSLOCAL CENTRE

Queen Elizabeth Drive streetscape frontage to Cooloola Sands Shopping Centre

Cooloola Cove Local Centre: Billabong Park Access to Billabong Park from Santa Maria Court.



Nautilus Drive streetscape frontage to Cooloola Sands Shopping Centre

Cooloola Cove: Cooloola Cove Veterans and Community Hall

The Cooloola Sands Shopping Centre is the

largest building in Cooloola Cove particularly the

Wooworths “box” section of the centre.

Unfortunately the streetscape frontage of the

shopping centre to Nautilus Drive is a fairly

unappealing blank 2 storey high facade with water

tanks and services enclosures. There is a private

walkway through from the shops and carpark

area to Nautilus Drive that leads to a bus stop

shelter and Nautilus Drive footpaths. A managed

notice/advertising board is provided in the arcade

opposite the post office.

The Cooloola Cove Veterans and Community Hall

is located off Santa Maria Court and is a modest

low rise brick building incorporating a hall space as

well as commercial grade kitchen, meeting rooms

and toilet facilities.

Public realm embellishment is quiet basic (standard

kerb and channel and pedestrian footpaths)

around the Local Centre. There are footpaths

along the Nautilus Drive and Queen Elizabeth

Drive frontages, however there are no street trees.

Street furniture is limited to a cycle rack and litter

bin near the bus stop shelter.



Intersection of Queen Elizabth and Nautilus Drives.

Cooloola Sands Shopping Centre. Aligned kerb ramps on Queen Elzabeth Drive adjacent Cooloola Sands Shopping Centre.

The intersection of Nautilus and Queen Elizabeth

Drives caters for the future continuation of

Queen Elizabeth Drive to the South East. The

intersection looks unfinished and the expanse

of asphalt is relatively unappealing.

There are recently installed footpath legs that

align across Queen Elizabeth Drive, however

there is no formal pedestrian refuge to assist

crossing to the centre from the eastern side

of Queen Elizabeth Drive. Likewise there is

no direct connection into the Cooloola Sands

Shopping Centre from the footpaths along the

Queen Elizabth Drive frontage.


Apart from the Mullins Creek foreshore access

Cooloola Cove is landlocked from the waters

of Tin Can Inlet. Mullins Creek is a quiet

recreation area located off Bayside Drive via

unsealed road.

It provides basic day facilities including picnic

shelter, electric barbecue, public toilets, tables

and seating. It is designated as a “no camping”

area however there is evidence of its use for

short overnight stays.


5.3. INITIAL OBSERVATIONSMULLINS CREEK

Mullins Creek Recreation Area: Low tide view of Tin Can Bay inlet.

Shared pathway at intersection of Queen Elizabeth Drive and Bayside Road.

Unsealed access road to Mullins Creek Recreation Area.


5.3. INITIAL OBSERVATIONSMULLINS CREEK

Mullins Creek: Access to foreshore.

Mullins Creek: Wader bird interpretive signage. Mullins Creek: Park area with facilities.

Mullins Creek recreation area provides access

to a Wader Bird Walk and there is also a simple

boat ramp usable on high tides.

There is an interpretive sign located in the park

area providing information on the environmental

values of the Cooloola Foreshores including

saltmarshes, wader (shore) birds and their

flyways.

The unsealed section of road that leads to

Mullins Creek is partially built over private land.


5.3. INITIAL OBSERVATIONSROADS AND PATHWAYS

Creek culvert crossing in Investigator Avenue.

Directional signage on Investigator Avenue. Intersection of Endeavour and Bayside Drives.

Intersection of Investigator Avenue and Nautilus Drives. Creek crossing on Nautilus Drive.

The collector roads throughout Cooloola Cove are all

long and straight providing long axial views. The road

reserves feel wide and spacious and usually incorporate

drainage swales, overhead power lines but typically

no footpaths or street trees. The only road with a full

length footpath is Nautilus Avenue, whilst the only

streets with street tree plantings are located in the

Coolola Sands subdivision.

There is a shared bikeway / pedestrian pathway that

follows Bayside Drive north out of town and connects

through to Tin Can Bay. This appears to be relatively

well used and popular recreational link.


5.3. INITIAL OBSERVATIONSROADS AND PATHWAYS

Footpath on northern side of Nautilus Drive.

Directional signage on Investigator Avenue. View along Investigator Avenue.

View along Bayside Drive. Signage at intersection of Nautilus and Investigator Avenues.

Typical streetscape in Cooloola Sands subdivision.

PLACE DESIGN GROUP / GYMPIE REGIONAL COUNCIL 26COOLOOLA COVE - PRELIMINARY CONCEPT IDEAS


Place Design Group Pty Ltd Unit 7, Level 1, 9 Capital Place Birtinya, QLD, 4575AustraliaT + 61 7 5499 6188 F + 61 7 5499 6711

Cooloola Cove‘Our Towns’ Stage 3

N DATE PROJECT NO. REVISION DWG NO.

13/07/2015 2015016 D

*

Feature planting to highlightexisting entry statement.

Park upgrades as perCentenary of Federation and Billabong Park Masterplan.

Avenue tree plantings along

Local Centre.

to Mullins CreekPicnic Grounds.

Upgrade to Mullins Creekrecreation area in line with Foreshore Management Plan

Pedestrian / cycle linkage toroad connection to Mullins Creek Picnic Area. Subject to environmental values andfuture development layouts.

Future Queen Elizabeth Dve. link

Pedestrian refuge to provide linkage from pathways in

Billabong Park to CreeksideEsplanade trail.

Potential for public art utilising the blank shopping centre wall

facing Nautilus Drive

Potential for community meeting spaces at the Local Centre with

seating, shade trees and public art

Investigate potential partiallot purchase to allow pedestrian connection.

