Sunshine Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026

Sunshine Coast
Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026

Acknowledgements
The Sport and Active Recreation project team is grateful
for the contribution of the many sport and recreation
club or community group representatives who completed
surveys and/or attended community forums. We also
thank the residents of the Sunshine Coast who responded
to surveys or provided other input into the study.
The guidance and feedback provided throughout this
project by the internal and external members of the project
team was much appreciated.
The Sport and Active Recreation project team is also
grateful for the support and guidance provided by
Strategic Leisure Group, council officers, Councillors,
representatives of government agencies, educational
institutions and non-government agencies who gave freely
of their time to provide input into the study.
The project team would like to acknowledge the
Queensland Government who provided funding through
the Department of Communities – Sport and Recreation
Services to Sunshine Coast Council to develop the
Sunshine Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-
2026 to get more Queenslanders active through sport and
recreation.
Disclaimer
This document has been developed by Sunshine Coast
Council’s Community Services Department (Active and
Healthy Branch).
Information contained in this document is based on
available information at the time of writing. All figures and
diagrams are indicative only and should be referred to
as such. This is a strategic document which deals with
technical matters in a summary way only. Council or its
officers accept no responsibility for any loss occasioned
to any person acting or refraining from acting in reliance
upon any material contained in this document.
© Sunshine Coast Regional Council 2011.
www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au
mail@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au
T 07 5475 7272 F 07 5475 7277
Locked Bag 72 Sunshine Coast Mail Centre Qld 4560

Contents
Foreword...................................................................................................... 5
Message from the Mayor and Corporate Planning and Performance
Portfolio Councillor........................................................................................ 5
About this document.................................................................................. 6
Supporting Resources Volume 1 (Locality of Interest Summaries)............... 6
Supporting Resources Volume 2 (Background Research)........................... 6
Executive summary.................................................................................... 7
Importance of sport and active recreation..................................................... 7
Purpose of project......................................................................................... 7
Study scope.................................................................................................. 7
Localities of Interest...................................................................................... 8
Study approach............................................................................................. 8
Key findings.................................................................................................. 8
Vision and guiding principles......................................................................... 9
Provision of land for sport............................................................................. 9
Better outcomes for sport.............................................................................. 9
Facility provision and management............................................................ 10
1 Vision and guiding principles......................................................... 12
1.1 Vision for sport and active recreation................................................ 13
1.2 Guiding principles.............................................................................. 13
2 Recommendations........................................................................... 16
2.1 Summary of recommendations.......................................................... 17
2.2 Timing................................................................................................ 17
2.3 Policy development............................................................................ 18
2.4 Provision and development of land for sport..................................... 19
2.5 Management/development of major facilities.................................... 21
2.6 Council support and communication with sport................................. 22
2.7 School partnerships........................................................................... 24
2.8 Non-powered water sports................................................................. 25
2.9 Indoor sport ....................................................................................... 27
2.10 Sport development – other................................................................ 30
2.11 Economic development..................................................................... 32
2.12 External and internal impacts on existing facilities............................ 33
2.13 Internal communication...................................................................... 34
2.14 Implementation and administration.................................................... 35
2.15 Locality recommendations................................................................. 36
3 Study framework.............................................................................. 46
3.1 Purpose............................................................................................. 47
3.2 Scope................................................................................................. 47
3.3 Excluded activities............................................................................. 47
3.4 Eligible activities................................................................................ 47
3.5 Plan alignment................................................................................... 48
3.6 Methodology...................................................................................... 50
Sunshine Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026 3

4 Population profile............................................................................ 52
4.1 Population and growth....................................................................... 53
4.2 Age profile.......................................................................................... 53
5 Participation trends......................................................................... 54
5.1 Sunshine Coast sport and recreation clubs....................................... 54
5.2 State Sporting Association membership............................................ 55
5.3 ERASS surveys................................................................................. 59
6 Consultation outcomes................................................................... 60
6.1 Community forums............................................................................. 61
6.2 Focus group meetings....................................................................... 62
6.3 Survey of sport and recreation clubs................................................. 64
6.4 Schools surveys................................................................................. 69
6.5 Community survey............................................................................. 69
7 Sports land and indoor facilities.................................................... 72
7.1 Sports reserve land............................................................................ 73
7.2 Facility design – field/outdoor sports................................................. 77
7.3 Indoor facilities................................................................................... 80
7.4 Sharing of court sports....................................................................... 82
8 Economic benefits of sport............................................................ 84
9 Maps.................................................................................................. 88
Appendix 1: Prioritisation criteria for capital recommendations....... 100
Cr Tim Dwyer
Deputy Mayor
Corporate Planning and Performance Portfolio
Cr Bob Abbot
Mayor

Foreword
Message from the Mayor and Corporate Planning and Performance
Portfolio Councillor
The Sunshine Coast Council recognises the
importance that sport and active recreation
play in our region. For this reason, council
has produced the Sunshine Coast Sport and
Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026 to assist
in the development of the current and future
provision of facilities and services.
Sport and active recreation is an important
part of the Sunshine Coast community and
are seen as key components of our vibrant
lifestyle. Whether it is kids playing sport at the
local community club or having a weekly hit at
the tennis courts, sport and active recreation
contribute towards defining who we are.
Sport and active recreation also have significant
health, social and economic benefits. The
current trend for both adults and children
(increasing obesity levels, and for adults of
escalating medical conditions, such as heart
disease, stroke, diabetes type 2, various
cancers and depression) is most concerning –
sport and active recreation have an important
part to play in reducing the likelihood of these
conditions. Being part of a team or club also
allows a sense of ‘belonging’, and can be
essential for individual and social cohesion,
integration and development, especially given
the transitory nature of the Sunshine Coast
population. In addition, the economic benefits
of sport and active recreation to the Sunshine
Coast cannot be underrated. It is estimated
that expenditure related to organised sport and
aquatic facilities on the Sunshine Coast was
$5.27 million in 2010, and the value of volunteer
contributions to sport in 2006 was estimated at
approximately $56.5 million.
The provision of adequate facilities and
services for sport and active recreation on the
Sunshine Coast is not without its challenges.
Based on 2006 population levels, the Sunshine
Coast had a shortage of land for sport of over
100 hectares. With the region's population
continuing to grow this deficit will continue
to swell unless additional land is secured.
Accommodating the rapid population growth
places competing pressure on our finite land
resources and so the Sunshine Coast Sport and
Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026 will ensure
that land for sport and active recreation is
prioritised in the future planning for our region.
The Sunshine Coast Sport and Active
Recreation Plan 2011-2026 recognises that
council has an important role in facilitating
improved opportunities and outcomes for
sport and active recreation. This Plan contains
recommendations on the type, scale, provision,
funding and timing of new infrastructure, as well
as recommendations which call on council to
play a facilitation or advocacy role.
We commend the Sunshine Coast community
for the valued input into the Sunshine Coast
Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026
and look forward to a dynamic sporting and
active recreation future for the Sunshine Coast.
Sunshine Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026 5

About this document
This report provides a synopsis of the research
and consultation undertaken for this project.
More detailed information is contained in the
two supporting resource documents.
Supporting Resources Volume 1
(Locality of Interest Summaries)
Sunshine Coast Council has identified
44 Localities of Interest, each of which is
geographically defined, to guide its future
planning. The boundaries of these localities
are illustrated in Map 1: Sunshine Coast wide,
districts and Localities of Interest. As per
council’s brief, study recommendations for each
individual Locality of Interest were required.
Supporting Resources Volume 1 (Locality of
Interest Summaries) provides the background
context for framing these recommendations.
For each Locality of Interest it contains:
1 snapshot of the locality
2 current and projected population
3 key demographic characteristics
4 current sport and active recreation facilities
and services
5 club membership trends
6 facility needs expressed by sport and active
recreation clubs
7 existing council plans or other management
documents relevant to the locality
8 land area observations for each locality
from council’s open space planning work
9 summary of key demands from the
consultation process
10 specific actions for the locality.
Supporting Resources Volume 2
(Background Research)
An extensive review of background
documentation was undertaken to inform the
study. In addition to the information contained
in Supporting Resources Volume 1 (Locality of
Interest Summaries), a review of reports and
studies is outlined in Supporting Resources
Volume 2 (Background Research).
Note: Currency of Sports Reserve Data
Data used in this report to calculate the current
and projected shortfall/surplus of sports reserve
land in individual Localities of Interest was supplied
by Sunshine Coast Council and was current as at
August 2010. This data is being updated by council
at the time of producing this report.
6 Sunshine Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026

Executive summary
Importance of sport and active
recreation
Participation in sport and physical activity has
important health, social and economic benefits.
There is proven scientific evidence that active
adults have lower rates of disabling medical
conditions including coronary heart disease,
high blood pressure, stroke, type 2 diabetes,
colon cancer, breast cancer and depression. 1
Physical inactivity accounts for 17 per cent
of the total health cost of treating these
conditions in Australian adults and is the fourth
greatest contributor to the burden of disease in
Australia. 2 Only about half of Queensland adults
(55.9 per cent) are sufficiently active to derive a
health benefit. 3
There is a positive association between
participation in sport and social integration,
cohesion and community development. The
value of the volunteer contribution to sport on
the Sunshine Coast has been estimated at
approximately $56.5 million. 4
Purpose of project
The main purpose of this study was to develop
a robust Sunshine Coast Sport and Active
Recreation Plan 2011-2026 to guide the current
and future provision of facilities and services to
meet the needs of the Sunshine Coast’s diverse
communities over the next 15 years.
1
US Department of Health and Human Services.
Physical Activity Guidelines Advisory Committee
Report. Washington, DC, June 2008
2
Econtech. The Cost of Physical Inactivity. Medibank
Private. 2007
3
Pollard G, et al. 2009 Self-Reported Health Status:
Queensland 2009. Queensland Health, Brisbane.
2010
4
See Section 8: Economic Benefits of Sport.
Study scope
The study examined sport and active recreation
activities only, defined as those which have
formal rules, scoring, event organisation
and administration structures. It excluded
non-competitive, passive activities; activities
already addressed in council’s Difficult-to-
Locate Sports Study 2009–2028; activities
covered in other recent council strategies; and
wholly private sector funded activities. A full
description of eligible and excluded activities is
shown in Section 3.3: Excluded Activities and
Section 3.4: Eligible Activities.
Study integration
The Sunshine Coast Sport and Active
Recreation Plan 2011-2026 is an important
contributor to the Health and Wellbeing theme
of council’s Corporate Plan 2009-2014. It is
one of a number of closely related recent or
emerging strategic plans that will assist in
ensuring council adequately responds to the
broader social, leisure, sport, recreation and
physical activity needs of the region. These
documents include the Difficult-to-Locate Sports
Study 2009–2028, Open Space Strategy,
Social Infrastructure Strategy, Active Transport
Strategy, Aquatic Plan, Skate and BMX Plan,
Affordable Living Strategy and Draft Recreation
Trail Plan.
The Sunshine Coast Sport and Active
Recreation Plan 2011-2026 closely aligns
with council’s Sunshine Coast Open Space
Strategy 2011 which articulates council’s
commitment, role and intent in the provision
and embellishment of recreation parks and
sports reserves across the region. It provides
guidance to the open space framework on the
provision, development and management of
land and infrastructure for sport. The Sunshine
Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-
2026 was undertaken concurrently with the
Sunshine Coast Aquatic Plan 2011-2026 and
integrates the recommendations of the Difficultto-Locate
Sports Study 2009–2028.
Sunshine Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026 7

Localities of Interest
Sunshine Coast Council has identified 44
Localities of Interest which are intended to
guide future planning. This study has examined
future needs for the region as a whole as
well as for each individual Locality of Interest.
Individual recommendations for each Locality
of Interest, in addition to broader strategic
recommendations, are contained in this report.
Study approach
The study methodology illustrated in Figure 2:
Study methodology includes a wide ranging
review of previous reports and plans, profile
of each of council’s 44 Localities of interest,
analysis of current and projected population,
review of participation trends, inspection of
key facilities, consultation with internal and
external stakeholders, sporting clubs and
a comprehensive community engagement
process.
Key findings
Key findings from the research and consultation
process were as follows:
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
Stakeholders feel positively about
proactive planning for sport by council, the
responsiveness of council staff and council
funding programs.
Most sports have increased membership
significantly over the last three years. Some
clubs have declined (e.g. bowls, golf, softball
and squash).
The most common trends in participation
have been demands for more social, casual
and non-competitive forms of participation,
increasing demand for junior sport and more
demand for evening participation.
Lighting of playing fields, amenities and car
parking is considered inadequate by many
field and outdoor sports.
Lack of available land and/or poor
functionality of land for field sports (usually
due to inadequate drainage, flooding,
environmental constraints, and poor field
condition often from overuse) was a common
theme raised by clubs and reinforced by a
number of State sporting organisations.
Inadequate access to facilities for people
with disabilities was also frequently raised in
consultations.
►►
Field sports are struggling with the cost
of maintaining facilities (at the same time
peak bodies are imposing minimum safety
standards for the condition of playing areas).
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
There is inequity of council support (e.g.
maintenance) to clubs, stemming from the
different policies that applied under the
pre-amalgamated councils. 5 Maintenance
assistance provided to clubs by council is not
based on any hierarchy ranking of the facility
(e.g. district/regional/state).
The perception exists among some clubs that
those sports based at venues owned and
(directly or indirectly) maintained by council
(e.g. Maroochydore Multi Sports Complex,
Quad Park) get a ‘better deal’.
Peak bodies in some sports (e.g. tennis/AFL)
are seeking to upgrade existing facilities to
regional or state standard to accommodate
higher levels of competitions.
There are growing demands for the use of
existing regional sporting facilities such as
Quad Park and Nambour Showgrounds for
non-sport uses (e.g. markets, exhibitions).
Water access and on-land facilities are major
concerns for a number of non-powered water
sports. Issues include limited land availability,
existing areas being at capacity, lack of
support facilities (e.g. storage, toilets, shade),
conflicts with other uses, or cost of accessing
on-water facilities. Sports affected include
sailing, rowing, canoeing, dragon boating,
kayaking and outrigger canoeing.
Existing multi-court indoor sporting facilities
are already at capacity during peak
afternoon/evening usage times (3.30 pm-
10.00 pm).
The study has identified 21 indoor sporting
facilities being developed in schools (mostly
with Federal Government education sector
stimulus funding) but their suitability for
community sport is unknown. School facilities
frequently have design limitations and are not
fully functional for conducting competitions in
court sports.
5
A cross-council team is currently reviewing
council’s support for not-for-profit groups, including
maintenance of playing areas or buildings, remissions
of water/sewerage or general rates, tenure
arrangements, or community partnership grants.
8 Sunshine Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026

►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
Some clubs are experiencing difficulties
accessing school facilities. Major users
of schools are cricket, soccer, and to a
lesser extent AFL, netball and futsal. The
main issues identified are uncertainty of
access, maintenance standards, red tape
in formalising access arrangements, and
difficulty in establishing amenities, lights and
storage areas.
Gymnastics facilities on the Sunshine Coast are
already at capacity and there is high demand.
There is an opportunity to consolidate the
management of current and future regional
sporting facilities under a Major Venues Unit
of council.
Sport and leisure is identified in the Sunshine
Coast Economic Development Strategy as
one of eleven industry sectors for which an
economic development strategy should be
prepared to broaden the region’s economic
base.
Household expenditure on organised
sport on the Sunshine Coast is estimated
at $5.27 million in 2010. The value of
the volunteer contribution to sport on the
Sunshine Coast is estimated at $56.5 million
(see Section 8: Economic benefits of sport).
There is likely to be some medium to long
term impact on sporting facilities from future
road/rail corridor developments.
Vision and guiding principles
Sport and active recreation are key elements of
the lifestyle of Sunshine Coast residents. The
adoption of a ‘vision’ and ‘guiding principles’ for
sport and active recreation that is consistent
with council plans and strategies will provide a
framework for council’s role and will guide the
future planning and management of facilities
and opportunities. The Sunshine Coast Sport
and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026 sets out
a vision and guiding principles that respond to
current council planning and research findings.
Provision of land for sport
At 2006 population levels, the Sunshine Coast
had an overall shortfall of land for sport of
more than 100 hectares, based on the Desired
Standards of Service for sports reserve land
contained in council’s Open Space Strategy.
This deficit will clearly increase unless
additional land is provided to meet the needs of
this rapidly growing region.
It will be critically important to secure additional,
suitable quality land, in population growth areas
throughout the Sunshine Coast over the next 15
years. This can be achieved via a Plan for Trunk
Infrastructure (Parks and Land for Community
Purposes) as part of council’s overall Priority
Infrastructure Plan, Infrastructure Agreements,
other acquisitions, or utilisation of education
sector or privately owned sector land. Provision
of land and embellishments can be funded by
these mechanisms. The acceptance of poor
quality land or insufficient land puts pressure
on the sustainability of existing resources, and
ultimately affects participation. Larger parcels
of land (e.g. more than 20 hectares) should be
secured where possible to create ‘hubs’ which
can provide for several sports, service multiple
localities and allow for the growth of individual
clubs over time. In high density, mature urban
areas, where land is unavailable or prohibitively
expensive, it will be necessary to access land in
neighbouring localities. In smaller communities,
accessing school ovals may be the most cost
effective means of provision.
Better outcomes for sport
Council has an important role in facilitating
better outcomes for sport. This may take the
form of:
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
supporting clubs to gain better access to
school facilities
promoting better planning and governance
arrangements within sporting clubs
working with regional and state bodies
and facility managers to resolve access
constraints which impede participation and
growth of sports
facilitating improved communication and
coordination among different sports
negotiating with other agencies to minimise
adverse impacts on existing facilities
and ensuring adequate replacement and
compensation of facilities resulting from
transport corridor expansions
guiding and supporting clubs through the
development application process
enabling greater economic benefit for the
region to be generated through sport.
This Plan sets out a number of
recommendations which call on council to play
a facilitation or advocacy role in achieving
better outcomes for sport.
Sunshine Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026 9

Facility provision and management
Over the 15 year life of this Plan, council has a
significant role in terms of providing, partnering,
supporting or facilitating new or upgraded
infrastructure for sport and active recreation
and maximising the use and sustainability of
these assets. This could comprise new policies
which deal with:
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
the level of support provided to not-for-profit
clubs
ensuring support to clubs is equitable and
directed toward key priorities
undertaking feasibility studies for new
infrastructure to meet existing or future
community needs
funding and/or seeking external funding for
major infrastructure
seeking partnership opportunities in facility
provision
improving the effectiveness of councilmanaged
facilities
supporting key improvements to club
managed sporting facilities, especially
drainage, lighting, amenities and disability
access
advocating for retention of, or improved
access to, sport and active recreation
facilities owned by other agencies.
This Plan contains recommendations on the
type, scale, provision, funding and timing of new
infrastructure for sport and active recreation.
10 Sunshine Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026

