Sporting progress on the Precinct

“Sporting progress on the Precinct ” After several years of stagnation, a start has last been made on proposed sporting, recreational and environmental projects for the Maleny Precinct. Last Friday representatives of the Maleny District Sport and Recreation Club pegged out the proposed four playing fields, two bowls rinks, aquatic facilities and combined club house. This, the first stage in firming up the Maleny Precinct Master Plan for Council’s consideration, was approved at the second meeting of Cr Jenny McKay’s Precinct Working Group on October 7. “It might be some time before the sport and recreation facilities are humming on the Precinct” said MDSRC President Mike Norman, “but at least we have commenced the journey”. “That’s wonderful news”, commented Stephen Porter whom Council persuaded to sell his dairy farm for just such a purpose. (Photo:- The team drives in the final peg for the playing fields and bowls rinks.) Spectacularly situated on gently rolling terrain just outside town, it is the beginning of what eventually will be one of the most comprehensive recreational complexes in South East Queensland, with the mix of recreational facilities landscaped in harmony with woodlands, wetlands and walking trails. Once the Working Group has reviewed these concept plans, the MDSRC will seek Council approval to arrange an Open Weekend so that the affiliated clubs and the broader community can access the area and get a feel for what’s in store. And after the proposed siting of the joint clubhouse has community support, the Maleny Golf Club will peg out an environmentally friendly community golf course for Council consideration. It is now almost a year since the Caloundra City Council adopted an Approved Plan for the Maleny Precinct. This plan was endorsed without modification by the Sunshine Coast Regional Council on August 21, 2008. The new Council’s Development Intent Statement indicated “Sport and recreation uses may now commence, subject … to the relevant approvals.” It further stated “Master planning to determine particular facilities and their location” could proceed. It would be fair to say that the team were more than pleased at how the topography lent itself to the playing fields, with minimum earthworks required. The group’s lead civil engineer, Rod Richards, said “Much of the area is a natural floodplain, and so a sweep of open grassed fields combines well to service Maleny’s urgently required sporting needs. Open fields will allow the Obi Obi Creek to flow without additional obstruction during floods thereby reducing the flood danger to Maleny. It’s a win for sport, the community and the environment John Brown, President of the Rangers Soccer Club, was thrilled with progress. “I’m delighted with the support and encouragement we have been receiving from the many sport and recreational user groups,” he said. “I have no doubt that there will be a groundswell of community support once everyone has a chance to see exactly what the MCSRC is proposing.”