Future open space pedestrian and cycle connections to Queen Elizabeth Drive. Alignment subjectto future subdivision layouts.

threshold to accentuatecurrent through route and

direction to Local Centre

threshold to accentuatethrough route and direction

to Local Centre.

threshold to accentuate direction to Local Centre.

Avenue tree plantings alongInvestigator Avenue to improve

Avenue tree plantings along Nautilus Drive to improve

Street Tree Note Final street tree locations would be

requirements, footpaths, local drainage elements and services locations (eg.overhead power and underground services).

Nautilu

s Driv

e

Investigator Avenue

Queen Elizabeth Drive


Bayside Road

Ende

avou

r Driv

e

Queen Elizabeth

Dr.

Local Centre

Cooloola VillageAirpark

Mullins Creek

*

Wallum Wildflower Walk with interpretive elements

alongside realigned Mullins Creek access road

Future realignment of Mullins Creek access road

into road reserve area

Concept Ideas Discussion PlanCC SK01

1

2

3

4

6

7

8

9

10

5

11

12

13

14

1516

17

18

PLACE DESIGN GROUP / GYMPIE REGIONAL COUNCIL 27COOLOOLA COVE - PRELIMINARY CONCEPT IDEAS - IMAGERY

5.4. PRELIMINARY CONCEPT IDEAS - IMAGERY


An initial consultation display was held on 21 July 2015

from 1:00pm to 4:00pm at the Cooloola Cove Veterans and

Community Hall in Santa Maria Court.

The Concept Ideas Discussion sheets for both townships as

included in this report in Section 5.4 and 6.4 were on display

with 4 x members of the project team attending to discuss

these with the community. The local elected Councillor was

also in attendance. A second display was held on 25 July 2015

from 9:00am to 12:00 noon, again at the Cooloola Cove

Veterans and Community Hall.

The consultation material and feedback forms were also made

available on Council’s website and the Tin Can Bay Library

from 21 July to 7 August. By close of the consultation period

20 feedback forms had been received in addition to 2 written

submissions concerning Cooloola Cove

COOLOOLA COVE - COMMUNITY CONSULTATION


Consultation display, 25 July 2015

Consultation display, 25 July 2015

Consultation poster with public comments.


The Feedback Forms and written submission were

summarised with results grouped and tabulated

to enable more detailed analysis.

Graphs representing key questions and findings

are shown on the following pages of this report

along with interpretive discussion.

There was a wide range of issues raised with

limited consensus on what the respondents

considered to be the priority issues or preferred

improvements.

In general the impression was gained that the

community preferred infrastucture improvements

to bring their town up to the standard of similar

places.

Roads, drainage, kerb and channel, footpaths

and connections from residential areas through

creek corridors to better to th elocal centre were

all issues that were mentioned.

Key directions were determined based upon

careful consideration of the intent of the “Our

Town” program, the likely budget available

to the program and putting aside the types of

infrastructure that are typically funded from

other Council or State programs.

The recommended Key Directions arising as a

result of both consultation with the community

and with other stakeholders in Council were

identified as follows (in no particular order):

• Wayfinding related improvements

• Footpath and cycleway improvements

• Pedestrian refuge connections

• Mullins Creek environment related trail(s)

• Mullins Creek Recreation Area enhancements

COOLOOLA COVE - CONSULTATION FINDINGS


“Finish channel and kerbing working out from Woolworths“

“ Extra seats on the long path from Tin Can Bay to Cooloola Cove...“

“Mullins Creek is Cooloola Coves water front and therefore very important”

“ Stagnant Creeks are a problem…”

“ Quiet and bird friendly, I am a conservationist...“

“A footpath the length of Investigator Avenue would make cycling much safer...”

“Love to hear the birds, walk to creeks and cycle the bush areaswher possible... “

“Easy natural existinance…..”

“Room to move, bigger blocks and quiet lifestyle...“


When questioned as to the best features of Cooloola Cove the

most common response was the “quiet” nature of the place. This

was followed by related characteristics such as the open/large

blocks, the environmental setting and access to natural areas. The

Cooloola Sands Shopping Centre is also a popular feature of the

township.

Most respondents visit the Local Centre at least 4 times per week

(64%) with shopping being the main purpose of the visit (59%).

People also visit the Local Centre to socialise, read local notices and

walk their dog. Most people travelled to the Local Centre by car

although a relatively high percentage (44%) used active transport

(walking or cycling).

COOLOOLA COVE - CONSULTATION FINDINGS


COOLOOLA COVE: BEST FEATURES

LOCAL CENTRE: NUMBER OF VISITS / WEEK LOCAL CENTRE: PURPOSE OF VISIT LOCAL CENTRE: GETTING THEREFigure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5

Figure 6

Car56%Walk

27%

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Once5%

Twice21%

3 Times10%

4 Times37%

5 Times11%

7 Times11%

>9 Times5% Chemist

11%

Newsagent11%

Shopping59%

Business4%

Read Notices4%

Walk Dog4%

Socialise7%

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PLACE DESIGN GROUP / GYMPIE REGIONAL COUNCIL 31COOLOOLA COVE - CONSULTATION FINDINGS

COOLOOLA COVE: MAIN PRIORITIES

COOLOOLA COVE: OTHER PRIORITIES


Figure 7

Figure 8

02468

101214161820

Directional signageComplete Queen Elizabeth DriveDrainage and KerbsTidy Vacant LandWalking & Cycle Group TrailMeeting Spots / Rest StationsImprove Boat RampTraffic Calming (Bayside Rd)Street LightingFootpath along Endeavour DveBayside Rd Bikeway

Street Lighting near Industrial AreaSeatingEndeav. / Queen Eliz. Dve IntersectionLitter BinsDog ParkTrial Free CampingCleanout CreeksYouth Services OfficerTourist Information Public TransportSkullet Drive Precinct

When asked to select their main priorities for Cooloola Cove from

a specific list on the feedback form, the most frequent selection

related to “Footpath Connections” (27%) and “Cycle Connections”

(14%). The next most important priority to respondents was the

“Mullins Creek Picnic Area” (13%).