Sunshine Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026 11

1 Vision and guiding principles

1.1 Vision for sport and active
recreation
Sport and active recreation are key elements
of the lifestyle of Sunshine Coast residents. A
‘vision’ for sport and active recreation that is
consistent with broader strategies of council will
provide a framework for council’s role in this
area. The following vision is proposed:
‘Through its role in sport and active
recreation, Sunshine Coast Council will
contribute to the health and well being, social
cohesion, and broadening of the economy of
the Sunshine Coast.’
It will do this by:
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
providing or facilitating equitable access to
facilities and services
providing pathways
providing or facilitating infrastructure in
response to existing needs and/or population
growth that is sustainable and consistent with
identified local and regional needs
facilitating partnerships with community,
government and education sectors
encouraging clubs to be self sufficient
encouraging and/or supporting regional
and higher level events, especially those
which build on the natural and competitive
advantages of the region
ensuring that sport and recreation assets are
effectively managed and protected.
1.2 Guiding principles
The guiding principles shown in Table 1:
Guiding principles for council involvement in
sport and active recreation are intended to give
effect to council’s ‘vision’ for sport and active
recreation and guide the future planning and
management of facilities and opportunities.
They are consistent with other planning within
council and should be used as a reference point
for future development. The guiding principles
comprise:
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
economic and environment sustainability
infrastructure provision and club sustainability
accessibility and mobility
urban character and amenity
social equity
community involvement and inclusion.
Sunshine Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026 13

Table 1: Guiding principles for council involvement in sport and active recreation
Principle
Economic and
environmental
sustainability
Infrastructure
provision and club
sustainability
Description
Maximise the investment in sport and active recreation facilities and services by
endeavouring to ensure that they are economically and environmentally sustainable.
It will do this by:
►►
adopting policies or guidelines that set out the responsibilities of council and the
users of council land
►►
ensuring that the use of existing infrastructure is maximised before developing
new facilities
►►
contributing to the development and/or maintenance of sport and active recreation
infrastructure on council owned/managed land
►►
avoiding duplication of facilities and ensuring that facilities are provided on the
basis of demonstrated need
►►
ensuring that land purchased or acquired for sport represents best value for
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
money (e.g. expansion of existing areas vs establishing new development)
ensuring that land in new developments that is accepted from developer
contributions for sporting purposes is of sufficient scale and functionality to
provide community benefit and be efficiently managed, and complies with the
Desired Standards of Service set out in council’s Open Space Strategy
pursuing partnerships in the development and operation of sport and recreation
facilities (e.g. schools, university, private sector)
encouraging environmentally sustainable design principles such as water
harvesting and use of recycled water and treated effluent water for irrigation of
sportsfields, under car park storage wells, cogeneration of power, solar capture
and power storage, and the use of ‘green’ building technologies, design practices
and operations
supporting clubs and organisations via funding programs that are approved
by council from time to time, and requiring organisations that it funds to meet
specified accountability requirements
supporting clubs and organisations to access external (non-council) funding.
Support the provision and sustainability of sport and active recreation facilities/
services by:
►►
ensuring they are based on demonstrated community need (e.g. strategic plans,
feasibility studies, master plans) and an assessment of existing supply
►►
paying particular attention to ensuring that high growth areas have adequate land
and facilities
►►
ensuring that existing facilities are optimally used in order to maximise its
investment in sport and active recreation infrastructure
►►
encouraging multi-use except where it is deemed inappropriate for safety, good
management or specific purposes related to individual activities
►►
adopting or amending policies from time to time to most efficiently manage its
facilities, playing fields and other active recreation assets
►►
granting such tenure arrangements as it deems appropriate for the efficient use of
land provided for sporting purposes
►►
supporting clubs to be sustainable and well managed, and enabling them to focus
on the delivery of sporting opportunities.
The safety and security of users will be implicit in the planning, design, development
and maintenance of sport and active recreation facilities and open space. Council
recognises the principles of Crime Prevention through Environmental Design
(CPTED) and will employ them to the extent that competing demands for resources
allows.
Council will endeavour to support organisations to address risk management plans.
14 Sunshine Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026

Principle
Accessibility and
mobility
Urban character
and amenity
Social equity
Community
involvement and
inclusion
Description
Endeavour to maximise the accessibility of sport and active recreation facilities
and services throughout the region. As far as possible, sport and active recreation
facilities will:
►►
be provided in areas of need
►►
be located in proximity to residential areas
►►
be able to be accessed by a range of transport modes (e.g. private cars, public
transport, cycle/walkways)
►►
ensure that internal mobility within areas/facilities is addressed
►►
take into account the needs of target populations identified by council from time
►►
to time
meet the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and Building Certification Authority
standards.
Opportunities to expand existing land areas/facilities, where they result in more cost
effective provision without unduly compromising access, will be considered.
Council will encourage sport and active recreation providers to address the diverse
nature of access requirements.
Sport and active recreation facilities and services are an important contributor to the
lifestyle of Sunshine Coast residents and visitors.
►►
Sport and active recreation facility developments will be cognisant of urban
character and amenity. Within available budgets, high quality design which is both
functional and attractive will be applied to infrastructure development for sport and
recreation.
►►
Council will ensure that the location of sport and active recreation facility
developments or improvements (e.g. lights, car parks, playing field extensions) do
►►
not impact on residential amenity.
Council will ensure that the location or upgrading of sport and active recreation
infrastructure avoids, or adequately mitigates, residential amenity impacts and
endeavours to preserve intrinsic environmental or scenic values.
In planning and managing sport and active recreation facilities and services:
►►
endeavour to provide opportunities for all residents regardless of age, gender,
income, culture or physical ability
►►
encourage sport and active recreation providers throughout the region to adopt
policies, practices and programs that encourage and facilitate equity
►►
where the primary use of land is for sport, seek to protect such land from
development or its loss to other purposes
►►
where appropriate, endeavour to accommodate other active recreational uses of
open space set aside for sporting purposes
►►
where appropriate, take into account the needs of different cultural groups and
traditions in land use planning and service delivery.
Ensure that the principles of community engagement outlined in council policy are
adhered to with respect to the planning and delivery of sport and active recreation
facilities and services.
Sunshine Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026 15

2 Recommendations

The cost of implementing all recommendations
in this Plan would be beyond the capacity of
council to fund in its own right. To this end,
external funding and/or partnerships with other
agencies or the private sector should be sought
wherever possible. Recommended actions
should be reviewed biannually with a major
review every five years. It is to be noted that all
recommendations are subject to budget.
2.2 Timing
This study has a 15 year planning horizon. The
following time frames have been compiled to
guide priorities:
Short term
Medium term
Within next 4 years
(2011-2015)
Next 5-9 years
(2016-2020)
2.1 Summary of recommendations
Recommendations have been classified into the
following categories:
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
policy development
provision and development of land for sport
management/development of major facilities
council support and communication with sport
school partnerships
non-powered water sports
indoor sport
sport development – other
economic development
external and internal impacts on existing
facilities
communication
administration
locality recommendations.
A brief comment summarises the rationale for
each recommendation category.
Long term
Next 10-15 years
(2021-2026)
Sunshine Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026 17

2.3 Policy development
2.3.1 Vision for sport and active recreation Priority
Recommendation
1 Adopt the following ‘vision’ to provide a framework for council’s role in sport and active
recreation.
‘Through its role in sport and active recreation, Sunshine Coast Council will contribute to
the health and well being, social cohesion, and broadening of the regional economy of
the Sunshine Coast.'
It will do this by:
►►
providing or facilitating equitable access to facilities and services
►►
providing pathways
►►
providing or facilitating infrastructure in response to existing needs and/or population
growth that is sustainable and consistent with identified local and regional needs
►►
facilitating partnerships with community, government and education sectors
►►
encouraging clubs to be self sufficient
►►
encouraging and/or supporting regional and higher level events, especially those
which build on the natural and competitive advantages of the region
►►
ensuring that sport and recreation assets are effectively managed and protected.
Short
2.3.2 Guiding principles Priority
Recommendation
1 Adopt the guiding principles set out in Section 1.2: Guiding Principles of this Plan to
guide the future planning and management of facilities and opportunities and act as a
reference point for future development. key elements of the guiding principles are:
►►
economic and environmental sustainability
►►
infrastructure provision and club sustainability
►►
accessibility and mobility
►►
urban character and amenity
►►
social equity
►►
community involvement and inclusion.
Comment
Short
The adoption of a ‘vision’ and guiding principles for future planning and management of land and facilities
for sport and active recreation will provide a strategic framework for decision making. They will assist
in aligning planning for sport and active recreation with strategic policy. They will also assist in the
development of a future Community Plan by articulating the principles governing council’s involvement in
sport and active recreation.
2.3.3 Security of land and assets Priority
Recommendation
1 As part of council’s tenure policy, develop guidelines for the security of improvements
on council owned and/or managed land. Key elements should include circumstances
when caretaker residences are warranted (e.g. whether or not the site is isolated),
clear guidelines as to caretaker responsibilities, skills required (e.g. communication),
clear articulation of caretaker authority/responsibility, quality, planning provision and
aesthetics of on-site housing infrastructure.
Medium
Comment
Guidelines on caretaker residences will enable council to deal with increasing demand for approval of
these facilities on council land. At present there is no policy governing quality and management of these
facilities.
18 Sunshine Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026

2.4 Provision and development of land for sport
2.4.1 Secure land to meet population growth Priority
Recommendation
1 Integrate the recommendations of this Plan and Open Space Strategy with Structure
Plans and the Plan for Trunk Infrastructure (Parks and Land for Community Purposes)
as part of council’s overall Priority Infrastructure Plan.
2 Incorporate all elements that can be recouped from developer contributions in the Plan for
Trunk Infrastructure as permited by legislation (refer Open Space Strategy), for example:
►►
land component up to 4.8 hectares per 1000 person (includes recreation land)
►►
development of parks and playing fields
►►
planning and design costs.
3 Preparing the Plan for Trunk Infrastructure will need to consider what components will
be funded by alternative means (i.e. items limited by legislation such as land above the
4.8 hectares per 1000 person limit or ineligible items) and not included in the calculation
of the Infrastructure Charge to be levied on developers, in accordance with council’s
Desired Standards of Service for open space.
Short and
ongoing
Short and
ongoing
Short and
ongoing
4 Where possible, acquire larger parcels of land (e.g. more than 20 ha) for sports reserves. Ongoing
5 These larger parcels provide operational savings in being able to ‘hub’ facilities, service
multiple sports, and provide for club growth over time. (An indicative layout for a sports
reserve of more than 20 ha is illustrated in Map 4: Notional layout of 20+ ha sports
reserve and description of indicative land areas and chargable components in Table 12:
Indicative elements, chargeable components and spatial requirements).
6 In new residential sub-divisions and structure plans, endeavour to co-locate sports
reserves with school ovals where possible in order to maximise available playing areas.
Ensure that co-location of council playing fields with schools does not result in schools
opting out of providing playing fields.
7 In smaller, isolated population settlements or mature, high density communities where
the provision of land may be unwarranted or prohibitively expensive, facilitate access to
school land or land in adjoining localities.
Short and
ongoing
Short and
ongoing
Short and
ongoing
8 Prepare a master plan for all new sporting precinct developments. Short
Comment
Lack of available land and/or poor functionality of land were frequent themes raised throughout the
consultation process for this study, and reinforced by State Sporting Organisations. At 2006 population
levels, the Sunshine Coast had an overall shortfall of land for sport of more than 100 ha, based on the
Desired Standards of Service for sports reserve land contained in council’s Open Space Strategy. This
deficit will clearly increase unless additional land is provided to meet the needs of this rapidly growing region.
It is evident that substantial land parcels will need to be secured via council’s Plan for Trunk Infrastructure
(Parks and Land for Community Purposes), or by other means such as Infrastructure Agreements
associated with structure plan areas, to service the needs of the current and projected population.
A notional projection of the number of new playing fields/facilities potentially required throughout the
Sunshine Coast is summarised in Table 9: Notional number of playing areas/facilities and land area
required to service additional residents by 2026.
Evidence from numerous studies undertaken for local governments has indicated that the most efficient
model of land provision for sport is to develop ‘precincts’ where larger parcels of land (more than 20 ha) can
provide for several sports, longer term growth of individual clubs and reduce maintenance. An indicative
layout for a sports reserve of more than 20 ha is illustrated in Map 4: Notional layout of 20+ ha sports reserve.
In smaller communities, or mature coastal communities where the cost of securing land for sport may
be prohibitive, it may be necessary to access school land and/or larger land areas in neighbouring
localities. In new residential areas, co-location of sports reserve land with public or private school ovals
will maximise potential usage and increase the functionality of available land. Council may need to support
sports clubs in negotiating agreements for the use of school land.
Sunshine Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026 19

2.4.2 Adopt adequate standards of service for land Priority
Recommendation
1 Adopt the provision standard of 2 hectares per 1000 residents for sports reserve land
and other performance criteria for sports reserve land contained in council’s Open
Space Strategy (e.g. size, shape, slope, road frontage, flood immunity, freedom from
hazards, and proximity to residents).
2 Endeavour to ensure that any land acquired by council or obtained via a Plan for Trunk
Infrastructure (Parks and Land for Community Purposes) or Infrastructure Agreements
complies with the Desired Standards of Service outlined in council’s Open Space
Strategy.
Short
Short
Comment
Suitable quality land for sport will need to be secured in accordance with the Desired Standards of Service
developed as part of council’s Open Space Strategy.
Council’s proposed supply standard of 2 hectares per 1000 residents for sports reserve land is strongly
supported. It reflects an accepted standard across many councils in Queensland, continuation of previous
standards of provision which operated in Caloundra and Noosa councils, and is consistent with modelling
undertaken.
The total cost of developing and managing inferior land that is cheaper to acquire may exceed the lifecycle
cost of more expensive acquisition options (i.e. due to periodic remediation after flood events). Moreover,
the acceptance of poor quality land or securing insufficient land puts pressure on the sustainability of
existing resources, and ultimately affects participation in sport.
Securing adequate land will be influenced by the availability and cost of land in growth areas (especially in
high density, mature urban environments). In these cases it may be necessary to access land in adjoining
localities and/or schools where suitable land is unavailable or prohibitively expensive.
2.4.3 Priorities for land Priority
Recommendation
1 Secure land for sport in localities as identified in the Open Space Strategy. Ongoing
2 For land secured or acquired for sport in the future:
►►
utilise sports participation data for the Sunshine Coast to guide preliminary plans for
the use and layout of the land (see Section 2.14.2: Gather relevant research data
recommendations)
►►
prepare a master plan for each site
►►
invite Expressions of Interest for the use of the land
►►
determine management and tenure arrangements consistent with council policy
(currently under review, see Section 2.6.1: Forms of support and protocols).
3 If any existing large land areas become underutilised, identify opportunities for
rationalisation of clubs in order to generate greater use of the land.
Ongoing
Ongoing
20 Sunshine Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026

2.5 Management/development of major facilities
2.5.1 Management arrangements Priority
Recommendation
1 Consider the establishment of a Major Venues Unit for higher level facilities
(e.g. Nambour Showgrounds, Maroochydore Multi Sports Complex, Noosa Leisure
Centre, Caloundra Indoor Stadium, Quad Park).
2 Bring any future multi-use indoor facilities recommended in the Sunshine Coast Sport
and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026 (subject to a feasibility study) under the umbrella
of the Major Venues Unit.
3 Consolidate all bookings, asset management and staffing arrangements within the Major
Venues Unit.
4 If demand for use of Nambour Showgrounds for major commercial/cultural events such
as motor shows/home shows increases, and there are no alternative plans for indoor/
outdoor venues to cater for these activities, consider:
►►
preparing a master plan for the Nambour Showgrounds to maximise its use for show,
►►
commercial and cultural activities
securing additional land in the Nambour area to re-establish and develop any
displaced sports.
5 Investigate future management models/tenure arrangements in line with the not-forprofit
review being undertaken by council.
Comment
Short
Short
Short
Medium
Medium
Major facilities are defined as those which service regional catchments, host high level events, and cater
for training and competition for sport. Council directly manages and maintains a number of such facilities
(e.g. Maroochydore Multi Sports Complex (MMSC), Nambour Showgrounds, Caloundra Indoor Stadium
and Noosa Leisure Centre). Quad Park Precinct is managed by a company established by council.
Venues such as Quad Park and Nambour Showgrounds are also frequently used for commercial events
(e.g. home expo, caravan shows, motor shows, circuses).
Development of a Major Venues Unit within council would remove duplication of management services,
reduce operating costs, consolidate operational systems, bookings, marketing and asset management
and maintenance arrangements.
A cross-council team is currently reviewing (among other things) tenure arrangements for not-for-profit
groups including sporting clubs (see Section 2.6: Council support and communication with sport).
Sunshine Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026 21

2.6 Council support and communication with sport
2.6.1 Forms of support and protocols Priority
Recommendation
1 Pending the outcome of council’s review of support to not-for-profit groups
(e.g. maintenance, financial assistance, tenure arrangements, fees and charges),
consider a 3-5 year transition toward providing a minimum level of maintenance of
playing fields in accordance with a ranking hierarchy in order to deliver equitable support
to sporting clubs. The hierarchy ranking of the facility (i.e. state/regional/district) should
determine the level of maintenance support provided (e.g. mowing, aerating, lighting,
fertilising).
2 Implementation of recommendation (1) above will have budget implications and level of
service options will need to be costed. Funding could be addressed by a combination of
fees charged to clubs, operational budget allocations, and possibly a special rate levy.
3 As an interim measure, council should implement the following support mechanisms via
training sessions with a cluster of clubs in different localities or one-on-one meetings:
►►
an immediate and ongoing program of providing specialist advice to clubs on field
maintenance in order to maximise the capacity of clubs to adequately maintain their
assets
►►
specialist advice to sport and active recreation clubs on energy efficiency in order to
decrease energy, water and waste usage
►►
provision of financial and business advice to foster financial autonomy (in association
with programs run by the Department of Communities – Sport and Recreation
Services).
4 Support volunteers in the delivery of sport by working in conjunction with Department of
Communities – Sport and Recreation Services to develop and promote templates and
resources that provide improved guidance and structure for club planning, development,
communication and administration functions.
5 Consider how best to take advantage of recently announced State Government funding
(under the Local Sport and Recreation Jobs Plan) which could fund the creation of a
Local Sport and Recreation Coordinator to provide advice on governance, marketing,
support with grant seeking, and development of collaborative approaches.
6 Support opportunities for sports to exchange information, knowledge and develop
shared solutions to emerging issues.
7 In order to improve the functionality of existing facilities, apply a higher weighting to
requests for council assistance (whether under existing funding programs or other
requests for support) to applications which align with council policy and/or address
upgrading of drainage, lighting, sustainability initiatives or disability access.
8 Develop weighting criteria for assessing requests for council support from sporting clubs
that is consistent with the Sunshine Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026
and ensures that available funds are maximised.
9 Develop a communication package for council to inform club office bearers of key
council contacts, club responsibilities and council processes.
10 In tenure arrangements with sporting groups, seek to achieve a minimum period
of separation (2-4 weeks) between summer and winter sporting seasons to enable
adequate maintenance of playing fields. Support clubs in making alternative pre-season
arrangements at educational or private sector facilities.
11 Work with the Australian Sports Commission through the Active After-school
Communities Program by providing closer links between clubs and schools and
promoting pathways to sport and recreation in existing clubs and organisations.
Short
Short
Short
Ongoing
Ongoing
Short and
ongoing
Short
Short and
ongoing
Short and
ongoing
Short and
ongoing
Short
Ongoing
Ongoing
22 Sunshine Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026