“Entry Statement and Signage” was somewhat important followed

by “Street Trees and Shade” and “Seating” generally. Despite

“Public Art” being mentioned more than once either verbally,

recorded on display posters by various attendees at the consultation

events or in writing in their submissions, it was only selected once.

A range of other priorities were identified by respondents on the

feedback forms and these are listed in no particular order opposite

at Figure 8.

PLACE DESIGN GROUP / GYMPIE REGIONAL COUNCIL 32COOLOOLA COVE - CONSULTATION FINDINGS

COOLOOLA COVE: TOP PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS / IDEAS

Better signage to Cooloola Cove

Widen Investigator Avenue

Raise Footpaths

Seal Mullins Creek Access Road

Seating at Veterans and Community Hall

Pathways along Investigator Ave

Seating on pathway to Tin Can Bay

Sports Precinct

Maintain Amenity

Kerb and Channel / Drainage

Access to Local Centre from Residential

Swim Hole at Mullins Creek

COOLOOLA COVE: OTHER IMPROVEMENTS / IDEAS


Figure 9 - Numbers 1-18 cross reference to the Concept Ideas Discussion Plan CC SK01

Figure 10

Figure 10

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

1. Planting at Entry Statement

2. QE Drive Avenue Trees

3. Park Upgrades

4. Mullins Creek Wayfinding

5. Wayfinding at QE Dve / End Dve

6. Mullins Rd Realign

7. Wildflower Walk

8. Upgrade Mullins Ck Rec Area

9. Ped/Cycle Links Mullins Ck

10. Future Connections

11. Ped Refuge near Billabong Pk

12. Public Art at Shop Ctr

13. Meeting Spaces

14. Nautilus Avenue Trees

15. Wayfinding at Investigator / Nautilus

16. Ped Connection

17. Investigator Avenue Trees

18. Wayfinding Investigator / QE Dve

Respondents were requested to select their preferred concepts and

ideas from the pre-prepared Concept Ideas Discussion Plan (refer

page 26).

The concept of a wildflower walk (#7) near Mullins Creek was quite

popular although more detailed site inspection has revealed that

there are no particularly outstanding wildflower values here to be

capitalised upon.

The next rank of improvements included a street tree avenue along

Investigator Avenue (#17), incorporation of a pedestrian refuge

near Billabong Park (#11) and wayfinding at the intersection of

Queen Elizabeth Drive and Endeavour Drive (#5).

Wayfinding in general was a consistently selected proposal

although locations were not consistent. Park upgrades in keeping

with the Cooloola Cove Centenary of Federation and Billabong

Park Landscape Master Plan was ranked alongside pedestrian

connections from residential areas to the Local Centre across creek

corridors, street trees along Nautilus Drive and walking / cycle trails

to Mullins Creek.

A range of other ideas were proposed and are listed opposite at

Figure 10.

PLACE DESIGN GROUP / GYMPIE REGIONAL COUNCIL 33COOLOOLA COVE - CONCEPT MASTER PLAN


Place Design Group Pty Ltd Unit 7, Level 1, 9 Capital Place Birtinya, QLD, 4575AustraliaT + 61 7 5499 6188 F + 61 7 5499 6711

Cooloola Cove‘Our Towns’ Stage 3

N DATE PROJECT NO. REVISION DWG NO.

12/10/2015 2015016 B

LegendIndicative trail seat locationsIndicative street tree plantingsProposed pedestrian refuge

*

Feature planting to highlight

Park upgrades as perCentenary of Federation and

Seating along Bayside Drive section of the shared walk

Seating along Bayside Drive section of the shared walk and cycle path at

to Mullins Creek

Upgrade to Mullins Creekrecreation area in line with

New footpath along InvestigatorAvenue connecting to existingfootpath along Nautilus Drive

Investigate pedestrian /cycle linkages, subject to

Pedestrian refuge to provide

Billabong Park to Creekside

Street tree plantings and street furniture to assist in better

Investigate potential for pedestrian connections

Future open space pedestrian and cycle connections to QueenElizabeth Drive, subject to future

tree plantings, threshold) to accentuate through route

tree plantings, threshold) toaccentuate through route

accentuate direction

Street tree plantings along

Street Tree Note Final street tree locations would be

Nautilu

s Drive

Investigator Avenue Investigator Avenue

Bayside Drive


Bayside Road

Ende

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Queen Elizabeth Dr.

LocalCentre

Cooloola VillageAirpark

Mullins Creek

Wader Bird Walk infrastructure Creek access road into roadreserve area

Concept Master PlanCC SK01

1

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2

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7

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8

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11

12

13

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16

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Pedestrian refuge island to line 9

PLACE DESIGN GROUP / GYMPIE REGIONAL COUNCIL 34COOLOOLA COVE - RECOMMENDATIONS


PLAN REF. # RECOMMENDED PROJECTS

14 Wayfinding elements and plantings at intersection of Nautilus Drive and Investigator Avenue.

9,12 Pedestrian refuges connecting to the Local Centre.

13 Street tree plantings and street furniture to assist in better defining the Local Centre precinct.

15 New footpath connection along Investigator Avenue starting at intersection with Nautilus Drive to connect with existing footpath Nautilus Drive footpath linkage.

2 Seating along Bayside Drive section of the shared walk/cycle path to Tin Can Bay - suggested spacing of 500 to 1000 metres. Use

Local Centre.

17 Investigate potential for pedestrian linkage from residential area at Golden Hind Avenue to the Local Centre

COOLOOLA COVE

After considering the improvements outlined in the

concept for alignment with community input, available

budget, potential for transformation and increased

amenity, it is recommended that the following are the

priority improvements (as budgets across the entire ‘Our

Towns’ Program allows):

PLACE DESIGN GROUP / GYMPIE REGIONAL COUNCIL 35TIN CAN BAY

6. TIN CAN BAYSUSTAINABLE CENTRES PROGRAM

PLACE DESIGN GROUP / GYMPIE REGIONAL COUNCIL 36TIN CAN BAY - INTRODUCTION

Tin Can Bay is a small coastal township situated

approximately 50km (by road) northeast of

Gympie on the Cooloola Coast. The 2011

Census reported the population of Tin Can

Bay to be 1,994.

Situated in a serene waterfront setting

focusing on a partial peninsula formed by

Snapper Creek and the southern end of the

Great Sandy Straits, Tin Can Bay’s origins

are in a combination of timber, fishing and

boating industries, with tourism assuming a

greater prevalence in recent years.

Residents and visitors to Tin Can Bay currently

enjoy an extensive range of facilities including,

but not limited to, a State School (prep to year

10), parks, playgrounds, community swimming

pool, library and hall, medical services, a range

of shopping and accommodation options,

a marina and several boat ramps, as well as

an annual seafood festival, dolphin feeding,

fishing and boating holidays being prominent

attractions.

6.1. INTRODUCTION

Tin Can Bay: Feeding the Dolphins

PLACE DESIGN GROUP / GYMPIE REGIONAL COUNCIL 37TIN CAN BAY - TOWN CONTEXT AND FEATURES


Figure 11: Tin Can Bay Context and Features.

Tin Can Bay township is located on deep but narrow sheltered Tin Can

Bay inlet on a peninsula between the inlet and Snapper Creek. Tin Can

Bay Road is the single road in and out of the township.

The town is almost surrounded by water with extensive foreshore areas

which are a significant feature of the township. The main marina and

boat ramp are located at Norman Point at the tip of the peninsula. A

smaller public boat ramp is located at Crab Creek to the south.

The Local Centre straddles Tin Can Bay / Gympie Road and to the east

the Dolphin Shopping Centre and shops along Dolphin Avenue. to the

west it includes the land parcels fronting Gympie Road. Communit

facilities are generally clustered around Lions Park and include an RSL

Club and Hall, Library and parklands. Wes Mitchell Park located opposite

is the main public parkland in town. Undeveloped Community Purpose

land on the corner of Gar Street and Gympie Road is used for monthly

markets. The annual Seafood Festival is held in this area.

Tin

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ENTRY POINT

COMMERCIAL / RETAIL AREA

LIBRARY

STATE PRIMARY SCHOOL

DOLPHIN FEEDING

LEGEND

CAFE / TAKE AWAY

GOLF COURSE

MARINA / WHARF PRECINCT

COMMUNITY HALL

TREATMENT PLANT

Crab Creek

Wes Mitchell

Park

NormanPoint

Snapper Creek

Tin Can Inlet


Tin Can Bay Road is the main road out to the town

from Gympie and is the only way in and out of the

settlement.

Tin Can Bay along with Rainbow Beach is well

signposted from Gympie by Main Roads signage. The

road leads straight to Tin Can Bay without deviation

required and signage directing travellers to Rainbow

Beach and Cooloola Cove directs off this main route.

Once past the Cooloola Cove turn off at Bayside Drive

it is a long straight drive into the township past various

outlying recreational facilities (such as the local Model

Plane Club and Gun Club facilities).

TIN CAN BAY - INITIAL OBSERVATIONS

6.3. INITIAL OBSERVATIONSENTRY EXPERIENCE

Main Roads signage on Tin Can Bay Road at Veteran. Main Roads signage on Tin Can Bay Road just before Bayside Drive turn off to Cooloola Cove.

Tin Can Bay Road with pine plantations. Welcome to Cooloola Coast signage on Tin Can Bay Road.

PLACE DESIGN GROUP / GYMPIE REGIONAL COUNCIL 39TIN CAN BAY - INITIAL OBSERVATIONS

6.3. INITIAL OBSERVATIONSENTRY EXPERIENCE

Tin Can Bay Road before Rifle Fish Road

Tin Can Bay entry signage on Golf Course frontage. Kidd Straight looking North East.

Similar to Cooloola Cove, Tin Can Bay feels somewhat

isolated by its bushland surrounds. There is a feeling

of spaciousness due to the width of the main road

corridor and the setback of the vegetation.

There is an elaborate entry statement / sign located

on the frontage of the Tin Can Bay Country and Golf

Club. The sign is quite prominent being on the western

side of the road and backdropped by scribbly gums

and open views across the golf course.

The town is relatively easy to navigate as Tin Can Bay

becomes Gympie Road and then The Esplanade leading

straight through to Nelson Point. The foreshore also

provides a useful wayfinding cue.



Tin Can Bay Local Centre: Service Road at Dolphin Shopping Centre

Tin Can Bay Local Centre: Dolphin Avenue shop frontage.

Tin Can Bay, entry to Local Centre, Kidd Straight on right, service road on left.

The Local Centre is focussed on the section of

Gympie Road between Dolphin Avenue and

King Street. The Local Centre is quite spread

out itself with shops located either side of the

main road. The most significant building is the

Tin Can Bay IGA located on a wedge of land

between Groper Street and Gympie Road.

The Local Centre has obviously developed over

time and is somewhat disconnected lacking a

logical pathway network. Similar to Cooloola

Cove there is a lack of street trees and general

street furniture in the Local Centre.



Tin Can Bay IGA Tin Can Bay Local Centre, traffic island with large trees beyond, including Callitris Pines.

Tin Can Bay, shops along eastern side of Kidd Straight.

The Tin Can Bay IGA is the largest structure

in the Local Centre being of a tilt-up slab

construction. Other shops are predominantly of

a smaller scale low rise construction.