Comment
Maintenance of sporting facilities is a major area of concern for many groups. Many clubs are struggling
with the cost of maintaining facilities to an adequate standard, particularly in a climate of declining
volunteers. This issue is being exacerbated by the inequity of council support for some clubs but not
others, stemming from the different policies that applied under the pre-amalgamated councils. Similarly,
different tenure arrangements exist over sporting facilities throughout the Sunshine Coast.
Currently maintenance assistance provided by council is not based on any hierarchy ranking of the sports
reserve (i.e. state/regional/district).
Notwithstanding the fees paid by clubs based at council-owned and maintained facilities
(e.g. Maroochydore Multi Sports Complex, Quad Park), there is a perception among some clubs that
sports based at these venues are getting a ‘better deal’ than clubs that have to maintain their own
facilities. Club concerns about maintenance are likely to be exacerbated by rising costs of utilities (water,
power) in the future.
A cross-council team is currently reviewing council’s support for not-for-profit groups, including
maintenance of playing areas or buildings, remissions of water/sewerage or general rates, tenure
arrangements, or community partnership grants. Any changes to current forms of council support may
have budget implications.
Insufficient land for community sport, poor quality of land (low lying, frequently inundated resulting in loss
of playing time, poorly drained, poor field condition often from overuse) and inadequate access for people
with disabilities were frequently raised during the consultation process in community forums, club surveys,
community surveys, and focus group discussions. Other concerns were inadequate lighting (there is
increasing demand for night time participation) and ancillary facilities such as amenities and car parking.
Sports that are most affected by these issues are cricket, rugby league, netball, AFL, rugby union and
soccer.
There is a need for the progressive upgrading of sporting facilities, in particular drainage, lighting and
amenities to ensure facilities meet safety standards, maximise utilisation or encourage membership. Peak
bodies in a number of sports already set minimum safety standards for the condition of playing areas, with
volunteer club members having to ensure compliance.
The consultation process for this Plan reinforced previous council research showing the problems sporting
clubs have in attracting and retaining volunteers, particularly those with the necessary skills to undertake
increasing administration requirements and maintain club viability. While administrative duties assist clubs
in planning, attracting funding, reporting to governing bodies, maintaining insurance and incorporation
status, they can also draw volunteer time away from the actual delivery of sport. Improved access to
resources and templates could support clubs with administrative functions.
The suggestion was raised in stakeholder consultation that better coordination between sports could
improve their effectiveness (e.g. shared use of maintenance or other equipment, shared solutions to
common issues, and exchange of information/knowledge and better coordination of fixtures to avoid
seasonal overlaps). Mechanisms to support improved coordination between sports should be further
investigated and any possible solutions need to ensure they do not place further unnecessary resource
and reporting demands on clubs.
Sunshine Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026 23

2.7 School partnerships
2.7.1 Improving outcomes for community use of schools Priority
Recommendation
1 Engage with regional and head office representatives of the Department of Education
and Training, private schools, Department of Communities – Sport and Recreation
Services, and Parents and Citizens representatives in order to:
►►
discuss barriers to the use of school facilities for community sport
►►
clearly communicate school requirements in respect of community use of school
►►
facilities, including key policies and procedures
develop/clarify a Memorandum of Understanding between council and education
institutions for access to school ovals and multipurpose halls and vice versa (for use
of council land).
2 Liaise with public and private schools in new growth areas to determine sporting
facilities that are proposed to be provided, and identify opportunities for community use
that are consistent with the Sunshine Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-
2026.
3 As per Section 2.4.1: Secure Land to Meet Population Growth recommendation (8),
endeavour to co-locate sports reserves with school ovals where possible in new
residential areas in order to maximise available playing spaces. Support the negotiation
of club access and maintenance agreements with schools.
Comment
Short
Short
Short
Draft Action 3 of the recently released Queensland Government Draft Greenspace Strategy (Department
of Infrastructure and Planning, March 2010) is to ‘remove arbitrary barriers that limit public access to
state-owned land.’ The draft action states that ‘…the government will pilot a program to assess after hours
access to playing fields by community organisations…. [and]…. evaluate different access models in a
small number of schools.’ The Queensland Government’s ‘Smart Moves’ policy already requires schools
to ‘improve access to resources for physical activity’ and ‘increase community access to [school] sport and
recreation facilities to benefit the broader community’.
Many schools on the Sunshine Coast are regularly used for community sport. The major users are cricket,
soccer, and to a lesser extent AFL, netball and futsal. For many clubs, the use of school facilities is
working satisfactorily. However a number of clubs on the Sunshine Coast identified difficulties accessing
school facilities – notwithstanding adopted and draft policies aimed at improving after hours access to
schools for sport and recreation. These difficulties include:
►►
uncertainty of access especially with changing principals
►►
difficulty securing good working relationships in some cases
►►
maintenance standards (e.g. cracked synthetic pitches, uneven surfaces)
►►
red tape in establishing Memoranda of Understanding
►►
difficulty in establishing permanent infrastructure (e.g. amenities, lights, storage areas).
Council officers should liaise with regional representatives of the Department of Education and Training to
resolve difficulties and advocate for improved access to schools generally.
In some smaller communities or mature coastal communities, land for community sport may not be
available and/or it may be more cost effective to utilise school land.
From school survey responses, the majority of schools are satisfied with existing council sporting facilities.
Outdoor playing fields, athletics tracks, indoor sporting facilities and swimming pools were the public
facility needs most frequently stated by schools as necessary improvements for the future.
24 Sunshine Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026

2.8 Non-powered water sports
2.8.1 Water access and on-land storage Priority
Recommendation
1 In consultation with stakeholder groups, prepare an approach to non-powered water
sports to address access constraints, potential long term locations, and/or management
solutions for improving and expanding on-water access. Consultation should include
all stakeholder clubs, council officers, Councillors, Department of Transport and Main
Roads (Maritime Safety), DEEDI (Boating and Fisheries), DERM (Marine Parks,
Environmental Protection), Mooloolaba Marina, and State Sporting Organisations
(Queensland Canoeing, Australian Outrigger Canoe Racing – SE Qld Zone, Rowing
Queensland, Queensland Dragon Boat Federation and Queensland Yachting
Association).
2 As part of the development of the approach to non-powered water sports outlined in
recommendation (1) above:
►►
engage with key stakeholders listed to discuss water access, on-land storage and
facilities/amenities for non-powered water sports
►►
consider suitable long term locations for expanded on-land storage and on-water
access for Sunshine Coast Rowing Club (currently based at Chambers Island) and
Sunshine Coast Kayaking Club (currently based at Eudlo Creek). Co-location of these
sports should be considered. Options could include:
●●
Lions Park, Eudlo Creek (while considered a good site for these uses, there
are significant recreational values which may outweigh the case for developing
significant additional infrastructure at this location)
●●
Muller Park, Bli Bli (master plan currently being prepared)
●●
Currimundi Lake
●●
Lake Kawana (not preferred by rowing due to insufficient training distance and
prevailing wind conditions)
●●
Outrigger Park, Mooloolaba (poor road access)
●●
Lake Cootharaba
●●
Other suggestions that may be identified in the non-powered water sports
►►
►►
►►
►►
approach.
prepare a master plan for Chaplin Park which includes the feasibility of a storage
shed and amenities for outrigger canoes (currently stored on the grassed area approx
150 m west of the existing club building at the end of Mill St) and possibly rowing. If
not considered suitable, examine Weyba Creek and Lake MacDonald as possible
alternatives.
continue to pursue the former flood model shed land at Minyama for additional water
sport land
evaluate the impacts of expanded storage facilities on passive recreation outcomes
as part of the master planning process
include in a future master plan for Quad Park the following elements:
●●
toilets at northern end of Lake Kawana
●●
shade structures and landscaping, particularly toward the finish line at Lake
Kawana
●●
boat shed on the eastern foreshore of Lake Kawana
●●
additional formal car park areas for major regattas at Lake Kawana
●●
storage areas.
3 Support Maroochy Sail Club in undertaking a condition audit of their building on
Chambers Island and clarify whether or not expansion of the building footprint on the
existing site (or elsewhere on the island) would be permitted. From perusal of the
Planning Scheme – S21 Maroochy River Esp – and preliminary advice from council
officers, this appears unlikely.
4 Subject to the outcome of recommendation (3) above, support Maroochy Sailing Club to
source funding to redevelop and/or expand their building.
Short
Short
Short
Short
Ongoing
Ongoing
Medium
Medium
Medium
Sunshine Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026 25

2.8.1 Water access and on-land storage Priority
Recommendation
5 Integrate actions arising out of the approach to non-powered water sports with
River Management Plans for Noosa River, Maroochy River (being developed) and
Pumicestone Passage (being developed).
Short
Comment
Water access and on-land storage are major issues for a number of water sports including sailing (large
and small craft), rowing, canoeing, dragon boating, kayaking and outrigger canoeing. The Open Space
Strategy recommends a Waterways Access Strategy which addresses demand for access and facilities for
powered and non-powered water craft (both of which are placing demands on the open space network).
Issues include existing areas being at capacity (Chambers Island, Chaplin Park), lack of support facilities
such as storage, toilets, shade (Lake Kawana), conflicts with other uses (Eudlo Creek) and cost of access
(Mooloolaba Marina). Given the importance of water based activities to the culture of the Sunshine Coast
which was recognised in the Councillor ‘vision’ workshop for this study, long term resolution of this issue is
important and will require more detailed planning. Management solutions to some problems may exist, but
suitable long term water access will require more detailed investigation.
Groups affected include Sunshine Coast Rowing, Sunshine Coast Kayaking, Maroochy Sail Club,
Mooloolaba Yacht Club, Mooloolaba Etchells, Noosa Yacht and Rowing Club, Noosa Outriggers, Lake
Kawana Kayaking Club, AIS Kayaking.
Water sports frequently stage regional level events at Lake Kawana. These sports sought a number of
improvements at Lake Kawana, most commonly toilets, shade, parking and enclosure of the finish tower.
26 Sunshine Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026

2.9 Indoor sport
2.9.1 Future indoor court sport provision Priority
Recommendation
1 Cater for the needs of indoor court sports as follows:
►►
Undertake a feasibility study to determine the need, viability, site location,
facility mix, indicative capital cost, concept plans, financial projections, and
management arrangements for the development of a 2-3 court indoor sporting
facility to service Coolum – Noosa (including flexible programming space, health
and fitness area, and potentially dedicated gymnastics training space outlined
in recommendation 7). This facility would also cater for adjoining localities
and accommodate unmet demand at the Noosa Leisure Centre. Potential site
location options are:
●●
Coolum Peregian Sports Complex (co-located with relocated netball
courts to the south of the existing tennis courts, see Section 2.15: Locality
recommendations, locality 7)
●●
Coolum Beach SHS (if so, consider negotiating transfer of land from the
school to council ownership with guaranteed access to the school during
school hours)
●●
potential new land in Coolum/Peregian (refer Open Space Strategy).
2 Undertake a feasibility study to determine the need for, and viability of, a 2 court
indoor sport and recreation facility (including flexible programming space) to
service the Beerwah/Glasshouse/Peachester/Mooloolah Valley localities at the
Beerwah Sportsgrounds precinct (indoor courts are included in the 2009 Draft
Master Plan). Co-location with the Beerwah Pool in its current location will not be
possible, however joint management/programming of pool and future indoor centre
would be advantageous.
3 Undertake a feasibility study to determine site location, facility mix, indicative
capital cost, concept plans, financial projections, and management arrangements
for the development of a 3 court indoor sporting facility (including flexible
programming space, health and fitness area and possible squash facilities) in the
Maroochydore/Buderim locality areas.
Possible site option could be Maroochydore Multi Sports Complex as per Draft
Master Plan.
If relocation of the Maroochydore Eagles Basketball Stadium is required due to
future DTMR requirement for widening of the Sunshine Coast Motorway, plan
for the facility to accommodate that club’s needs and negotiate with the club and
DTMR to direct relocation funding towards this facility rather than a stand alone,
single court facility elsewhere.
4 Beyond the life of this study, additional indoor facilities will be required to
service the locality 21 (Little Mountain) which incorporates the Caloundra South
development (ultimate population understood to be in the order of 65,000). A
feasibility study to determine facility requirements would be required.
5 Consider the impact of new indoor facility provision in schools funded under the
Building Education Revolution in undertaking feasibility studies recommended in
(1) to (4) above.
Short
(Feasibility
Study)
Medium
(Development)
Medium
(Feasibility
Study)
Long
(Development)
Short
(Feasibility
Study)
Medium
to Long
(Development)
Long
Ongoing
Sunshine Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026 27

2.9.1 Future indoor court sport provision Priority
6 In other hinterland areas, seek to address indoor facility needs by facilitating
access to existing or proposed new indoor facilities in schools and/or partnerships
with schools (both private and public).
Ongoing
Recommendation
7 Cater for the needs of gymnastics as follows:
►►
facilitate the development of a dedicated gymnastics facility to service the
Coolum to Noosa area by either:
●●
incorporating a dedicated gymnastics training space (scaled to service these
catchments, i.e. not a regional scale facility) adjacent to the 2-3 court indoor
sporting facility outlined in recommendation (1) above OR
●●
supporting Noosa Gymnastics to source and develop a new facility co-located
with a private or public high school OR
●●
supporting Noosa Gymnastics to investigate the suitability of any land in the
vicinity of Noosa Aquatic Centre.
►►
as part of the precinct planning process on council controlled land located south/
west of the Sunshine Motorway in Maroochydore (refer Open Space Strategy)
consider the expansion of Maroochy Beach Gymnastics club as the regional
facility for the Sunshine Coast.
●●
support the club to prepare a concept plan and capital cost estimate which
addresses building extension, car park upgrade, car park security lighting,
expanded office space, additional toilets/change rooms, and larger viewing
area
►►
●●
●●
if de-gazettal of the road reserve adjacent to the club’s lease boundary is
necessary to accommodate expansion of the building, advocate within council
for speedy resolution of this issue on the club’s behalf
support the club to source internal and external funding.
undertake feasibility study to help facilitate the development of a dedicated
gymnastics facility to service the needs of the southern end of Sunshine Coast.
Potential options are:
●●
Meridan Fields
●●
Reserve 1000
●●
public or private schools in the Little Mountain locality
●●
Central Park, Caloundra.
8 Support Sunshine Coast Table Tennis to secure a suitable location as a permanent
home for the sport.
►►
preferred option is a school with suitable indoor area; or
►►
identify land for development of a dedicated facility by the sport. Options include:
●●
land adjacent to Maroochy Beach Gymnastics (north of creek corridor). Needs
to be considered as part of Maroochy South/West precinct planning process
(refer Open Space Strategy)
●●
recently closed Peregian Bowls Club
●●
archery club building at Ballinger Park Sporting complex (no longer
functioning) or Caloundra South.
9 Squash courts have historically been privately provided but ongoing provision
is under threat due to closure of facilities. Council should consider incorporating
squash courts in the feasibility study for an indoor sporting facility at Maroochydore
outlined in recommendation (3) or Caloundra South.
Short
Short
Long
Medium
Long
28 Sunshine Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026

2.9.1 Future indoor court sport provision Priority
Comment
There are 4 multi-court indoor sports facilities in Sunshine Coast Council local government area – Noosa
Leisure Centre (2 courts), Matthew Flinders College (2 courts), University of the Sunshine Coast (3 courts)
and Caloundra Indoor Stadium (4 courts) – all of which are at capacity during peak afternoon/evening
usage times (3.30 pm-10 pm).
Sixteen schools have indoor halls that are available for community sport. Some 21 schools indicated they
were planning or constructing indoor sporting facilities of some kind, mostly with Federal Government
education sector stimulus funding. The extent to which these proposed facilities will be suitable for indoor
community sport is not known. With the exception of Meridan State College (2 court facility) most of these
will be single court halls. While suitable for some competitive activities and training purposes, single court
facilities in schools frequently have design limitations; are not fully functional for conducting competitions
in court sports (as only limited player numbers can be accommodated in an evening) which increases the
burden on volunteers due to the need for competitions to be staged at multiple locations; or lack amenities
for socialising.
The location of existing and proposed indoor court facilities, and the indicative catchments of multi-court
facilities are illustrated in Map 5: Estimated indicative service catchment of existing indoor multi-court
sports facilities as at 2006 and Map 6: Estimated indicative service catchment of existing indoor multicourt
sports facilities as at 2026. Taking into account current and projected populations and the notional
catchments of existing and proposed multi-court facilities as at 2026, the areas assessed as requiring
feasibility studies for new multi-court indoor facilities in the 15 year time frame of this study are Coolum,
Maroochydore and Beerwah. Beyond the study period, high population projections in Caloundra South will
warrant further multi-court indoor facility provision in locality 21 (Little Mountain).
Gymnastics has the third highest number of registered participants in Queensland for junior female
sport. Facilities at Maroochydore and Noosa are at capacity and there is a high demand. Gymnastics
Queensland has advised its priority areas for facilities are Noosa, Maroochydore and Caloundra. Sunshine
Coast Table Tennis has been unable to obtain additional court hours at the University of the Sunshine
Coast and is currently located at Meridan Community College. The club is seeking a dedicated facility, a
view endorsed by the sport’s peak body in Queensland. If trends in squash provision in other parts of the
state are followed, there will be pressure on remaining privately owned squash centres to be developed
for alternative uses and a likely reduction in remaining court numbers. Squash participation is declining
and, in the absence of public provision, the sport may struggle to survive in the long term.
Sunshine Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026 29