There is little in the way of landscape treatment

in the Local Centre apart from lawn areas and

the odd clipped hedge located in medians.

There is a grove of larger trees and Callitris

species (Cooloola Cyprus) that provides

a pleasant pedestrian connection to the

community precinct located immediatly to the

north.


6.3. INITIAL OBSERVATIONSCOMMUNITY PRECINCT

Tin Can Bay Library entrance. Lions Park with shelter / stage structure and mural painted public toilets.

Shaded section of Lions Park adjacent to Tin Can Bay Library.

Tin Can Bay has a well established community

precinct focussed on the block between Gar

Street, Blackall Street, Gympie Road and The

Esplanade.

The precinct includes the Tin Can Bay Library,

RSL Hall, public toilets, shelter / shade structure

and parkland. The community precinct also links

across The Esplanade to Wes Mitchell park on

the foreshore.


6.3. INITIAL OBSERVATIONSCOMMUNITY PRECINCT

Lions Park frontage to Gympie Road. Tin Can Bay RSL Memorial Hall.

Tin Can Bay “Community Purpose” land between RSL Hall and Gar Street.

The community precinct provides a well used

community heart and flexible use space for Tin

Can Bay. It has a relaxed and informal character

well suited to the township.

An area of undeveloped Community Purpose

land at the Gar Street end of the community

precinct provides a flexible use area that is used

for monthly markets and other local events and

gatherings.


6.3. INITIAL OBSERVATIONSFORESHORES

Snack Shack with alfresco dining opposite Tom Impey Park.

Foreshore at Tom Impey Park.

Exercise equipment in Wes Mitchell Park.

Foreshore views across Rob Reibel Park. Esplanade adjacent Wes Mitchell Park.

Tin Can Bay’s foreshores are a significant feature of

the locality and are highly prized and loved by the

community.

On the eastern side of the peninsula there is a series

of interlinked and connected foreshore parks running

all the way from Nelson Point at the northern end of

town to Crab Creek to the south.

The foreshore has significant evironmental values and

provides a recreational resourse for locals and visitors.


6.3. INITIAL OBSERVATIONSFORESHORES

Temptations by the Water, Toolara Drive. Crab Creek boat ramp and parking area.

Coastcare signage in Wes Mitchell Park. Drainage culvert along Toolara Road (foreshore on left). Typical foreshore area with walking path.

The foreshore areas include relatively undeveloped

environmental areas and more highly developed park

areas such as Wes Mitchell Park and Les Lee Park.

A pathway trail has been constructed in stages all

along the foreshore and it appears to be well used.

The foreshores on the western side of the peninsula

are less prominent but there are popular trails such as

the 10,000 Steps walk and the Wildflower Walk that

traverse these areas.

The foreshores are managed under the principles and

policies of the Cooloola Coastal Foreshore Reserves

Management Plan.


6.3. INITIAL OBSERVATIONSNORMAN POINT & SNAPPER CREEK HARBOUR

Entrance to Snapper Creek Boat Harbour. Public boat ramp and floating pontoon.

Les Lee Park access road off Esplanade on way to Snapper Creek Boat Harbour. Swimming Complex visible in middle distance on left of photo.

Norman Point and Snapper Creek Harbour

are the main initial tourist destination for

new visitors to the area. This is primarily due

to the Dolphin Feeding Venue located at the

“The Barnacles Dolphin Centre and Cafe”

(barnaclesdolphins.com.au) next to the public

boat ramp on the western side of the point.

This area also incorporates the Tin Can Bay

Swimming Pool complex, Yacht Club, Public

Boat Ramp and Pontoon and boat trailer

parking area. There is extensive car parking

between the Harbour to the west and Les Lee

Park located on the eastern side of the point.


6.3. INITIAL OBSERVATIONSNORMAN POINT & SNAPPER CREEK HARBOUR

Les Lee Park includes a series of shelter structures,

a lookout shelter on the point, entry road with

turnaround, carparking, a small play space and public

toilets. It provides a shaded parkland space for locals

and visitors with access to the foreshore and low tide

sand flats.

There is a development proposal by Fraser Straights

Marina (fraserstraitsmarina.com.au) to extend the

marina area to the North. The Federal Minister

announced that the project was approved with

conditions on Monday 5 August 2013, following the

public display and assessment of the Final Preliminary

Documentation.

Les Lee Parkland. Tourist information signage in Les Lee Park.

Barnacles Dolphin Centre. Les Lee Parkland. Boat Harbour looking towards Yacht Club.


6.3. INITIAL OBSERVATIONSMARINA PRECINCT

Tin Can Bay Marina.

Tin Can Bay Commercial Mooring Complex. View across Snapper Creek Inlet.Tin Can Bay Marina boat ramp and trawler fleet.

The marina precinct includes the working waterfront

area fronting Emperor Street between Oyster Parade

and Cod Street.

This precinct incorporates a small public boat ramp

suitable for smaller vessels, a commercial mooring

facility, R & D Marine and a dry storage area as well as

the “Star Marina” facility.

Further to the north along The Esplanade is the Lee

Fishing Company facility which sells seafood direct to

the public.

Snapper Creek and the various boat and fishing related

industries, marina, wharf and boat moorings along its

length contributes strongly to the character of the

township and creates an authentic “fishing village”

character which is appealing to many.


The Tin Can Bay Wildflower Walk is located on

the western side of town along the foreshore area

between Squire Street and Bass Street. It takes in Jack

Burkhardt and Ronald Bielby parks.

There is a series of Interpretive Signs providing

information about wildflower plants and wallum

ecosystems more generally including other shrub and

tree species.


6.3. INITIAL OBSERVATIONSTRAIL NETWORK - WILDFLOWER WALK

Ronald Bielby Park, location of Wildflower Walk

Wildflower Walk Interpretive Signage Jack Burkhardt Park with walking trail.Footpath connection off Emperor Street to Wildflower Walk.