2.10 Sport development – other
2.10.1 Future sustainability/development of sports Priority
Recommendation
1 Through the reseach and consultation process for this study, sustainability or
development issues emerged in some sports which have not been dealt with in
recommendations elsewhere in this report. These sports are as follows:
Bowls
►►
work with regional bowls groups, Bowls Queensland and local bowls clubs in order to
develop an amalgamation strategy to improve the long term viability and sustainabilty
of clubs on the Sunshine Coast.
2 Tennis
►►
earmark Caloundra Tennis Association courts at Central Park as the venue for a
future Sunshine Coast Regional Tennis Centre (as per Central Park Master Plan).
►►
liaise with Tennis Queensland and Caloundra Tennis Association to identify specific
court requirements for those courts identified by Tennis Queensland as having
►►
►►
unsuitable ‘fall’
ensure any remediation action taken on courts 5-8 (identified in the 2009 Sports
Fields and Infrastructure Audit as being in unsatisfactory condition) is consistent with
future surfacing requirements
support Caloundra Tennis in seeking external funding for the development of a
Regional Tennis Centre.
3 Equestrian
►►
liaise with equestrian clubs, peak bodies for equestrian sport and land agencies such
as Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) to undertake a
review of equestrian activities and support the potential need for a long term ‘home’
for equestrian activities involving cross country disciplines on the Sunshine Coast.
4 Emerging Sports
►►
5 Cycling
►►
support the evolution of emerging or alternative sports which are consistent with the
natural advantages of the Sunshine Coast (e.g. beach sports, mountain biking on
public or private land).
ensure that council’s Active Transport Plan and Physical Activity Plan acknowledge
the importance of walking/cycling in enabling residents to lead active lives. Ensure
that the planning of future walk/cycle paths incorporates the multiple needs/
motivations of potential users (i.e. transport, recreation, training, physical activity) in
future planning.
Medium
Medium
Long
Ongoing
Ongoing
30 Sunshine Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026

Comment
The Sunshine Coast District Men’s Bowls Association has advised that bowls club membership is
in decline (3.8 per cent decline in last 3 years to 3372). A number of bowls clubs advised they have
static or declining membership. The Sunshine Coast District Men’s Bowls Association has advised that
amalgamation of clubs is a necessity to improve viability and facilities, however it is understood that clubs
are reluctant. Amalgamation of clubs could ensure the long term sustainability of clubs and possibly free
up some areas for other community recreation uses. The sale of freehold land by bowls clubs could be
utilised to contribute to the upgrading of facilities at amalgamated clubs.
Of the 28 tennis clubs on the Sunshine Coast, 11 provided information on current and past membership.
Overall there had been a 19 per cent increase in membership among these eleven clubs in the last three
years to 1244. Eight clubs experienced increased membership in the last three years while three clubs
had a decrease.
Tennis Queensland has prepared a Facilities Development Strategy as a blueprint for the development of
key regional and sub-regional tennis centres throughout Queensland by 2020. Criteria for the development
of a regional tennis centre have been developed by Tennis Queensland (including a minimum of 12 courts
of the same playing surface, ideally acrylic, clubhouse/pro shop, car parking, professional management,
proximity to major population area and transport routes).
An assessment of potential sites by Tennis Queensland identified Mooloolaba Tennis Club as the
preferred option for a regional tennis centre mainly due to its central location, proximity to population,
accommodation, schools and main road transport routes. Their assessment of Caloundra Tennis Club
was unfavourable due to the need to demolish and rebuild some courts, possible reluctance of club
members to change court surfaces, and its location at the southern end of the Sunshine Coast. This study
acknowledges the central location of Mooloolaba Tennis Club, however it has no major road frontage
access and could be impacted by the Sunshine Coast Motorway expansion.
A master plan already developed for Central Park shows Caloundra Tennis courts being extended to 16
courts, a show court and clubhouse extension to two storeys, and car park upgrade. Notwithstanding
the need for replacement or remediation of court surfaces (as identified in the 2009 Sports Fields and
Infrastructure Audit) this study recommends Caloundra Tennis Club as the preferred location for a future
regional tennis facility. This is based on:
►►
potential transport corridor impact on Mooloolaba Tennis Club and absence of main road frontage
►►
consistency with the master plan for Central Park, Caloundra which accommodates 16 courts plus show
court
►►
proximity to future growth corridor
►►
good road access.
There is currently no home for equestrian cross country events on the Sunshine Coast. Cross country
events were previously staged by the Sunshine Coast Combined Equestrian Group Inc at the Sunshine
Coast Recreational and Educational Park on land which is now leased to the ‘House with no Steps’. These
events incorporated a number of jumps which extended into adjoining national parks land which has been
seen as an incompatible use.
The importance of the natural advantages of the Sunshine Coast to its economy and lifestyle are
acknowledged in council’s Corporate Plan 2009-2014. Sport and active recreation opportunities which
are consistent with these natural advantages, including emerging or alternative sports, should be closely
monitored.
The most recent Exercise, Recreation and Sport Survey (2009) conducted under the auspices of the
Australian Sports Commission (see Section 5.3: ERASS surveys) found that the top five activities in
the North Coast Region were the same as those for Queensland as a whole, namely walking, aerobics,
swimming, cycling and running. The planning of paths for walking and cycling typically occurs as a
separate body of work within local authorities. It is important to acknowledge the important contribution
these activities make to residents’ capacity to be physically active and ensure that planning criteria for
their development do not focus on transport considerations.
Sunshine Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026 31

2.11 Economic development
2.11.1 Economic sport development planning Priority
Recommendation
1 Prepare a Sport and Leisure Sector Development Plan which identifies the Sunshine
Coast’s competitive advantage, maps associated businesses, leverages off existing
events and identifies new event/industry development or research/technology
opportunities.
2 Consider additional economic investigation and/or research projects on sport and active
recreation which further inform council’s knowledge of:
►►
the economic benefits of participation in smaller scale sport and active recreation and
community based events
►►
the value of commercial events (e.g. home show, motor show) held on major sporting
facilities (e.g. Quad Park, Nambour Showgrounds) and provide a tool for ongoing
►►
Comment
economic benefit assessment for future events
the proximity benefits of major sporting events to a range of retail, hospitality and
entertainment facilities to ‘unlock’ higher levels of visitor expenditure.
Short
Ongoing
Encouraging and facilitating increased physical activity through participation in sport and active recreation
creates economic and social benefits, as well as reducing health costs and increasing productivity. There
is a positive association between sport and social integration, cohesion and community development.
Research into the economic benefits of sport and recreation undertaken to support the Sunshine Coast
Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026 indicated that:
►►
the value of volunteer contributions to sport on the Sunshine Coast in 2006 is estimated at $56.5 million
►►
►►
(see Section 8: Economic benefits of sport)
assuming a physical activity rate for the Sunshine Coast similar to the national average, a ten percent
increase in the region’s physical activity rate could generate productivity benefits that would result in an
increase in the Sunshine Coast Gross Regional Product of approximately $10.7 million – based on the
region’s 2007 Gross Regional Product estimate (see Section 8: Economic benefits of sport)
some research identified in a supporting report for this study has suggested that smaller scale
community based events may have the potential to reap a greater rate of return than large scale events
that require significant capital investment and involvement from outside organisers.
Sport and leisure is identified in the Sunshine Coast Council’s Economic Development Strategy as one of
eleven key industry sectors for development to broaden the region’s economic base. In a similar vein, the
2005 SunROC Regional Sport and Recreation Facility Study recommended the development of a Sports
Tourism Strategy.
Different private sector proposals have been put to the Sunshine Coast Council to enhance the marketing
and economic development of sport. The Sports Business Task Force has a focus on economic
development of the sports industry and is understood to be seeking to create greater leverage from
existing events. A sports forum, facilitated by council’s Economic Development Branch, was recently held
on the Sunshine Coast. The forum was aimed at collaborative development of the sports industry sector,
reducing duplication of effort and making the best use of available resources.
32 Sunshine Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026

2.12 External and internal impacts on existing facilities
2.12.1 Potential relocation of clubs Priority
Recommendation
1 Where road/rail corridor developments outside council’s control are likely to impact
on existing sporting facilities, ensure no net loss of capacity and, where relocation is
required, provide good access and redevelopment to an equal or better standard.
2 Develop internal protocols to ensure there is no non-essential alienation of sports land
for environmental, engineering or transport purposes.
3 As a general principle, council should approve the relocation of sports from their existing
playing areas if relocation:
►►
addresses safety or usage constraints
►►
is likely to result in an overall improvement in servicing the needs of sport
►►
will not reduce the capacity of new playing areas to cater for future residents
►►
results in greater efficiencies in the co-location of sports and/or social activities
►►
results in no net loss of playing areas for sport.
4 Where alienation of land is unavoidable, budget to ensure adequate compensation is
made to offset the loss of functional land for sport.
Comment
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Some existing sporting facilities could be significantly impacted by external factors under State
Government control (e.g. Sunshine Motorway widening impact at Elizabeth Daniels Reserve; motorway
alignment impact on Western Fields, Quad Park; railway corridor widening at Woombye, Landsborough
and Mooloolah Valley). Most impacts would occur in the medium to long term but provision needs to be
made if displacement of sports is likely to result.
Council has plans to relocate some field sport clubs from their existing venues to other areas. In some
cases it is understood that there are plans to convert existing facilities to other uses. A number of clubs or
peak bodies in field sports have expressed a desire to relocate their activities from their existing location
due to either lack of security of tenure, desire for larger playing areas, difficulties with shared use of school
facilities, poor facility condition, or to simply re-establish closer to new growth areas.
Given the existing and projected shortfall in sports reserve land on the Sunshine Coast, the implications of
club relocations are twofold:
►►
Land provided to accommodate community sport needs in growing population areas will quickly come
►►
under capacity pressures if it is merely catering for existing demands transferred from elsewhere.
If existing land is converted to alternative non-sport uses after clubs are relocated, it will result in a loss
of playing areas and further exacerbate the shortfall in available sports reserve land.
Non-essential relocation of clubs diverts limited budgets from addressing demand in new areas or areas
where facilities are already at capacity. Criteria for considering relocation of clubs will minimise adverse
impacts on future provision for sport.
Sunshine Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026 33

2.13 Internal communication
2.13.1 Internal protocols Priority
Recommendation
1 Establish internal comunication protocols to ensure that the actions of council branches/
departments are consistent with the Sunshine Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan
2011-2026.
2 Decision making on issues such as the master planning of land, development and
allocation of land, land tenure arrangements, traffic planning impacts on land used for
sport, and maintenance of sports reserves should be addressed via this protocol.
Ongoing
Ongoing
Comment
A number of internal departments and branches are involved in providing services to sporting clubs. Their
functions include land and facility planning, land procurement, facility development and management,
property management, financial assistance, sports administration and maintenance. A cross-council team
is currently reviewing council’s support for not-for-profit groups, including sporting clubs.
Cross-council teams and other internal protocols will ensure that the actions of individual departments/
branches are consistent with the Sunshine Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026, maximise
the use of land and facilities, and direct financial assistance and budget outlays where they are most
needed.
34 Sunshine Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026

2.14 Implementation and administration
2.14.1 Prioritisation criteria for capital works Priority
Recommendation
1 Consider the criteria in Appendix 1: Prioritisation Criteria for Capital Recommendations
to prioritise the ranking of recommendations in this Plan, in particular those with budget
implications.
2 Consider the criteria in Appendix 1: Prioritisation Criteria for Capital Recommendations
as the basis for prioritising future capital works requests that emerge outside of this Plan
or which are driven by other studies.
Short
Ongoing
2.14.2 Gather relevant research data Priority
Recommendation
1 In order to accurately measure junior and senior participation rates in sport and active
recreation on the Sunshine Coast, develop a statistically reliable survey instrument
which can be used to monitor trends over time.
2 Liaise with the Department of Communities – Sport and Recreation Services to enlist
their support in undertaking the survey in recommendation (1) above.
Ongoing
Ongoing
3 Undertake the survey every two years. Ongoing
2.14.3 Monitor the Plan Priority
Recommendation
1 Review the recommendations of the Sunshine Coast Sunshine Coast Sport and Active
Recreation Plan 2011-2026 biannually.
2 Conduct a major review of the Plan, including public consultation, in years five
and ten.
Ongoing
Medium
Comment
To maximise the effectiveness of the Sunshine Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026, it
should be reviewed regularly to adapt to changing circumstances.
Participation data, whether organised or informal, in sport and active recreation pursuits conducted on
the Sunshine Coast is currently not available. An annual survey of participation in exercise, recreation
and sport is conducted under the auspices of the Australian Sports Commission and State and Territory
governments. A survey sample size capable of providing accurate participation data for the Sunshine
Coast for all sport and active recreation activities will support future planning.
Accurate participation data for the Sunshine Coast will assist in informing the first level of planning for the
layout of sports fields as new land is acquired for sport over the next 15 years.
Sunshine Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026 35

2.15 Locality recommendations
Specific recommendations for each of council’s 44 Localities of Interest, in addition to the
recommendations outlined in Section 2.3: Policy Development to Section 2.14: Implementation and
Administration, are described below.
Locality 1 (Beerwah)
Recommendation
1 Review, adopt and progressively implement the Beerwah Sportsground Master Plan.
Subject to the outcome of the Beerwah Aquatic Centre feasibility study, and the indoor
sporting facility feasibility study outlined in Section 2.9.1: Future Indoor Court Sport
Provision recommendation (2).
2 Consider a partnership with Beerwah State High School in implementing the
master plan.
Priority
Medium
Medium
Locality 2 (Belli Park – Cooloolabin – Gheerulla – Coolabine)
Recommendation
Priority
1 Monitor demand and facilitate access to local schools for community sport. Ongoing
2 Progressively implement the recommendations of the Difficult-to-Locate Sports Study
2009–2028 relevant to this locality:
►►
seek a commitment from DERM to retain the Gheerulla Trail Bike area over the long
term and promote the venue to trail bike riders through trail bike retailers and clubs
through the development of an education and awareness campaign
►►
protect the existing use of Cooloolabin Shooting Venue (Lot 15 RP224776) through
the Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme 2011
►►
recommend the State establish a second venue similar to the Gheerulla Trail Bike
riding area within the Sunshine Coast. Consider expanding opportunities for both
►►
licensed and unlicensed trail bike riders
support the preparation of a club development/master plan which considers the future
management and development of Cooloolabin Shooting Venue for pistol/small bore
rifle disciplines.
Locality 3 (Black Mountain – Ridgewood)
Recommendation
Ongoing
Priority
1 Monitor demand in this locality. Ongoing
Locality 4 (Bli Bli – Rosemount and district)
Recommendation
1 Invite Expressions of Interest to determine the best use for playing fields being
developed at Parklakes Estate.
2 Ensure that, if any other club is relocated to Parklakes Estate, the land vacated by that
club is retained for sporting purposes.
3 Investigate opportunities to build on McMartins Field to a district facility to address
shortfall and demand from outside this locality.
Priority
Short
Short
Short
36 Sunshine Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026

Locality 5 (Buderim – Kuluin – Mons – Kunda Park)
Recommendation
1 As part of the precinct planning process on council controlled land located south/west
of the Sunshine Motorway in Maroochydore (refer Open Space Strategy), consider
the future of the Maroochydore Junior Rugby League Club premises at Wises Rd,
Maroochydore.
2 Liaise with stakeholder clubs and undertake a master plan for Elizabeth Daniels
Reserve, incorporating the following elements:
►►
development of an additional cricket oval
►►
upgrading of facilities on the main cricket oval (spectator seating, sightscreen) in
keeping with the venue’s regional status
►►
upgrade signage from the Sunshine Motorway.
3 Liaise with stakeholder clubs and prepare a master plan for Ballinger Park Sports
Complex.
4 Recognise Martins Creek Sports Complex as the regional headquarters for Federation
Soccer on the Sunshine Coast. Extend playing fields to the west as demand warrants.
Locality 6 (Caloundra – Kings Beach – Moffat Beach – Shelly Beach)
Recommendation
1 Review the Central Park Master Plan and ensure ongoing use for sport and active
recreation is preserved.
2 Investigate the potential of the former sewerage treatment plant land. Consider future
mixed use and/or sporting use.
Priority
Short
Short
Short
Medium
Priority
Short
Medium
Sunshine Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026 37

Locality 7 (Coolum Beach – Mount Coolum – Yaroomba – Point Arkwright)
Recommendation
1 Prepare a master plan for the Coolum Peregian Sports Complex which incorporates the
following:
►►
relocation of netball to undeveloped land south of tennis courts and east of creek
►►
expansion of netball courts to 10
►►
expansion of tennis courts into eastern end of former netball courts
►►
potential indoor sporting facility (see Section 2.9.1: Future indoor court sport provision
recommendation (1) at this locality or surrounding locality)
►►
upgraded lighting of playing fields
►►
upgraded drainage to playing fields
►►
review adequacy of club house provision
►►
expanded car parking including conversion of western end of existing netball courts to
car parking after club is relocated
►►
improved vehicular and pedestrian access with particular emphasis on safety
►►
active play space.
2 Support Coolum Beach Junior AFC in negotiations with Coolum Beach State High
School to develop club/change rooms and lights on the school oval and in seeking
external funding.
3 If unsuccessful, support the relocation of the club to potential new land (refer Open
Space Strategy).
4 If Coolum Touch is required to vacate its premises on DERM land, support the club to
relocate to potential new land (refer Open Space Strategy).
5 Endeavour to secure additional sports reserve land as per Open Space Strategy
recommendations.
6 Progressively implement the recommendations of the Difficult-to-Locate Sports Study
2009–2028 relevant to this locality:
►►
commence discussions with the Minister of DIP to secure long term tenure over the
current Motocross Venue at Quanda Road, Coolum and seek the commitment to
retain venue
►►
protect the existing use of Quanda Road Coolum Motocross Venue (Lot 110, SP
104283) through the Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme 2011
►►
prepare master plan/business plan to ensure the most effective use and noise
reduction measures are planned for and progressed for this site
►►
commence discussions with the Minister of DIP to secure long term tenure over
the current lot for the Model Aero Club and resolve proximity to future buildings,
►►
infrastructure and current hydrology issues relating to adjacent development
protect the existing use of Quanda Road Coolum Model Aero Venue (Lot 110, SP
104283) through the Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme 2011; refer to Difficultto-Locate
Sports Study 2009–2028, Appendix H – Site Protection Advice for land
planning objectives.
Locality 8 (Cooran – Federal)
Recommendation
1 Support Cooroora Netball Club to resolve conflicts between the netball court and
adjacent skate park.
Priority
Short
Short
Medium
Medium
Long
Ongoing
Priority
Short
Locality 9 (Cooroibah – Ringtail Creek)
Priority
Recommendation
1 Monitor demand in this locality. Medium
38 Sunshine Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026

Locality 10 (Cooroy)
Recommendation
Priority
Based on the Desired Standards of Service in council’s Open Space Strategy there appears to be
adequate sports reserve land in Cooroy and Pomona to service the localities of Cooroy, Black Mountain,
Lake MacDonald and Pomona to 2026.
However, Cooroy Sporting Complex is already at capacity (especially for rugby league and soccer) as this
complex also services residents in localities closer to the coast (e.g. Noosa) and the wider hinterland. A
master plan has been prepared for the Cooroy Sporting Complex to increase the capacity of this facility,
and while adjacent land has been acquired to cope with demands it is likely that capacity issues will
continue to exist. Therefore consider the following:
1 Ensure the most effective utilisation of land at Cooroy Sporting Complex by considering
a possible relocation of existing club(s) to alternative land identified elsewhere in this
Plan (e.g. Weyba Downs).
2 Progressively implement other elements of the Cooroy District Sports Complex Master
Plan.
3 Give high priority to the development of playing fields and car parking for junior rugby
league due to loss of future playing area to roadworks (see Section 2.12.1: Potential
Relocation of Clubs recommendation 3).
Short
Short and
ongoing
Short
Locality 11 (Currimundi – Aroona – Battery Hill – Dicky Beach)
Recommendation
1 Endeavour to secure additional sports reserve land as per Open Space Strategy
recommendations.
Locality 12 (Doonan – Weyba Downs – Verrierdale)
Recommendation
1 Endeavour to secure additional sports reserve land as per Open Space Strategy
recommendations.
Locality 13 (Eumundi – Eewah Vale – North Arm – Bridges)
Recommendation
1 Monitor utilisation of Eumundi Showgrounds and Eumundi State School. If demand
warrants, secure additional land for active sport.
2 Progressively implement the recommendations of the Difficult-to-Locate Sports Study
2009–2028 relevant to this locality:
►►
negotiate with the Davison Range Shooting Complex land owners (Including Lot
3 RP 221279, Lot 2 RP135437 and Lot 1 RP193778) about future protection and
tenure arrangements which support the continuation of the Davison Range Shooting
Complex long term
►►
protect the existing use of Davison Range Shooting Complex through the Sunshine
Coast Planning Scheme 2011
►►
support the club’s utilising this site to prepare a master plan/business plan to ensure
the most effective use of the site.
Priority
Ongoing
Priority
Medium
Priority
Long
Ongoing
Sunshine Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026 39

Locality 14 (Glasshouse Mountains – Beerburrum – Coochin Creek – Bribie Island North)
Recommendation
1 Update the Glasshouse Sports Ground Master Plan including sports reserve land
recently provided through developer contributions.
2 Progressively implement the recommendations of the Difficult-to-Locate Sports Study
2009–2028 relevant to this locality:
►►
commence discussions with the State Minister for Infrastructure and Planning to
secure (150 ha) State land for a Driver and Rider Education and Training Precinct
within Beerburrum East State Forest.
Locality 15 (Golden Beach)
Recommendation
1 Undertake a master plan to determine how best to accommodate an additional four
outdoor netball courts adjacent to Caloundra Indoor Stadium. The aim of the master
plan should be to accommodate expanded outdoor courts and resolve car parking
issues without impacting on the functionality of the adjacent AFL playing field.
Priority
Medium
Ongoing
Priority
Short
Locality 16 (Ilkley – Eudlo and district)
Priority
Recommendation
1 Monitor demand in this locality. Ongoing
Locality 17 (Kin Kin – Cootharaba and district)
Recommendation
1 Continue to manage and maintain the sports reserve/open space at Kin Kin and Boreen
Point, while no tenure is held over these areas.
2 Progressively implement the recommendations of the Difficult-to-Locate Sports Study
2009–2028 relevant to this locality:
►►
implement protection mechanisms through the Noosa North Shore Landing Ground
Reserve Management Plan to ensure current recreational uses (including Model Aero
Flying) are identified and protected
►►
protect the existing use of Noosa North Shore Landing Ground Reserve (Lot 7
MCH4562) through the Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme 2011.
Priority
Ongoing
Ongoing
Locality 18 (Kureelpa – Kiamba)
Recommendation
Priority
1 Monitor demand in this locality. Ongoing
Locality 19 (Lake Macdonald – Tinbeerwah – Cooroy Mountain)
Recommendation
Priority
1 Monitor demand in this locality. Ongoing
2 Examine potential for Lake McDonald to cater for non-powered water sports (see
Section 2.8.1: Water Access and On-Land Storage recommendations).
Short
40 Sunshine Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026

Locality 20 (Landsborough – Mount Mellum)
Recommendation
1 Advocate for ongoing access to and upgrade of trails on SEQ Water land, Ewen
Maddock Dam for mountain biking, horse riding and walking, as per Draft Recreation
Trail Plan.
2 Advocate for ongoing on-water activities at Ewen Maddock Dam (e.g. kayaking,
canoeing).
Priority
Ongoing
Ongoing
3 Progressively implement the Landsborough Sports Reserve Master Plan. Medium
Locality 21 (Little Mountain – Caloundra West – Meridan Plains – Bells Creek)
Recommendation
1 Progressively implement the Meridan Fields Master Plan.
If the recommended expansion of outdoor netball courts at Caloundra Indoor Stadium
proceeds (see Section 2.15: Locality Recommendations, locality 15) amend the existing
master plan for Meridan Fields to delete provision for netball courts.
2 Endeavour to secure additional sports reserve land as per Open Space Strategy
recommendations.
3 Progressively implement the recommendations of the Difficult-to-Locate Sports Study
2009–2028 relevant to this locality:
►►
investigate, promote and positively influence the final configuration of extractive sites
within the Meridan Extractive Resource area so that once they are discontinued
they are left as freshwater lakes, transferred to council and made suitable for use
as powered water sport activity areas. (This could also include other water sport
opportunities.)
►►
that any water sport site deemed suitable, and is enabled as an active water sports
venue, be protected by planning scheme instruments from any future conflicting
encroachment or uses.
Locality 22 (Maleny – Witta – North Maleny)
Recommendation
1 Develop two senior fields at the Maleny Sports Precinct to cater for the relocation of
Maleny Football Club from the Showgrounds. It is understood playing field dimensions
in the 2010 Community Precinct Master Plan – Sport and Recreation Sub Precinct have
allowed for possible future shared use by other sports (e.g. touch).
2 When demand warrants the relocation of Maleny Football Club to the Maleny Sports
Precinct (see recommendation (1) above), master plan the Maleny Showgrounds to
rationalise current usage.
3 In order to maximise council’s recent investment in improvements at Witta Recreation
Reserve (drainage, lighting, undergrounding of power lines) monitor the capacity of this
venue to cater for the future needs of touch and rugby union.
4 If future demands exceed the capacity of Witta Recreation Reserve, evaluate the cost
effectiveness of acquiring adjoining land to expand this facility as opposed to further
development of the Maleny Sports Precinct.
5 Liaise with Maleny Netball Club and Maleny State High School to access the suitability
and accessibility of the school’s existing hard courts and indoor facility for community
use by netball/basketball participants.
Priority
Short
Ongoing
Ongoing
Priority
Medium
Medium
Ongoing
Ongoing
Short
Sunshine Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026 41

Locality 23 (Mapleton – Flaxton – Obi Obi)
Recommendation
1 Monitor demand in this locality and neighbouring Kureelpa (locality 18). If existing
Mapleton Sports Reserve and Mapleton State School oval are not meeting demand,
acquire additional land for sport consistent with the Desired Standards of Service in
council’s Open Space Strategy.
Priority
Medium
Locality 24 (Marcoola – Twin Waters – Pacific Paradise – Mudjimba)
Recommendation
Priority
1 Review options to increase the capacity of North Shore Multi Sports Complex. Medium
2 Negotiate with Pacific Paradise State School for access to the school’s oval by North
Shore Football Club (based at Nojoor Rd) for training purposes.
Short
Locality 25 (Maroochydore)
Recommendation
1 Finalise and progressively implement the Maroochydore Multi Sports Precinct Master
Plan.
2 Prepare a master plan for Cotton Tree Park which addresses site integration and
investigates opportunities for expanding support amenities for rugby union.
Locality 26 (Mooloolaba – Alexandra Headland)
Recommendation
1 Endeavour to secure additional sports reserve land as per Open Space Strategy
recommendations.
Priority
Short and
ongoing
Short
Priority
Ongoing
Locality 27 (Mooloolah Valley – Diamond Valley – Balmoral Ridge – Bald Knob)
Recommendation
1 Review tenure arrangements of the land located at Mooloolah Valley Country Club in
accordance with the outcome of the review of support for not-for-profit clubs.
2 Review the 2001 Master Plan and address:
►►
drainage (high priority)
►►
lighting (softball and soccer)
►►
amenity requirements
►►
possible shared use by cricket in summer
►►
potential for expansion of playing fields into adjoining land.
3 Implement the new Master Plan in recommendation (2) above. Long
4 Advocate to SEQ Water for the protection of access and usage of Ewen Maddock Dam
and surrounding areas for active outdoor recreation pursuits (e.g. horse riding, cycling,
walking, recreational and competitive canoeing and kayaking).
Priority
Short
Short
Ongoing
Locality 28 (Mountain Creek)
Recommendation
1 Determine how best to utilise the proposed sports reserve land shortly to be provided
from developer contributions. Seek opportunities to secure additional land in this locality
over time.
Priority
Short
42 Sunshine Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026

Locality 29 (Nambour – Burnside and district)
Recommendation
1 Encourage greater use of the sports field adjacent to Nambour PCYC, possibly for junior
AFL, little athletics or cricket.
2 Liaise with DERM to support efforts to involve stakeholders in upgrading and developing
mountain bike trails in Parklands Conservation Park; and identify and develop safe
linkages to Parklands State Forest from Nambour.
Locality 30 (Noosa Heads)
Recommendation
1 Endeavour to secure additional sports reserve land as per Open Space Strategy
recommendations.
Priority
Medium
Ongoing
Priority
Ongoing
Locality 31 (Noosaville)
Priority
Recommendation
1 Monitor demand in this locality. Ongoing
Locality 32 (Palmwoods – Chevallum – Montville – Hunchy)
Recommendation
1 Make available the under-utilised ovals adjacent to Palmwoods Swimming Pool for
junior AFL.
Locality 33 (Peachester – Crohamhurst – Booroobin – Wootha)
Recommendation
1 Monitor demand in this locality and review the Peachester Sports Ground Master Plan if
and when demand warrants.
Priority
Short
Priority
Long
Locality 34 (Pelican Waters)
Priority
Recommendation
1 Monitor demand in this locality. Ongoing
Locality 35 (Peregian Beach)
Recommendation
1 Investigate the feasibility of purchasing or leasing the freehold land at Peregian
Bowls Club (ceased operation) for the purpose of outdoor and indoor sport and active
recreation activities (e.g. table tennis, bridge, bowls) subject to cost effectiveness
compared to other site options for these activities (see Section 2.9.1: Future Indoor
Court Sport Provision recommendations).
Locality 36 (Peregian Springs)
Recommendation
1 Invite Expressions of Interest to determine the best use for playing fields being
developed at Peregian Springs.
2 Endeavour to secure additional sports reserve land as per Open Space Strategy
recommendations.
Priority
Short
Priority
Short
Medium
Sunshine Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026 43

Locality 37 (Pomona – Pinbarren)
Recommendation
1 Monitor utilisation of Cooroy District Sports Complex and sports fields in Pomona. If at
capacity, review the need to acquire additional land to meet needs of Pomona residents.
2 Liaise with Noosa Show Society to access the need for a master plan at Noosa
Showgrounds.
Priority
Long
Medium
Locality 38 (Reesville – Conondale – Kenilworth)
Recommendation
Priority
1 Monitor sport and active recreation demands in this locality. Ongoing
2 Progressively implement the recommendations of the Difficult-to-Locate Sports Study
2009–2028 relevant to this locality:
►►
protect the existing use of Green Park (Lots 264 M371054 and 243 MCH969) as a
Motorcycle (off road) Precinct through the Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme 2011
►►
prepare master plan/business plan for the future management and development of
Green Park, Conondale as a state level facility for motocross, trail bike riding, trials
and enduro disciplines.
Ongoing
Locality 39 (Sippy Downs – Palmview)
Recommendation
1 Through the MOU with the University of the Sunshine Coast, advocate for the upgrade
of its facilities and amenities to better provide for community sport and active recreation.
Priorities are:
►►
upgrading and outfitting of canteen facility to ensure compliance with health standards
►►
provision of shade – over grandstand on athletics track, and around perimeter of track
►►
lighting of additional oval to increase the capacity of existing fields and reduce
pressure on the main field.
2 Endeavour to secure additional sports reserve land as per Open Space Strategy
recommendations.
3 Progressively implement the recommendations of the Difficult-to-Locate Sports Study
2009–2028 relevant to this locality:
►►
seek a commitment from the University of the Sunshine Coast to permit and retain the
model boats over the long term.
Locality 40 (Sunrise Beach – Sunshine Beach – Marcus Beach – Castaways Beach)
Recommendation
1 Develop the playing fields for soccer, little athletics and a regional level criterion circuit at
Girraween Sporting Complex.
2 Support Noosa Rugby Union to access an additional field within reasonable proximity of
its club to cater for future growth. Options are:
►►
local schools
►►
examine potential to create additional training area adjacent to Bicentennial Hall.
Priority
Short
Ongoing
Ongoing
Priority
Short
Medium
44 Sunshine Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026

Locality 41 (Tewantin)
Recommendation
Priority
1 Adopt and progressively implement the Noosa District Sports Complex Master Plan. Ongoing
2 Progressively implement the recommendations of the Difficult-to-Locate Sports Study
2009–2028 relevant to this locality:
►►
seek a commitment from DERM to permit, retain and possibly expand the Noosa Hill
Climb over the long term.
Ongoing
Locality 42 (Woombye)
Recommendation
1 Prepare a master plan for Victory Park which addresses possible loss of playing areas
when the rail corridor expansion progresses and identify opportunities for other sports.
2 Further investigate the possible displacement of the Pony and Soccer Clubs from the
sports reserve near town when the rail corridor expansion progresses. If displacement is
likely to occur seek suitable alternative land as compensation.
Locality 43 (Wurtulla – Buddina and district)
Recommendation
1 Undertake improvements at Quad Park as per Section 2.8.1: Water Access and On-
Land Storage recommendation (2).
2 Continue to investigate opportunities to acquire additional land within this locality to
compensate the loss of land from the MMTC and constraints on vegetation.
Priority
Medium
Medium
Priority
Medium
Short
Locality 44 (Yandina – Yandina Creek and district)
Priority
Recommendation
1 Prepare a master plan for Yandina Sports Complex. Medium
Sunshine Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026 45

3 Study framework

3.1 Purpose
The purpose of this study as set out in the
project brief was ‘to develop a shared vision
for council and the community and prepare
a robust Sport and Active Recreation Plan
to guide the current and future provision of
facilities and services that meet the needs of
our diverse communities.’
3.2 Scope
The scope of the project as specified in the brief
covered:
►►
► ►
►►
►►
the geographical area defined by Sunshine
Coast Council local government boundaries,
with findings to be referenced within the
region’s 44 Localities of Interest
‘sport and active recreation’ refers to activities
that have formal rules, scoring, event
organisation and administration structures
the provision of sport and active recreation
programs and ancillary services
the provision of facilities encompassing land
and land use planning implications only
where Sunshine Coast Council has a role in
the network.
3.3 Excluded activities
The scope excluded:
►►
►►
►►
►►
non-competitive, passive sport and recreation
activities such as bird watching, bushwalking,
billiards and snooker, bridge, camping, cards,
chess, pigeon racing and picnicking
activities already addressed in council’s
Difficult-to-Locate Sports Study 2009–2028
(e.g. shooting, archery, model aero activities,
motor sports, powered craft water sports,
radio controlled cars and trail bikes)
activities being addressed in other council
strategies (skating, trails, walk/cycle paths)
wholly private sector funded activities
(e.g. ten-pin bowling).
3.4 Eligible activities
Based on the criteria outlined in Section 3.2:
Scope and Section 3.3: Excluded Activities the
full list of eligible activities is shown in Table 2:
List of eligible activities for the Sunshine Coast
Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026.
The scope was further clarified in the
project brief as ‘the extent of potential
sport, recreation, outdoor recreation and
physical activity needs and opportunities
is quite numerous. It is essential that the
study concentrate on activities that require
legitimate/formal venues and services.
The study does not intend to provide
management solutions for activities occurring
on land that isn’t owned or controlled by
Sunshine Coast Council, except where
specified (e.g. potential community use
of Education Queensland land and land
managed by the community).’
Sunshine Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026 47

Table 2: List of eligible activities for the Sunshine Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026
Outdoor sport and
active recreation
Field sports
Indoor sports
Non-powered
boating
Court sports
Athletics
Bowls (lawn)
Croquet
Cycling (track)
Equestrian
►►
Dressage
►►
Showjumping
►►
Cross country
►►
Polocrosse
Orienteering
Triathlon
Australian football
Baseball
Cricket
Hockey (outdoor)
Rugby league
Rugby union
Soccer (football)
Softball
Touch football
Vigoro
Badminton
Basketball
Bocce
Bowls (indoor)
Boxing
Darts
Futsal
Gymnastics
Hockey (indoor)
Martial arts
Netball
Table tennis
Volleyball
Weightlifting
Canoeing
Dragon boating
Outrigger canoeing
Rowing
Sailing
Surfing
Surf life saving
Netball
Tennis
Beach volleyball
3.5 Plan alignment
The Sunshine Coast Council’s Corporate Plan
2009-2014 is a key planning document outlining
the priorities and strategies council will pursue
over time to achieve corporate goals. This
articulates council’s vision ‘to be Australia’s
most sustainable region – vibrant, green,
diverse’ and identifies eight key themes and
emerging priorities.
Council’s primary commitments to sport and
active recreation are identified through the
Health and Wellbeing theme, which states
that ‘an active and healthy community is
resilient and enhances people’s quality of
life. Council plays a role in community wellbeing
through safety initiatives, preventative
health and education programs, provision
of community sport and recreational
opportunities and facilitating community
interaction.’
A number of corporate strategies stem from
the Corporate Plan 2009-2014; of particular
importance to the success of this Plan are the
developing strategic documents addressing open
space, social planning and wellbeing areas.
The emerging Open Space Strategy will
articulate council’s commitment, role and intent
in the provision of open space for existing
and future generations. The Sunshine Coast
Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026
relies on the provision and embellishment of
open spaces through recreation parks and
sports grounds across the region. Therefore
recommendations and policy within this
Plan closely align with council’s open space
framework to ensure clear and well articulated
guidance for the future provision and
embellishment of sports grounds, facilities and
infrastructure across the region. Social planning
and wellbeing framework considerations
are also important to ensure the social and
wellbeing needs and issues of our local
communities are understood and addressed in
context through this Plan.
In addition, there is a suite of closely related
emerging strategic documents that will assist
in ensuring council adequately responds to
broader social, leisure, sport, recreation and
physical activity opportunities and articulation
with these strategies has been considered as
part of the development of this Plan. These
developing strategies or plans include the
Social Infrastructure Strategy, Sustainable
Transport Strategy, Aquatic Plan, Skate and
BMX Plan, Affordable Living Strategy and Draft
Recreation Trail Plan. A Physical Activity Plan is
to be developed in the medium term.
As a result, this Sunshine Coast Sport and
Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026 is a strategic
level document which sits under the Health and
48 Sunshine Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026