There is a 10,000 Step walking loop trail signposted

and marked around Tin Can Bay. The 10,000 Step

public health initiative is outlined on the 10,000 Steps

website.

The circuit heads in a counterclockwise direction

around the Tin Can Bay township taking in sections of

the western and eastern foreshores. A circuit map is

located in Wes Mitchell Park (pictured above).

Pathways are marked with stencilled blue “foot steps”

and there are directional signs and distance markers

located along the route.


6.3. INITIAL OBSERVATIONSTRAIL NETWORK - 10,000 STEPS

10,000 Steps walking trail through Ha Mallett (Chooky) Park 10,000 Steps walking trail along Dolphin Avenue.

10,000 Steps directional signage. 10,000 Steps trailhead signage.10,000 Steps footpath trail markers


The pedestrian footpath network throughout Tin Can Bay has

developed over time and provides a reasonably good coverage

throughout the township and foreshores. There are some areas

where footpaths are quite narrow and constrained and in poor

condition. There doesnt seem to be any dedicated cycle ways

either on-road or off-road apart from the shared walk / cycle

path that connects Tin Can Bay and Cooloola Cove.

Walking and cycling are favourable in Tin Can Bay as the town

is reasonably flat with a conducive climate and relatively light

vehicle traffic on side streets. There is only one dedicated

pedestrian refuge to assist in crossing Gympie Road adjacent

the Tin Can Bay IGA.


6.3. INITIAL OBSERVATIONSPEDESTRIAN & CYCLE CONNECTIONS

Footpaths in “Community Purpose” area adjacent to Library. Footpath connection along Dolphin Avenue and Bus Stop.

Footpath connections along Oyster Parade. Trail entry / exit to Ha Mallett (Chooky) Park from Dolphin AvenuePedestrian refuge adjacent IGA across Gympie Road.


6.3. INITIAL OBSERVATIONSOPEN SPACE

Wes Mitchell Park, entry from off-street carpark. Interpretive signage in Wes Mitchell Park.

Wes Mitchell Park - Panorama (bins set up for Seafood Festival).

Tin Can Bay has an extensive open space network

consisting of interconnected foreshore parks

and more isolated active recreation areas such

as Ha Mallett (Chooky) Park and Tom Steele

Recreational Park.

Wes Mitchell and Les Lee Parks are the most

developed in terms of permanent infrastructure.

Wes Mitchell Park incorporates a car parking

area, skate park, a large play space, shelter

structures, open play foreshore area, foreshore

beach and public toilets.


6.3. INITIAL OBSERVATIONSOPEN SPACE

ANZAC Memorial (A&N Lehman) Park located on Gympie Road Water reservoir at Tom Steel Recreational Park.

Playing fields in Ha Mallett (Chooky) Park

Tom Steele Park is located on the hilltop next

to the water reservoir and incorporates tennis

courts and a large open kick-about area.

The ANZAC Memorial (A&N Lehman) Park is

well maintained and has a prominent location

on Gympie Road providing a focus for ANZAC

day ceremonies in the township.

Ha Mallett (Chooky) Park is relatively isolated

being surrounded by housing or bushland cor-

ridors. It does form part of the walking circuit

around the township.


6.3. INITIAL OBSERVATIONSTOURISM & EVENTS

Information board sign near Dolphin Shopping Centre. No Camping regulatory signage on Kidd Straight.

Nelson Point. Tourism signage in Les Lee Park.Tin Can Bay Seafood festival.

Day to day tourism is mostly centred around the

attraction of a Dolphin Feeding venue at Norman

Point (Barnacles). This attracts awide audience of grey

nomads, backpackers and families.

Each September the town hosts the Tin Can Bay Seafood

Festival with entertainment, novelty competitions such

as mullet throwing and prawn eating, helicopter joy

flights over the bay, seafood and market stalls.

Other events throughout the year include the Bay to

Bay Yacht Race, Dragonboat Regatta, Cooloola Coast

Flower Show and the Foreshore Family Carnival from

Boxing Day to New Year’s Eve.

PLACE DESIGN GROUP / GYMPIE REGIONAL COUNCIL 55TIN CAN BAY - PRELIMINARY CONCEPT IDEAS


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PLACE DESIGN GROUP / GYMPIE REGIONAL COUNCIL 56TIN CAN BAY - PRELIMINARY CONCEPT IDEAS


PLACE DESIGN GROUP / GYMPIE REGIONAL COUNCIL 57TIN CAN BAY - PRELIMINARY CONCEPT IDEAS - IMAGERY


PLACE DESIGN GROUP / GYMPIE REGIONAL COUNCIL 58TIN CAN BAY - PRELIMINARY CONCEPT IDEAS - IMAGERY


PLACE DESIGN GROUP / GYMPIE REGIONAL COUNCIL 59TIN CAN BAY - COMMUNITY CONSULTATION

6.5. COMMUNITY CONSULTATIONAn initial consultation display was held on 21 July 2015

from 1:00pm to 4:00pm at the Cooloola Cove Veterans and

Community Hall in Santa Maria Court.

The Concept Ideas Discussion sheets for both townships as

included in this report in Section 5.4 and 6.4 were on display

with 4 x members of the project team attending to discuss

these with the community. The local elected Councillor was

also in attendance. A second display was held on 25 July 2015

from 1:00pm to 4:00pm, at the Tin Can Bay RSL Hall.

The consultation material and feedback forms were also made

available on Council’s website and the Tin Can Bay Library

from 21 July to 7 August. By close of the consultation period

14 feedback forms had been received in addition to 2 written

submissions concerning Tin Can Bay.

PLACE DESIGN GROUP / GYMPIE REGIONAL COUNCIL 60TIN CAN BAY - CONSULTATION FINDINGS

“Creative design using local natives is the

key to providing a unique tourist experience

consistent with the surroundings”

“Bird watching walk to incorporate bird hides…”

“Why not a dolphin theme park…”

“public artwork becomes a talking point and can also help attract

visitors...”