Wellbeing, Social Cohesion and Accessibility
and Connectedness portfolio of documents and
provides direction for the planning, development
and management of sports grounds, facilities
and infrastructure throughout the region.
While specific actions are recommended in
relation to some key issues, the Sunshine
Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-
2026 is primarily concerned with plan and
policy direction and is intended to provide
operational guidance not details. However, it
does outline guiding principles and proposes
a number of actions which involve planning,
management and design of sports grounds,
facilities and infrastructure. Outcomes of these
strategies will contribute towards the attainment
of council’s vision and future Community Plan
goals. Figure 1: Alignment of Sunshine Coast
Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026
with council planning outlines how the Sunshine
Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-
2026 aligns to the organisation.
Community Plan
Innovation and creativity
Managing growth
Robust
economy
Health and
well being
Social
cohesion
Accessibility
and
connectedness
Ecological
sustainability
Great
governance
Productivity
People
People
People
Planet
Sustainable
Transport
Affordable
Living
Social
Infrastructure
Social
Planning
Framework
Cultural
Open
Space
Sport and
Active
Recreation
Recreation
Trail
Recreation
Park
Figure 1: Alignment of Sunshine Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026 with council planning
Sunshine Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026 49

3.6 Methodology
An overview of the study methodology is outlined in Figure 2: Study methodology.
Project start-up – Setting the scene
What are the study parameters, previous research findings, critical
issues and deliverables?
Stage 1 – Background research
Assessment of previous reports, participation
trends, population and demographics review,
community engagement plan, Councillor
‘vision’ workshop, meetings with Councillors
Stage 2 – Supply analysis and locality
summaries
Review of facility inventories, inspection
of 75 key facilities, compilation of locality
summaries
Stage 3 – Community engagement
Awareness raising, meetings with council officers, government agency
interviews, community forums (x12), community surveys, sport and
recreation club surveys, discussions with range of clubs/venues,
targeted focus group meetings, State sporting organisation surveys,
youth consultation, surveys of all schools
Stage 4 – Information analysis
Analysis of findings, discussion paper on key findings and options,
project team workshop, Councillor workshop, needs analysis by
Locality of Interest, desk top assessment of economic benefits of
sport, application of Predictomatic © model to validate Sunshine
Coast Desired Standards of Service for sports reserve land, criteria
for chargeable elements in a Priority Infrastructure Plan
Stage 5 – Draft strategy and study finalisation
Draft report, action plan, project team meeting, evaluation and review
mechanism, funding and partnership opportunities, public comment,
supporting resources documentation, study finalisation
Figure 2: Study methodology
50 Sunshine Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026

Key elements of the methodology included:
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
review of 48 background reports, studies,
plans and master plans
analysis of regional and state participation
trends
review of population profile and future
forecasts for each of council’s 44 Localities of
Interest
inspection of 75 key facilities
comprehensive consultation process
including:
● ●
●●
●●
●●
●●
●●
●●
●●
●●
●●
●●
●●
●●
‘vision’ workshop with Councillors
one-on-one meetings with Councillors
interviews with numerous council officers
preparation of press releases and
promotional material on the study
interviews with government agencies
survey of 292 sport and recreation
organisations (117 responses)
meetings with clubs/venues/university
representatives (29)
community survey in hard copy and on-line
format (70 responses)
12 community forums conducted across the
Sunshine Coast (102 attendances)
survey of 55 state sporting organisations
(18 responses)
focus group meetings with classes of
students in six schools throughout the
region
survey of all 88 schools in Sunshine Coast
region (28 responses)
7 targeted focus group meetings with facility
managers, education, health, business,
disability services, physical activity, and
older adult representatives or networks
●●
dedicated email address and 1300
telephone line (local call cost) for
community feedback.
Sunshine Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026 51

4 Population profile

4.1 Population and growth
Based on Planning Information and Forecasting
Unit (PIFU) data, the Sunshine Coast region
had an estimated resident population at 30
June 2008 of 312,804. 6 According to ABS
Census data, the region experienced high
growth between 2003 and 2008, increasing
at an average rate of 3.2 per cent per
annum compared with the State average of
2.4 per cent. Based on this information and
with the ‘bring forward’ areas of Palmview and
Caloundra South this population base is likely
to continue its high growth through to 2026.
More detailed population and demographic
information is provided for all council’s 44
Localities of Interest in Supporting Resources
Volume 1 (Locality of Interest Summaries).
4.2 Age profile
The Sunshine Coast Region currently exhibits
a mixed age profile with evidence of an ageing
population. In 2006 the region had a median
age of 41, compared with 36 for Queensland.
The region has a notably lower proportion of
25-44 year olds (25.3 per cent) than the state
(28.6 per cent) and a high number of 45-64
year olds (27.4 per cent) and over 65 year olds
(16.1 per cent) compared with 24.8 per cent
and 12.1 per cent for the state respectively.
6
Planning Information and Forecasting Unit (PIFU).
Population and Housing Fact Sheet. Sunshine Coast
Regional Council. August 2009.
In the future, the region’s population profile
is expected to continue to age, however its
median age will become closer to the state
average. Planning Information and Forecasting
Unit (PIFU) projections suggest that the
proportion of persons aged over 65 will increase
to 23.4 per cent by 2031, while all other age
groups will experience a slight decline. The
region’s median age will increase from 41 (in
2006) to 44 (in 2031). This is a smaller increase
than is expected state-wide, with Queensland’s
median age predicted to increase from 36 (in
2006) to 41 (in 2031).
Some key points relating to population sourced
from the Sunshine Coast Regional Council
Growth Management Position Paper 2008 are
of note:
►►
►►
Population growth to 2031 is accommodated
within the existing Urban Footprint (except
potentially for the Investigation Area identified
for Beerwah).
Population growth is intended to be
accommodated in other key areas including
the ‘bring forward’ areas of Palmview
Structure Plan Area and Caloundra
South Structure Plan Area and the
existing ‘committed’ Greenfield areas of
Maroochydore Principal Activity Centre
Structure Plan Area, Caloundra City Centre,
Kawana Town Centre, Sippy Downs Town
Centre, Nambour, Coolum Ridges and
Peregian Springs.
Sunshine Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026 53

5 Participation trends
5.1 Sunshine Coast sport and
recreation clubs
The most common trends in participation
identified by sport and recreation clubs on the
Sunshine Coast are as follows:
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
demand for more social, casual and noncompetitive
activities
increasing demand for junior sport
night-time/evening activities
newer/alternative forms (e.g. junior summer
six-a-side soccer, breakfast bowls)
loss of youth to other activities.
It is not possible to identify membership
participation rates and trends for all sports on
the Sunshine Coast as this data is not available.
Of the clubs that responded to a survey for
this study, most have increased over the last
three years. Some sports (bowls, golf, softball
and squash) appear to have declined. Of those
clubs that responded to the survey, the following
membership trends of Sunshine Coast clubs
over the last three years have been identified:
►►
australian football – 4321 active players
(including auskick), increase of 12 per cent
►►
bowls – 3360, decrease of 3 per cent
►►
cricket – 2520, static
►►
equestrian – insufficient information
►►
golf – insufficient information. Four out of 10
clubs responded. Total membership of these
clubs – 3666, decrease of 8 per cent
►►
►►
gymnastics – 1677 (largest three clubs only),
increase of 36 per cent
indoor court sports – insufficient information
(however existing indoor courts all at capacity
at peak times)

►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
netball – 4166, increase of 16 per cent
non-powered water sports – insufficient
information
rugby league – insufficient information
rugby union – 2316, increase of 8 per cent
soccer (federation) – 4949, increase of
11 per cent
soccer (churches) – 2979, increase of
10 per cent
softball – 401, decrease of 18 per cent
squash – insufficient information (players
affiliated with regional body decreased by
45 per cent, however does not account for
social players)
►►
tennis – insufficient information. Twelve of 28
clubs responded. Total membership of these
clubs – 1314, increase of 19 per cent
►►
touch football – insufficient information.
5.2 State Sporting Association
membership
From 2008 data on registered participants
supplied by State Sporting Associations to
the Department of Communities – Sport and
Recreation Services, it is evident that there
are significant variations between male/female
and junior/senior participation in organised
sports. Overall registered participation data
is illustrated in Figure 3: Organised sport
participation in Queensland (Top 20).
Figure 3: Organised sport participation in Queensland (Top 20)
Indoor court sports comprise basketball, Futsal, volleyball, badminton, netball and indoor hockey.
Indoor multi-use sports comprise indoor bowls, martial arts and dancesport
Sunshine Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026 55

The sports with the highest registrations among all males were golf, Australian football, soccer,
rugby league and touch; while for females as a whole the highest registrations were in touch
football, netball and surfing (see Figure 4: Comparison between male and female registered
participants in Queensland State Sporting Organisations (2008)).
Figure 4: Comparison between male and female registered participants in Queensland State Sporting
Organisations (2008)
56 Sunshine Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026

Significant differences between senior and junior males are evident. For senior males the highest
registrations were in the sports of golf, touch and bowls; while for junior males highest registrations
were in Australian football, soccer and rugby league (see Figure 5: Comparison between senior
male and junior male registered participants in Queensland State Sporting Organisations (2008)).
Figure 5: Comparison between senior male and junior male registered participants in Queensland
State Sporting Organisations (2008)
Sunshine Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026 57

Again, significant differences exist between senior and junior females in the number of registered
participants at the state level. For senior females the highest registrations were in the sports of
touch football, bowls and golf; while for junior females highest registrations were in netball, surfing,
gymnastics and athletics (see Figure 6: Comparison between senior female and junior female
registered participants in Queensland State Sporting Organisations (2008)).
Figure 6: Comparison between senior female and junior female registered participants in Queensland
State Sporting Organisations (2008)
58 Sunshine Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026

5.3 ERASS surveys
The findings of the most recent Exercise,
Recreation and Sport Survey (ERASS) 7
enabled a high level comparison between North
Coast and Queensland as a whole. Findings of
the ERASS Report for North Coast Region of
Queensland 2005-2008 indicate that:
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
52.8 per cent of persons aged 15 years
and over in the North Coast Region of
Queensland were ‘regular’ participants in
exercise, recreation or sport, compared with
48.2 per cent for Queensland as a whole.
The trend for ‘regular’ participation has
generally been increasing from 44.6 per cent
in 2005 to 52.8 per cent in 2008. A similar
trend has occurred in Queensland, however
at a slightly higher level.
The trend for ‘frequent’ participation has
also increased from 28.3 per cent in 2005
to 33.8 per cent in 2008. This is similar to
Queensland.
Females are more likely than males to be
‘regular’ participants across all age groups,
in particular for the 45-54 year age group
where 55.4 per cent of females were regular
participants compared with 39.5 per cent of
males.
In 2008 12.0 per cent of North Coast
persons aged 15 years and over ‘regularly’
participated in organised physical activity
(i.e. three times or more per week) while
3.9 per cent ‘frequently’ participated in
organised physical activity (i.e. five or more
times per week). These rates are similar to
Queensland as a whole (11.9 per cent and
4.2 per cent respectively).
The top five activities in the North Coast
Region in 2008 were the same as those for
Queensland as a whole, namely walking,
aerobics, swimming, cycling and running.
7
Exercise, Recreation and Sport Survey (ERASS) are a
joint initiative of the Australian Sports Commission and
the state and territory governments. They have been
undertaken annually since 2001. The surveys collect
information on the frequency, duration, nature and type
of physical activities that are participated in by persons
aged 15 years and over for exercise, recreation
and sport during the 12 months prior to interview.
Newspoll Market Research prepared a report for the
Queensland Department of Communities – Sport and
Recreation Services which enabled a comparison of
survey findings from 2005-2008 between North Coast
and Queensland as a whole.
Sunshine Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026 59

6 Consultation outcomes

6.1 Community forums
Twelve community forums were conducted at
the following locations:
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
Bicentennial Centre, Sunshine Beach
Buderim Hockey Club (Ballinger Sports
Complex)
Caloundra Indoor Stadium
Coolum Tennis Club (Coolum Sports
Complex)
Cooroy Butter Factory
Cotton Tree Park Rugby Union Clubhouse
Landsborough Sport and Recreation Centre
Maroochydore Multi-Sports Complex
Mooloolaba Surf Club
Nambour Bowls Club
Palmwoods Cricket Club
Quad Park.
Forums were advertised in local media and
generated 102 attendees. At each forum the
study purpose, scope and approach were
outlined. Attendees were invited to discuss
the following issues in relation to sport and
recreation on the Sunshine Coast.
1 What is being done well and should be
continued?
2 What needs to be improved?
3 Are there any barriers to participation in
sport or active recreation or aquatics?
4 Are there any facilities that could be better
used?
5 What are the priorities that need to be
addressed?
The most common responses to emerge are
summarised in Table 4: Summary of feedback
from community forums.
Table 4: Summary of feedback from community forums
What is being done well?
Barriers to participation?
Priorities for
improvement?
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
council being proactive and planning for the future
council funding programs
council staff approachable and helpful
costs/affordability – insurance, membership, maintenance, entry fees,
accreditation (e.g. blue cards)
poor facility design or location
inadequate access for people with disabilities
lack of facilities
access difficulties to centralised facilities
Land and facility development
►►
provide additional land (existing areas under pressure)
►►
speed up the process of planning for growth
►►
develop and implement criteria for land/facility development
►►
ensure adequate suitable land provided for future growth
►►
improve response times – from conception to development
Maintenance
►►
council support with field maintenance, lighting, equipment
►►
poor drainage in many areas needs upgrading
►►
upgrade lighting for functionality and safety
►►
undertake planned rather reactive maintenance
Equity of support to all clubs
►►
maintenance and other support is not equitable throughout the region
Facility improvements
►►
car parking, access for people with disabilities, lighting, playing surfaces,
drainage, shade, storage, expansion of playing facilities/areas
Sunshine Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026 61

6.2 Focus group meetings
Targeted focus group meetings were held with a
range of community agencies, namely:
1 Sunshine Coast Physical Activity and
Nutrition Network
2 Sunshine Coast Facility Managers
3 Sunshine Coast Disability Services Network
4 Sunshine Coast Healthy Ageing Partnership
Network
5 Sunshine Coast District Coordinators
Forum (Education Queensland)
6 Sunshine Coast Business Task Force
7 Sunshine Coast Youth (Youth Health
Consortium; six school focus groups; Plaza
Youth Health Check).
Facilitated discussion at focus group sessions
focussed on:
►►
►►
►►
►►
the ‘good’ and ‘bad’ of sport and recreation
facilities and services
unmet needs
priorities that need to be addressed
a summary of the key matters raised is
outlined in Table 5: Key issues raised at focus
group sessions.
Table 5: Key issues raised at focus group sessions
Focus group
Sunshine Coast
Physical Activity and
Nutrition Network
SCRC Facility Managers
Key issues raised
►►
sport, recreation and aquatic facility design elements need to consider:
●●
catering facilities that support healthy menu choice outcomes
●●
bike racks
●●
parent/baby change facilities
●●
disabled use facilities (not just access)
●●
shade
►►
hinterland communities lack in sport, recreation and aquatic facility provision
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
in comparison to coastal communities
access and transport to facilities is important to maximise broad community
use and to support these venues becoming part of a central hub or a
recognised community destination
co-locating medical/retail outlets as part of the facility mix for facilities is
likely to provide improved access to and awareness of the facilities and
programs available.
overlapping of seasons is putting pressure on grounds
need for a regional level facility for aquatics (e.g. major championships)
facilities tend to be at the same level – few higher standard
differences in levels of support for clubs in pre-amalgamated councils. No
policy for determining what level facilities should be maintained to
clubs are struggling to maintain facilities
demand for shade at sporting facilities
schools are an underutilised resource – need for higher level pressure to
maximise their use
growing pressure on venues to be used for commercial as well as sporting
purposes (time and cost implications) e.g. Nambour Showgrounds taking
additional events from Quad Park in future
major decline in basketball noted but still heavy demand on indoor facilities
there are inequities in the extent to which council funding is allocated to
school pools.
62 Sunshine Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026

Focus group
Sunshine Coast
Disability Agencies
Network
Sunshine Coast
Business Task Force
Sunshine Coast District
Coordinators Forum
(Education Qld)
Healthy Ageing
Partnership
Youth Consultation and
School Student Focus
Groups (x 6 schools)
Key issues raised
►►
►►
►►
inability to access indoor courts
need for an additional all abilities playground (existing one in Landsborough)
unable to access an aquatic facility in the September to December period,
especially in the Nambour/Maroochy area. Noosa Aquatic Centre has
dedicated times on Sunday mornings
►►
need for training of pool staff/teachers on behavioural awareness/tolerance
for people with disabilities
►►
need for a policy to support sport and recreation to be more inclusive
►►
need for increased parking for disabled – aging population
►►
access and upgrading of aquatic facilities to current standard for disabled –
all facilities to be audited
►►
more promotion of services that are available for people with a disability
►►
improved transport and disabled access transport to facilities.
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
there is a general feeling that while facilities for major spectator events are
lacking, the lack of a major team makes these type of facilities problematic
Sunshine Coast should not be trying to compete with Gold Coast in this
respect
the main focus of economic development efforts is on second and third tier
events/training and participation based events which do not necessarily
require major facilities. No sporting facilities were identified as clearly lacking
however, Sunshine Coast appears wanting for sports grounds which would
be able to cater for large participation-based events.
insufficient ovals/playing fields around Nambour and Maroochy – four
independent schools share what exists and do not consider there are
enough public reserves to serve the community
need to upgrade facilities at university athletics track – used by a number of
schools. Main upgrade needs are shade, viewing stands, canteen and more
toilets.
walk/cycle paths need to go somewhere – destination based rather than
meandering to nowhere
access and equity for people with disabilities are a concern. Specific
mention of pools and the need for hoists even if ramps are available (some
people can’t access water proof wheelchairs)
support for very aged persons and chronic disease afflictions – target them
to engage and develop strategies to get them to become motivated
need for adequate transport for people in their 50s and 60s
don’t start programs ‘for the sake of it’. Target and activate to a plan
one size does not fit all, tailor programs and be flexible in accommodating
community needs. Develop new initiatives but be ready to adapt.
ensure the connectivity of walk/cycle paths to encourage a safe environment
for walking, riding and skate related activities
there is sufficient provision of aquatic facilities, however there is a need to
improve the facility mix with an increased focus on providing leisure facilities
for young and teenage children (i.e. interactive equipment such as water
spouts, slides etc.)
existing multi-purpose indoor court facilities are heavily utilised which affects
the ability for youth to access/participate in activities at suitable times
skate parks are well used, however due to their popularity there is difficulty
in gaining sufficient access/participation time
due to the heavy load on outdoor playing fields (i.e. use by multiple sports,
multiple teams and over multiple seasons), the standard of playing fields is
generally poor.
Sunshine Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026 63