The Feedback Forms and written submission were

summarised with results grouped and tabulated

to enable more detailed analysis.

Graphs representing key questions and findings

are shown on the following pages of this report

along with interpretive discussion.

There was a wide range of issues raised with some

consensus on what the respondents considered to

be the priority issues or preferred improvements.

In general the impression was gained that the

community and most likely the local businesses

preferred infrastucture improvements that would

add to the improvement of tourism and retaining

visitors in the township for longer stays.

In terms of basic infrastructure the town is

quite well catered for. The town would benefit

from a higher level of sophsitication in terms of

infrstructure planning and master planning for key

elements such as trail networks and key parkland

areas. For example Les Lee Park could become

a much greater “attractor” and “retainer” of

visitors as well as providing a place for the locals

to enjoy more.

Key directions were determined based upon

careful consideration of the intent of the “Our

Town” program, the likely budget available

to the program and putting aside the types of

infrastructure that are typically funded from

other Council or State funding programs, or that

coul dbe delivered by private developers.

The recommended Key Directions arising as a

result of both consultation with the community

and with other stakeholders in Council were

identified as follows (in no particular order):

• Local Centre improvements

• Tourist information improvements

• Trail and link enhancements

• Community precinct improvements

“At the moment we are relying on dolphin feeding to attract people to visit...we need to

give them a reason to stay longer…”

“Tin Can Bay shopping precinct needs big upgrade - plantings, shade, public toilet, character...“

“Visitors bring money to the area, they need information to assist

them to stay longer...“



TIN CAN BAY: BEST FEATURES

LOCAL CENTRE: NUMBER OF VISITS / WEEK LOCAL CENTRE: PURPOSE OF VISIT LOCAL CENTRE: GETTING THEREFigure 12 Figure 13 Figure 14

Figure 15

Once8%

Twice23%

4 Times16%5 Times

15%

6 Times15%

7 Times23%

Medical9%

Library15%

Petrol6%

Shopping34%

Work9%

Pay Bills3%

Business6%

Post Office6%

Markets3%

Art Group3%

Resource Ctr3%

Lotto3%

Car67%

Walk11%

Bicycle22%

0

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When questioned as to the best features of Tin Can Bay the most

common response was the foreshore areas and the associated

waterways and inlet. Dolphin feeding is also seen as important to

the town and people value the sense of community and people

that make up the town.

Visitation to the Local Centre area was varied with 23% visiting

up to 7 times a week and almost 70% visiting more than 4 times

per week. Shopping was the main purpose of visits (34%) and

employment was a significant reason for visitation also (9%).

The library is a popular destination with 15% of respondents

stating that was one of the main reasons for visitation. Medical

appointments was the next most common purpose of visitation at

9%. Most people travelled to the Local Centre by car with 33%

either walking or cycling when possible.


TIN CAN BAY: MAIN PRIORITIES

TIN CAN BAY: OTHER PRIORITIES


Figure 16

Figure 17

0123456789

Norman Point Jetty Proposal

Provide Sandfly Spray along Foreshore

Fish Cleaning Stations

RV Parking Area

Interpretive Information

Park Refurbishment / Maintenance

Refurbish Entry Statement

Tourist Information

Entry Beautification

Wayfinding Signs to Dolphin Feeding

Be considerate of potential Sea Level

Rise

Native planting species

Jetty proposal is not sustainable

Basket ball court

Sailability Pontoon Concept

Remove service road

Jetty proposal unrealistic

When asked to select their main priorities for Tin Can Bay from

a specific list on the feedback form, the most frequent selection

related to “Attracting Visitors” (15%) and “Tourist Information”

(13%). The next most important priority to respondents was the

concept of the “Norman Point Jetty” proposal (11%).

“Entry Statement and Signage” was somewhat important along

with “Public Toilets” and “Lions Park and Library” each with 7%.

Below this percentage there were a range of priorities as shown on

Figure 16.

A range of other priorities were identified by respondents on the

feedback forms and these are listed in no particular order opposite

at Figure 17.


TIN CAN BAY: TOP PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS / IDEAS

Dolphin Theme Park

Bigger Library

More Tourist Information

Distance signs to other places

Flora interpretive signage

Environment lists (flora/fauna)

Limit tree planting

Bird watching hides

More foreshore shelters

Norman Point Jetty

Pontoon for Sailability

Street lighting

TIN CAN BAY: OTHER IMPROVEMENTS / IDEAS


Figure 18: Numbers 1-18 cross reference to the Concept Ideas Discussion Plan TCB SK01 & SK02 Figure 19

Respondents were requested to select their preferred concepts and

ideas from the pre-prepared Concept Ideas Discussion Plans (refer

pages 55 and 56).

There were no really significant standouts but it reinforced the issues

of tourist information and convenience, foreshore enhancement

and management in keeping with the Cooloola Coastal Foreshore

Reserves Management Plan, pedestrian and cycle pathway upgrades

and new connections, Lions Park / Community Purposes land

upgrades for markets and entry enhancements.

0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5

1. Les Lee Park Upgrade2. Landmark Art to identify Les Lee Park

3. Esplanade Avenue Trees4. Esplanade Ped Refuge at Cod Street

5. Foreshore Improvements Viv Mason Park6. Foreshore Bird Watch Walk

7. Tin Can Bay Ped Refuge at Salmon St8. Ped / Cycle Circuit

9. Planting at Entry Sign10. Entry Ave Tree Plantings

11. Dog Off-Leash12. Anzac Park Plantings

13. Bream St Ped Link / Refuge14. Gympie Rd Avenue Trees

15. Upgrades to Lions Park & Carpark16. Pathway from Gympie Rd to Esplanade

17. Park Upgrades for Markets18. Art / Identity Element cnr Gar St & Gympie Rd

19. Ped Link Wes Mitchell to Gympie Rd20. Replace dead Bribie Island Pines

21. Upgrade Pathways between Local Ctr and…22. Foreshore Upgrades

23. Planting in island between Groper & Gympie Rd24. Groper Ave Tree Plantings

25. Lge Vehicle Std Zone26. Ped / Cycle Link to West

27. Tourist Info & Toilets28. Feature Trees along Tin Can Bay Rd

PLACE DESIGN GROUP / GYMPIE REGIONAL COUNCIL 64TIN CAN BAY - CONCEPT MASTER PLAN


DATE PROJECT NO. REVISION DWG NO.