6.3 Survey of sport and recreation
clubs
Surveys were sent to 293 known sport and
active recreation organisations listed in
council’s database. All organisations were
followed up by telephone and/or email in an
endeavour to maximise questionnaire returns.
A total of 123 surveys were returned which
represents a response rate of 42 per cent. For
studies of this nature this is a good response.
Clubs that responded to the survey are:
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
AFL Sunshine Coast (Juniors)
Maleny District Sport and Recreation Club
Noosaville Tennis Club
Beerwah and District Junior Rugby League
Club
Mapleton Bowls Club
North Shore Football Club – Soccer
Beerwah Indoor Bowls Club
Maroochy Beach Gymnastics Association
North Shore Multi Sports Association
Beerwah Sportsground Management
Committee
Maroochy Junior AFL
Pacific Paradise Bowls Club
Bli Bli Indoor Bowls Club
Maroochy North Shore Roos (AFL)
Palmwoods/West District Junior Rugby
League
Buderim Cricket Club
Maroochy Sailing Club
Palmwoods Tennis Club
Buderim United Churches Soccer Club
Maroochy Senior Athletics Club
Pomona Bowls Club (PBC)
Buderim Wanderers Football Club
Maroochydore Cricket Club Incorporated
Pomona Demons AFL
Caloundra Junior AFL Club
Maroochydore Junior Rugby League Club
The Range Croquet Club Maleny
Caloundra Bowls Club
Maroochydore Multi Sports Complex
Range United Churches Soccer Club
Caloundra City Football Club
Maroochydore Rugby Union Football Club
►►
Suncoast Hinterland Softball Association
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
Caloundra Cricket Club
Maroochydore Senior Citizens Indoor Bowls
Suncoast Seniors Recreational Kayaking
Club
Caloundra District Indoor Bowling Association
Maroochydore Squash Club
Sunshine Beach Surf Life Saving Club
Caloundra District Netball Association
Maroochydore Surf Life Saving Club
Sunshine Coast Churches Soccer
Association
Caloundra Golf Club
Mooloolaba Badminton Club
Sunshine Coast Combined Equestrian
Groups
Caloundra Junior Rugby Union
Mooloolaba Etchells
Sunshine Coast Cricket Association
Caloundra Mallet Sports Club
Mooloolaba Tennis Club
Sunshine Coast Darts Club
Caloundra RSL Memorial Bowls Club
Mooloolaba Yacht Club
Sunshine Coast District Mens Bowls
Association
Caloundra Shelly Park United Football Club
Mooloolah Hinterland Churches Soccer
Sunshine Coast Football
Coolum and District Netball Association
Mount Coolum Golf Club
Sunshine Coast Kayak Club
Coolum Beach Juniors Australian Football
Club
Nambas Tennis Club
Sunshine Coast Netball Association
Coolum Beach Junior Rugby League Club
Nambour and District Tennis Association
Sunshine Coast PCYC
Coolum Cricket Club
Nambour and Districts Netball Association
Sunshine Coast Regional Croquet Committee
Coolum Football Club
Nambour and Hinterland AFL
Sunshine Coast Riding for the Disabled
64 Sunshine Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026

►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
Coolum Tennis Club
Nambour Cricket Club
Sunshine Coast Squash Racquets
Association
Cooroora United Soccer Club
Nambour Croquet Club
Sunshine Coast Showjumping and
Equestrian Club
Cooroy-Eumundi Cricket Club
Nambour Golf Club
Sunshine Coast Table Tennis Club
Cooroy Gymnastics Club
Nambour Rugby League Club (Crushers)
Sunshine Coast Kayak Club
Cooroy Tennis Club Incorporated
Noosa Croquet Club
Swans Maroochydore Football Club
Dicky Beach Surf Life Saving Club
Noosa District Junior Rugby League Club
Tennis Veterans Sunshine Coast Association
Eumundi and District Indoor Bowls Club
Noosa District Netball Association
Tewantin – Noosa Cricket Club
Glasshouse Hinterland Australian Football
Club
Noosa District Rugby League Club
Tewantin – Noosa Golf Club
Glass House Galaxy Athletics Club
Noosa District Rugby Union Club
Tewantin Tennis Club Incorporated
Headland Bowls Club
Noosa District Softball Association
Uechi Ryu Karate-Do
Headland – Buderim Croquet Club
Noosa Gymnastics Club
University of Sunshine Coast Athletics Club
Ithaca – Caloundra City Life Saving Club
Noosa Lions Football Club
University of Sunshine Coast Junior Rugby
Union
Kawana Park Eagles Junior AFL
Maleny District Sport and Recreation Club
Witta Tennis Club
Kawana Touch Association
Noosa Eagles Football Club
►►
Woombye Indoor Bowls Club
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
Lake Cootharaba Sailing Club
Noosa Touch Association
Woombye Tennis Club
Landsborough Tennis Club
Noosa Yacht and Rowing Club
Yandina Rugby League Club
Maleny Bowls Club
Noosaville Indoor Bowling Club
Zone 6 Pony Club Association of
Queensland.
The survey sought information on membership
trends, impediments to participation, usage of
land/facilities, facilities or land areas considered
to be underutilised, levels of satisfaction
with existing areas or facilities utilised, future
priorities of the club, issues impacting on the
club, awareness of funding opportunities, and
business and succession planning.
Detailed survey information from each club is
contained in Supporting Resources Volume 1
(Locality of Interest Summaries).
Sunshine Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026 65

6.3.1 Issues impacting on sport and
recreation bodies
The issues having the greatest impact on clubs
are all facility-related, with inadequate land
area/fields being the most significant, affecting
more than 40 per cent of clubs. This was
followed by cost of maintenance, inadequate
lighting of facilities and poor standard/condition
of facilities (see Figure 7: Issues impacting on
sport and recreation organisations). This finding
reinforces similar feedback from community
forums and other consultation undertaken for
this project.
Strategic Leisure Group has undertaken scores
of similar studies for local authorities throughout
Queensland and it is very unusual for ‘difficulty
getting/retaining volunteers’ to not rank as the
issue having greatest impact on clubs. The fact
that this issue rated only fifth reinforces the
concerns about the availability and quality of
land/facilities for sport on the Sunshine Coast.
Figure 7: Issues impacting on sport and recreation organisations
66 Sunshine Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026

6.3.2 Business planning
Two-thirds (67 per cent) of responding clubs
indicated that they had a business plan or
development plan in place. Less than half
(44 per cent) had a succession plan in place
to train new people to move into office-bearing
positions. This suggests there needs to be a
continuing focus on educating club members on
this topic.
6.3.3 Levels of satisfaction and future club
priorities
Of the 123 organisations that responded to the
sport and recreation survey:
►►
►►
►►
44 per cent were satisfied or very satisfied
with their land areas or facilities
40 per cent were dissatisfied or very
dissatisfied with their land areas or facilities
16 per cent rated their satisfaction level as
neutral
The most common reasons for dissatisfaction
centred around the following.
Facilities
►►
inadequate standard/poor quality
►►
size (no room for expansion)
►►
►►
lack of/substandard ancillary facilities
(canteens, amenities, car parking, storage)
inadequate lighting.
Maintenance
►►
lack of water/irrigation
►►
costs
►►
lack of club expertise/guidance from council.
While 44 per cent of clubs indicated they were
satisfied with the areas/facilities they use, many
of them still sought a range of improvements.
An overview of issues is summarised in
Table 6: Summary of issues by sport and active
recreation category.
Table 6: Summary of issues by sport and active recreation category
Focus group
Field sports
Indoor sports
Non-powered water
sports
Court sports
Outdoor sports
Key issues raised
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
existing grounds at capacity – some clubs turning players away
poor quality of grounds (e.g. drainage, inadequate lighting, flood prone)
poor condition of clubhouses
uncertainty of access to school facilities and poor condition of some school
grounds
need for new areas/facilities in growth areas
difficulty coping with maintenance of grounds and facilities
existing facilities at capacity (e.g. indoor court sports, gymnastics)
development pressure on privately owned facilities (e.g. squash)
some minor sports have difficulty in accessing facilities (e.g. table tennis)
inadequate water access (e.g. sailing, rowing, canoeing)
lack of on-land storage facilities (e.g. rowing, canoeing, outriggers)
insufficient support amenities (e.g. shade, toilets)
some courts at capacity (e.g. netball)
demand for expansion (e.g. netball, tennis)
insufficient support amenities (e.g. shade, toilets)
lack of specialist facilities (e.g. equestrian)
uncertainty of access (e.g. mountain biking)
clubhouse/canteen upgrades (e.g. athletics, bowls, croquet)
demand for lighting (e.g. bowls)
viability concerns (e.g. bowls, croquet)
Detailed feedback on levels of satisfaction with existing land areas/facilities is outlined in the Supporting Resources
Volume 1 (Locality of Interest Summaries).
Sunshine Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026 67

6.3.4 Awareness of funding opportunities
Most clubs had good awareness of funding support available to them, especially gambling
benefit funds (see Figure 8: Awareness and applications for funding by sport and recreation
organisations). There was less awareness of the Community Partnerships Programs offered by
Sunshine Coast Council and the Department of Communities – Sport and Recreation Services.
Figure 8: Awareness and applications for funding by sport and recreation organisations
68 Sunshine Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026

6.4 Schools surveys
All 88 schools on the Sunshine Coast were sent
a questionnaire to determine:
►►
►►
►►
school usage of community sport and
recreation facilities and how adequately these
facilities meet their needs
school facilities that are available for
community use and type of use occurring
plans for new/upgraded school facilities
and whether or not they will be available for
community use.
Twenty-eight schools responded to the survey.
Twenty of these schools had facilities that were
available for community sport, of which 15 were
regularly used. All schools were satisfied with
council facilities they used for school sport with
the exception of:
►►
►►
Mooloolah Valley Country Club – feedback
that grounds are often too wet to play on,
inadequate toilets
Beerwah Aquatic Centre – feedback that
space is often limited due to the large number
of schools in the area.
Twenty-three schools indicated that they are
planning/constructing indoor sports facilities
– most with Federal Government Economic
Stimulus package funding. The functionality
and likely availability of these facilities for
community sport is unknown. Outdoor playing
fields, athletics tracks, indoor sporting facilities
and swimming pools were the public facility
needs most frequently stated by schools as
being essential.
6.5 Community survey
Some 70 residents completed an on-line
questionnaire advertised in local media to seek
community attitudes about sport and recreation
opportunities and priorities on the Sunshine
Coast. It must be noted that this low number
of respondents is insufficient for the survey
to be viewed as a representative sample. It
is nevertheless useful to see if the findings of
this small sample, support other consultation
outcomes.
The survey was completed mostly by females
(60.3 per cent) which is normal for research of
this nature. There was a fairly even distribution
of age groups in the households represented;
and a reasonably even spread of responses
from across the Sunshine Coast.
The vast majority of respondents (95.4 per cent)
had participated in sport or organised recreation
during the previous 12 months, with most
(81.3 per cent) being a member of a club
– predominantly swimming, tennis, surf life
saving, soccer or gymnastics.
6.5.1 Importance/performance of sport and
recreation facilities
Respondents were requested to rate the
‘importance’ and ‘performance’ of a range
of sport and active recreation facilities. In
analysing this question the focus should be on
the ‘gap’ between importance and performance
– particularly in relation to those items that are
rated as high in importance. As illustrated in
Table 7: Importance and performance ratings
for attributes of sport and recreation facilities,
walk/cycle paths and sports fields were, by far,
the attributes that are not meeting expectations.
Again this finding must be treated with caution
due to the low sample size. 8
8
For example, golf was seen as being of relatively low
importance which is inconsistent with the popularity
of this activity at a state level (see Section 5.2:
State Sporting Association Membership). On the
other hand, walk/cycle paths ranked as the highest
importance which is consistent with state wide
surveys of participation in physical activity (see
Section 5.3: ERASS Surveys).
Sunshine Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026 69

Table 7: Importance and performance ratings for attributes of sport and recreation facilities
Attribute
Mean for
importance
Mean for
performance
Importanceperformance
gap
Ranking
Walk/cycle paths 4.66 2.63 -2.03 ▼ ▼
Sports fields 4.19 3.05 -1.14 ▼ ▼
Multi-use trails in natural areas 4.08 3.16 -0.92 ▼
Facilities for the staging of major
spectator-based sporting events
3.57 2.75 -0.82 ▼
Exercise facilities in parks 4.02 3.30 -0.72 ▼
Aquatic facilities (e.g. swimming pools) 4.29 3.62 -0.67 ▼
Indoor sporting facilities 3.77 3.13 -0.64 ▼
Facilities for court sports 3.82 3.30 -0.52 ▼
Facilities for equestrian competition 2.66 3.15 -0.49 ▀
Facilities for competitive cycling
(e.g. mountain bike, track, BMX)
3.48 3.09 -0.39 ▀
Facilities for non-powered boating 3.64 3.28 -0.36 ▀
Facilities for surf sports 3.88 3.77 -0.11 ▀
Facilities for running/endurance sports
(e.g. triathlon)
3.77 3.66 -0.11 ▀
Health and fitness facilities 3.79 3.87 0.08 ▲
Facilities for ‘greens’ sports 3.37 3.54 0.17 ▲
Golf courses 2.94 3.87 0.93 ▲
Legend
1 = Least important or least adequate.
5 = Most important or most adequate.
▼ ▼
▼
▀
▲
Well below expectations
Below expectations
At or slightly below expectations
Exceeds expectations
There were no significant differences in importance-performance gap on any of the attributes based
on gender. Importance performance gaps could not be assessed against a range of other relevant
variables, including age, household composition or locality due to lack of numbers in the sample.
70 Sunshine Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026

6.5.2 Adequacy of opportunities by
community sector
Respondents were asked to rate the adequacy
of sport and active recreation opportunities
for specific sectors of the community. Many
people responded ‘don’t know’ to this question.
‘People with disabilities’ were ranked as the
sector of the community with the least adequate
provision of sport and recreation opportunities
(only 9.5 per cent of respondents cited current
provision as ‘adequate’).
6.5.3 Priorities for sport and active
recreation
Survey respondents stated what they perceived
were the three highest priorities for improving
sport and active recreation in the Sunshine
Coast area. The most frequent responses
related to walk/cycle paths, 9 more/improved
land areas facilities, or greater affordability of
opportunities (see Table 8: Top priorities for
sport and active recreation).
9
While walk/cycle paths are outside the scope of
this study, this option was included in the survey
to provide a broader context as it is known from
previous research (see Section 3.3: Excluded
Activities) that walking is a popular physical activity.
Table 8: Top priorities for sport and active recreation
Priority for Sport and ACTIVE Recreation
Improve/more walk and cycle ways (e.g. Coastal Pathway, better maintenance, more
required, more shade)
Number of
respondents
More/improve facilities (larger, more land allocated, safer, upgrade existing) 13
Affordability (reduce costs, family and junior fee reductions, cheaper council programs
required)
Assistance/support for clubs (financial/in-kind) 8
Disability access (facilities, access, disability ‘friendly’ activities etc.) 6
Accessibility (improve access, transport hubs etc.) 6
Stadium (including velodrome) 5
Swimming facilities (improve/upgrade pools) 5
Safer environments 4
Make more land available for facilities 3
16
11
Sunshine Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026 71

7 Sports land and indoor facilities

7.1 Sports reserve land
7.1.1 Quantity and quality of land
Sunshine Coast Council's Open Space Strategy
sets out standards for the quantity and quality
of land for recreation and sports parks that
needs to be secured to service the estimated
additional residents of the Sunshine Coast
over the period 2006-2026. Council’s Desired
Standards of Service identifies that 2 hectares
per 1000 residents is required for land for sports
reserves and facilities.
The Strategic Leisure Group has developed
a quantitative model (Predictomatic ©) for
estimating both likely demand for sporting
activities and the actual capacity of sporting
fields and facilities to meet community demand.
This demand analysis model estimates the
area of land and number of facilities required
to serve a given population. The model is
based on statewide participation data in various
sports 10 and allows for some adjustment in
terms of operating capacity of specific facilities
(e.g. lighting, down times for maintenance).
Based on current data and future population
estimates, and taking into account peak usage
demand times and participation numbers that
can be accommodated for different activity
types, the model identifies a minimum of 1.8
hectares per 1000 persons to meet current
participation needs for sports reserve land.
However, given the unreliability of participation
figures in more marginal sports and the need
for ancillary infrastructure, council’s supply
standard of 2 hectares per 1000 residents is
strongly supported. It reflects:
►►
►►
►►
an accepted standard across many councils
in Queensland
continuation of previous standards of
provision which operated in Caloundra and
Noosa. While not fully achieved it is evident
from this study that there is significant
undersupply in many localities
a land supply rate that has been shown to
meet likely demand modelled on current
participation for the majority of sports.
Securing adequate land will be influenced by
the availability/cost of land in growth areas
(especially high density urban environments)
and the quality of the land that is available,
which in turn, impacts on potential functionality
as well as development and maintenance costs.
Land which may be cheaper to acquire may
be less suitable for sporting use and the total
cost of development and ongoing management
(e.g. periodic remediation after flood events)
may add to the lifecycle cost and exceed that
of more expensive acquisition options. Another
key difficulty in the supply of land for sport is its
accessibility and provision of opportunities within
reasonable travel times. As the population on the
Sunshine Coast is spread along a 55 kilometre
long linear corridor, it is not possible to use
the surplus in one locality to meet a deficit in
another, unless they are close to each other.
The Desired Standards of Service for sports
reserve land contained in council’s Open Space
Strategy describe a suitable quality of land to
be made available (e.g. size, proximity, shape,
slope, road frontage, flood immunity, freedom
from hazards) as well as a reasonable access
radius for sporting land. Given the concerns
raised throughout the consultation process about
the lack of land currently available for sport and/
or poor quality of land (e.g. flood prone, too
small) the acquisition of suitable land for sport
with sites distributed across the region will be a
critical task over the next 15 years.
From analysis of council’s Open Space Strategy,
there is an overall shortfall in the supply of sports
reserve land on the Sunshine Coast of more
than 100 hectares, with 28 of the 44 Localities
of Interest having a shortfall in supply. 11 By
2026, population growth will result in a much
larger deficit of sports reserve land unless
planning is undertaken to address this situation.
The shortfall in land by Locality of Interest is
illustrated in Map 2: Shortfall/surplus of sports
reserve land by locality – as at 2010 based
on known ABS 2006 population and Map 3:
Projected shortfall/surplus of sports reserve land
by locality – as at 2026 population.
10
Data based on Queensland Participation rates in
Exercise, Recreation and Sport Survey (ERASS),
2008. Australian Sports Commission and state and
territory governments; and Children’s Participation in
Sport Survey, 2006. ABS.
11
Data supplied by council is based on supply of
Sports Reserve land as at 2010 and estimated
population as at 2006. This undersupply will have
been exacerbated in recent times, as it is likely
some 25,000-30,000 new residents will have been
accommodated on the Sunshine Coast since 2006.
Sunshine Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026 73