15/10/2015 2015016 TCB MP

Place Design Group Pty Ltd Unit 7, 9 Capital Place Birtinya, Qld, 4575 AustraliaT + 61 7 5499 6188 F + 61 7 5499 6711

Tin Can Bay‘Our Towns’ Stage 3 C 01PP

Upgrade feature plaanting associated with exiisting entry statement andrationalise entry siggnage

Bird watching walk asper Foreshore Reserves Management Plan.

Foreshore improvementsin line with the Foreshore Reserves Management Plan

Local Centre & Community Precinct Improvements, includinga tourist information site. Refer TCB MP02 for detail.

are Norman Point Precinct Master PlanPrepa asLes Lee Park & Snapper Creek Harbour. for L Har

Norman Point entry statement and tourist information elementd to ment

Tom SteeleRecreational ParkR kecreational Park

Marina

Snapper Creekk

Jack Burkardt rdPark

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Viv Mason Park

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Consider site for dog ‘off leash’ncompound within this reserve.m

Consider refuge crossingConsider refuge crossingsidesidder reas part of circulation loop.part ofpar of

88

Potential pedestrian / cycle circuit,

maps, to supplement 10,000 StepsWalk and Foreshore Walk. Routeshown is indicative only subject to ground truthing and coordination with relevant agencies. with

HA (Chooky)ChoMallett Park t P

Crab CreekCrab CreekabCParkP

Don DeanPark

Toolara Esplanade

Park

1

2

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Concept Master Plan

Gympi

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L cal Centre al Ceal Clcalca Ce trLocoty yy& CommunitComCo unimunnity itynity& C&

tPrecincPre nccinccinnctcctctctct

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Existing pedestrian and off-road cycle connections

Proposed pedestrian and off-road roadcycle connections

Proposed pedestrian refuge fu

Legend

N

DATE PROJECT NO. REVISION DWG NO.

02/11/2015 2015016 TCB MP

Place Design Group Pty Ltd Unit 7, 9 Capital Place Birtinya, Qld, 4575 AustraliaT + 61 7 5499 6188 F + 61 7 5499 6711

Tin Can Bay‘Our Towns’ Stage 3 02

Wes MitchellPark

Lions Park

HA Chooky Mallett Park

Tin

Can

Bay R

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Dolphin Avenue

Mar

lin W

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King Street

Blackall Street

Tailor Street

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Bass Street

Toolara Road

Parro

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Gar Street

IGA

RSL Hall

Police

Library

Dolphin ShoppingCentre

Upgrade pedestrian path network Community Precinct Gympie Road toEsplanade linking public toilets to libraryand Foreshore.

Street tree plantings to Tin Can Bay Road / Kidd Straight / Gympie Road for extent of Local Centre and Community Precinct.

Investigate and consider demand, locationand whole of life costs for provision of publically accessible toilets to be located within Local Centre precinct.

Pedestrian linkage to connect foreshore parkland (Wes Mitchell Park) through toGympie Road and Local Centre.

Art / Identity element highlighting Community Precinct. Incorporate community events banner opportunity.

Upgrades to Community Precinct to support community events and markets (seating, shade trees etc).

Threshold treatments on side street entries to assist in highlighting Local Centre.

Information site proposed for Norman Point(refer Item 2 on sheet TCB MP01).

Signature tree plantings and landscaping to highlight Local Centre.

Local Centre entry and identity statement.

Refer Concept Master Plan Sheet TCB MP01. This sheet outlines detail associated with Item 4 on TCB MP01.

Upgrade pedestrian pathways to increaseconnectivity within Local Centre and improve connections to Community Precinct.

Upgrade of pedestrian refuge crossings

plantings).

Replace dead Cooloola Pine specimens in pine grove.

Concept Master Plan: Detail

N

10

1 9

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

23

*

*

*

Upgrade public toilets, gathering space and formalise northern carpark beside RSL Hall to service picnic sites and public amenities.

amenities from Local Centre / Gympie Road.

12

Legend

CommunityPrecinct

Local Centre

***10**12

13

13

133

14

17

19

***18**

20

21

222

22

22

22

15

15

15

15

15

151

15

15

16

16

B

Proposed Entry & IdentityElement to highlight Local Centre & Community precincts

Existing Pedestrian Refugecrossing points to be upgraded

PLACE DESIGN GROUP / GYMPIE REGIONAL COUNCIL 65TIN CAN BAY - RECOMMENDATIONS


TIN CAN BAY

PLAN REF. # RECOMMENDED PROJECTS

refer TCB MP02 Local Centre and Community Precinct improvements

1 Prepare detailed precinct master plan for Norman Point

2,4 Tourist information sites at the Local Centre and at Norman Point

6,8 Trail and link improvements

After considering the improvements outlined in the

concept for alignment with community input, available

budget, potential for transformation and increased

amenity, it is recommended that the following are the

priority improvements (as budgets across the entire ‘Our

Towns’ Program allows):

Documents

OUR TOWNS STAGE 3 SUSTAINABLE CENTRES PROGRAM · of the Cooloola Coast lie within the Great Sandy National Park, which is one of the largest ‘vegetated sand dune systems’ in the