7.1.2 Notional numbers of playing
areas/facilities
Using the demand analysis model
(Predictomatic ©) and council’s population
estimates to 2026 a projection of demand for
playing areas/facilities has been prepared.
While future participation in individual sports
is difficult to predict, our modelling suggests
that by aggregating projections of demand into
‘like’ categories (e.g. grouping of field sports,
outdoor court sports, indoor sports) a more
robust estimate of land and facility needs can
be provided. Predictions for individual (nonaggregated)
sports are much less reliable as
there is increased reliance on smaller samples
in the ERASS data as well as uncertainty in
participation shifts within groups.
The projected number of playing areas/
facilities in Table 9: Notional number of playing
areas/facilities and land area required to
service additional residents by 2026 should
be considered notional only. The model is
designed to generate spatial demand for
aggregated sport types such as field sports,
based on current participation data and the
modelling of size and capacity of facilities in a
general sense. It provides an insight into the
potential requirement for fields and facilities
across sports but should be treated with
caution as it does not accommodate shared
use models, likely shifts between codes, or
changes in the mode of participation (i.e. formal
competition versus social competition).
The estimate of additional facility needs is
based on state and national sport and active
recreation participation data from ERASS
and ABS surveys. 12 There are issues with all
data sets due to the size of the sample and/
or the narrowness of the collection tool. While
ERASS data identifies both formal and informal
participation, in some sports the sample size
is too small to be reliable and there are often
regional variations in participation.
12
Data based on analysis of Queensland Participation
rates in the Exercise, Recreation and Sport Survey
(ERASS), 2008. Australian Sports Commission
and state and territory governments; Children’s
Participation in Sport Survey, 2006 ABS.
74 Sunshine Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026

Table 9: Notional number of playing areas/facilities and land area required to service additional
residents by 2026
Sport
Field sports
Based on modelling ERASS and ABS children’s participation data
Indicative
participation
Athletics/track and field 2063 ►►
Baseball 497
►►
Cricket (outdoor) 4736
Australian rules football 2368
Gridiron 1145
Rugby league 4762
Rugby union 2266
Football (outdoor) 9603
Touch football 7426
Hockey (outdoor) 1880
Softball 640
Outdoor court sports
Netball 5433 ►►
Tennis 9401
►►
Outdoor green sports
Bocce 0 ►►
Croquet 0
Lawn bowls 2633
Indoor sports
Badminton 631 ►►
Basketball 4670
►►
Cricket (indoor) 1462
Football (indoor) 3300
Hockey (indoor) 0
Netball (indoor) 1814
Volleyball 2407
Squash/racquetball 1603
Facilities and total area required ha
►►
►►
5.5 athletics facilities at a total area of 19.2 ha
63.5 rectangular playing fields at a total area of
110.4 ha
28.3 oval fields at a total area of 88.14 ha
4.1 other (specialised) fields at a total area of 8.12 ha
8 outdoor netball courts at a total area of 1.5 ha
45 tennis courts at a total area of 8 ha
2.5 bowls greens at a total area of 0.6 ha
15 indoor courts at a total area of 1.8 ha
10 squash courts at a total area of 0.3 ha
Sunshine Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026 75

Sport
Other indoor sports
Based on modelling ERASS and ABS children’s participation data
Indicative
participation
Boxing 1259 ►►
Carpet bowls 229
Gymnastics 1255
Martial arts 3614
Table tennis 945
Dancing 2633
Fencing 0
Yoga 2862
Aquatic
Swimming 20,821 ►►
Water polo 114
Aquarobics 1259
Other
Other outdoor 6166 ►►
Beach/river/ocean 6183
Facilities and total area required ha
►►
►►
13 boxing/martial arts/yoga centres at a total area of
0.52 ha
1.3 gymnastics centres at a total area of 0.18 ha
6 ‘other’ indoor centres at a total area of 1.53 ha
3.3 aquatic centres at a total area of 5.7 ha
Generalised allowance for outdoor sports (incl.
archery, equestrian, shooting, mountain biking,
motocross) at a total area of 32 ha
Total area = 278 ha
NB: Excludes golf, beach/river/ocean sports and motor racing. Participation is a function of sufficient facilities to meet
demand. In situations where there is an undersupply of facilities and an unmet ‘latent’ demand, the participation figures
may under-report the actual demand. The model excludes regional variances in participation.
76 Sunshine Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026

7.2 Facility design – field/outdoor sports
7.2.1 Potential for shared use of facilities
Field and outdoor sports that have the capability of sharing facilities are outlined in Table 10: Field
and outdoor sports that could share facilities.
Table 10: Field and outdoor sports that could share facilities
Australian football
Athletics
Baseball
Bowls (lawn)
Cricket
Croquet
Cycling – BMX
Cycling – mountain bike
Cycling – track
Equestrian – cross country
Equestrian – dressage
Equestrian – polocrosse
Equestrian – showjumping
Golf
Hockey (outdoor)
Orienteering
Rugby league
Rugby union
Soccer
Softball
Touch football
Triathlon
Australian football x x
Athletics x x x x x x
Baseball
Bowls (lawn)
Cricket x x x x x x x
Croquet
Cycling – BMX
Cycling –
mountain bike
x
x
Cycling – track
x
Equestrian –
cross country
x
x
Equestrian –
dressage
x
x
Equestrian –
polocrosse
x
x
Equestrian –
showjumping
Golf
x
x
Hockey (outdoor)
x
Orienteering
x
Rugby league x x x x
Rugby union x x x x
Soccer x x x x
Softball
Touch football x x x x
Triathlon
x
Sunshine Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026 77

7.2.2 Potential for co-location of facilities
Field and outdoor sports that have the capability of being co-located are outlined in Table 11: Field
and outdoor sports that could be co-located.
Table 11: Field and outdoor sports that could be co-located
Australian football
Athletics
Baseball
Bowls (lawn)
Cricket
Croquet
Cycling – BMX
Cycling – mountain bike
Cycling – track
Equestrian – cross country
Equestrian – dressage
Equestrian – polocrosse
Equestrian – showjumping
Golf
Hockey (outdoor)
Orienteering
Rugby league
Rugby union
Soccer
Softball
Touch football
Triathlon
Australian football
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Athletics
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Baseball
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Bowls (lawn)
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Cricket
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Croquet
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Cycling – BMX
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Cycling –
mountain bike
X
X
X
X
X
Cycling – track
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Equestrian –
cross country
X
X
X
X
X
Equestrian –
dressage
X
X
X
Equestrian –
polocrosse
X
X
X
Equestrian –
showjumping
X
X
X
Golf
X
X
Hockey (outdoor)
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Orienteering
X
Rugby league
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Rugby union
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Soccer
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Softball
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Touch football
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Triathlon
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
78 Sunshine Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026

7.2.3 Indicative sports reserve design
An indicative mix of activities and spatial requirements for a sports reserve of more than
20 hectares is described in Table 12: Indicative elements, chargeable components and spatial
requirements and illustrated in Map 4: Notional layout of 20+ ha sports reserve. This is intended
as a guide only and assumes the entire land area available has no constraints to development for
sport (e.g. hazards, easements, creek corridors, bushland). The actual layout of areas acquired for
sport will depend on demands evident at the time of development. The land use will differ for each
site depending on land quality and other constraints.
Table 12: Indicative elements, chargeable components and spatial requirements
Element/facility Approx ha Costing basis Comment
Oval fields x 2 4.8 Chargeable to
ICP
Rectangular fields
x 4 (senior)
Rectangular fields
x 3 (junior)
Outdoor courts –
tennis
Outdoor courts –
netball
Indoor sport and
recreation centre
Shared change,
storage and shade
areas
Operational and
plant storage
Shared parking
hubs
Bike ways and
pathways
5.2 Chargeable to
ICP
1.2 Chargeable to
ICP
0.9 Chargeable to
ICP
0.8 Chargeable to
ICP
0.5 Not chargeable
to ICP – needs
alternative
funding
0.15 Chargeable to
ICP
0.1 Chargeable to
ICP
2.5 Chargeable to
ICP
0.4 Chargeable to
ICP
Accommodates a shared use senior AFL/cricket (turf
only)/athletics field plus junior AFL/training field
Accommodates 4 x senior rugby league/rugby union
or soccer fields. Mix of fields could accommodate
two of these three sports. Each senior field can
accommodate 2 x shared use touch fields. (A cricket
pitch, synthetic or turf, could be accommodated
between two rectangular fields with a 6 m safety
zone on either side of the pitch. This configuration
is functional if the 2 rectangular playing fields do
not need to be floodlit. If rectangular playing fields
needed to be floodlit the cost of lighting fields for
soccer/rugby league/union would be substantially
higher as light towers would need to be placed in
oval format. This extra cost may not be feasible.)
Allows for multi-use junior fields which could
accommodate junior sport while senior use of other
fields (in any code) is occurring
Allows for 8 outdoor courts and circulation space
which is generally regarded as the minimum number
of courts required for commercial viability (could be
developed over time)
Allows for 8 courts and circulation. Could be
developed over time and complemented by indoor
court facilities
Allows for 3 courts plus multi-use programming
areas, health and fitness space, change rooms,
admin/kiosk. Could be co-located with outdoor
netball courts. Could service other areas as main
meeting/function space
Allows for 3 hubs to service the 2 field sport areas
and court sports areas (approx 360-630 m 2 each)
Allowance for machinery, plant and other storage
Shared hubs to service field sports and court sports.
Accommodates approx 1100-1200 car parks
Approx 2 km x 2 m width
Sunshine Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026 79

Element/facility Approx ha Costing basis Comment
Clubhouse/
function and
meeting rooms
0.1 Not chargeable
to ICP – needs
alternative
funding
Not necessary if indoor centre is provided as it could
provide all meeting functions
Traffic circulation 0.45 Chargeable to
ICP
0.9 km of 6 m wide internal circulation
Total 17.0 Excludes clubhouse as Indoor Sport and Recreation
Centre included
Public recreation
park
Allowance for
drainage
Allowance for
buffering
1.5 Chargeable to
ICP
1.0 Chargeable to
ICP
2.0 Chargeable to
ICP
Allows for inclusion of a public park/district level
recreation park
Estimate at 5 per cent of site area
Estimate a 20 m buffer on 2 sides
Total 21.5 Includes recreation park, drainage and buffering
7.3 Indoor facilities
There are four dedicated gymnastics venues on
the Sunshine Coast, two of which (Maroochy
and Noosa) are at capacity and unable to cater
for demand. There are four multi-court squash
centres. Like other privately owned squash
centres elsewhere around Queensland, these
facilities are understood to be under pressure
to be developed for other purposes with
consequent loss of opportunity. Table tennis
has low participation numbers on the Sunshine
Coast but is seeking a home base for the
sport. Many indoor sport and active recreation
activities such as martial arts, calisthenics,
yoga, indoor bowls take place in small church
halls, community halls, school halls, small
privately owned facilities and community
centres.
The nature of participation patterns and social
trends in indoor sports courts is such that the
vast majority of community demand occurs
during weekdays from 4.00 pm onwards
and on weekends from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm.
Outside these hours there is typically little
community use of indoor sports venues. From
our experience, and empirical sources such
as CERM data, 13 indoor facilities that include
broader recreational components (such as
health and fitness components, indoor/outdoor
aquatic facilities, or programmable spaces) are
likely to have higher levels of utilisation outside
these peak times. There are four multi-court
facilities on the Sunshine Coast available for
community use:
►►
►►
►►
►►
Caloundra Indoor Stadium (4 courts)
University of the Sunshine Coast (3 courts)
Matthew Flinders Anglican College (2 courts)
Noosa Leisure Centre (2 courts).
13
The University of South Australia’s Centre for
Environmental and Recreation Management
(CERM) is recognised nationally for the development
of performance indicators for indoor sport and
leisure centres. CERM PI ® data measures
median operational management efficiency (cost
recovery, maintenance, catchment usage rates,
secondary spending etc.) and customer service
quality (customer satisfaction, profile of attendees,
performance against expectations etc.) across a wide
range of subscriber centres throughout Australia.
80 Sunshine Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026

With the exception of a time slot here or there,
these facilities are reported as being at capacity
for peak time use from 3.30 pm (Caloundra and
Noosa) and 5.00 pm (University). The Nambour
PCYC and 16 schools throughout the Sunshine
Coast region have indoor halls of some
description that are available for community
sport and recreation use. Some 21 schools
indicated they were planning or constructing
indoor sporting facilities of some kind, mostly
with Federal Government education sector
stimulus funding. Until designs are finalised
the extent to which these proposed facilities
will be suitable for indoor community sport is
not known. It is understood that all proposed
facilities would be the equivalent of single
court halls, with the exception of Meridan State
College which is building a 2-court facility with
removable stage.
The indicative catchments served by existing
multi-court indoor sports court facilities on
the Sunshine Coast are illustrated in Map 5:
Estimated indicative service catchment of
existing indoor multi-court sports facilities as at
2006 and Map 6: Estimated indicative service
catchment of existing indoor multi-court sports
facilities as at 2026.
NB: The notional catchments of existing and proposed
single court school facilities in schools are not mapped.
While suitable for some competitive activities
and training purposes, single court facilities in
schools frequently have design limitations; are
not fully functional for conducting competitions
in court sports as only limited player numbers
can be accommodated in an evening – which
increases the burden on volunteers due to the
need for competitions to be staged at multiple
locations; or lack amenities for socialising.
Based on previous modelling work undertaken
by Strategic Leisure Group for other south east
Queensland local authorities, the indicative
catchments able to be served by multi-court
indoor facilities are estimated as:
►►
2-court = 23,375
►►
3-court = 35,062
►►
4-court = 46,750.
Single court facilities have been estimated to
have an indicative catchment of:
►►
1-court (non-school) = 11,687
►►
1-court (school 14 ) = 9350.
14
With two exceptions, all existing/planned indoor
facilities in schools are single courts. School
facilities are often constrained in their availability for
community use as a result of school use expanding
into afternoons (e.g. active after school programs)
or requirement for school use at other times. For this
reason their catchment population has been reduced
by 20 per cent. Single court school facilities lack the
functionality for competitions in court sports.
Sunshine Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026 81

7.4 Sharing of court sports
7.4.1 Potential for shared use
Indoor and outdoor court sports that have the capability of sharing facilities are outlined in
Table 13: Court sports that can share facilities.
Table 13: Court sports that can share facilities
Badminton
Basketball
Beach volleyball
Bocce
Bowls (indoor)
Boxing
Darts
Futsal
Gymnastics
Hockey (indoor)
Martial arts
Netball (indoor)
Netball (outdoor)
Squash
Table tennis
Tennis (indoor)
Tennis (outdoor)
Volleyball
Weightlifting
Badminton X X X X X X X
Basketball^ X X X X X X X
Beach volleyball
X
Bocce
X
Bowls (indoor) + X X
Boxing X X
Darts + X X
Futsal X X X X X X X
Gymnastics *
Hockey (indoor) X X X X X X X
Martial arts + X X X X
Netball (indoor) X X X X X X
Netball (outdoor)^
Squash
Table tennis X X X X X X
Tennis (indoor) X X X X X X
Tennis (outdoor)^
Volleyball X X X X X X
Weightlifting X X
NB: Indoor facilities should consider health and fitness areas, meeting spaces, area for occasional child care, co-location
with aquatic facilities, and opportunities to service outdoor areas
+
Indoor bowls tends to utilise smaller community centres/halls rather than larger indoor sports courts
* Gymnastics can share with court sports for larger events. Large indoor centres should include holding plates to
accommodate apparatus. For introductory level gymnastics only, equipment can be set up and removed for each activity
and hence sharing at this level is possible with other indoor sports
^ Outdoor netball, basketball and tennis can share multi-marked courts. However this is suited only to single courts
(mostly in schools) used for informal, social play
82 Sunshine Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026

Sunshine Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026 83

8 Economic benefits of sport
The research process for this study
included a desk top analysis of available
information on major sporting events held
on the Sunshine Coast and extrapolated
data on the economic benefits of sport to
the Sunshine Coast region.
Nine major organised sporting events have
been identified on the Sunshine Coast. Two of
these attract significant international exposure –
namely the Australian PGA Golf Championship
and International Rally of Queensland.
It is estimated that the Australian PGA
championship generates a direct economic
impact of more than $11 million per annum
(Queensland Events, 2010). No economic
impact studies were available for the other
major organised sporting events identified on
the Sunshine Coast.
A review of existing literature highlighted that
the economic contribution of sport occurs
through a number of channels, as summarised
in Figure 9: Economic contribution of sport.
In reviewing a number of studies relating to the
impacts of sport, a number of findings emerged,
including:
►►
►►
The gross cost of physical inactivity in
Australia is estimated at $1.5 billion per
annum, with the gross direct costs highest for
falls and coronary heart disease.
Average workforce productivity in Australia
could increase by approximately 2 per cent
if those persons currently physically inactive
became physically active. This would yield an
increase in GDP of approximately 1 per cent
per year, or roughly $12 billion in 2008-09.
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
The current annual investment in elite sports
in Australia is approximately $167 million or
$20 per household per year; within the range
the average Australian household would be
willing to pay per year to support the success
of Australian athletes.
Youths who participate in sport regularly were
less likely to report low levels of self esteem
and were more likely to be satisfied with their
body image.
A positive association was established
between participation in sport and social
integration, cohesion and community
development, which in turn had an
association with lower crime rates.
Smaller scale community based events
have the potential to reap a greater rate
of return than large scale events that
require significant capital investment and
involvement from outside organisers.
Higher levels of visitor expenditure were
recorded in areas with more developed retail,
hospitality and entertainment facilities.
Sporting visitors are likely to spend between
$80 to $120 per day when attending a
regional sporting event.
84 Sunshine Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026

Social utility
Private goods
Public goods
Increased
consumption
Social cohesion
Success
at elite level
Reduced
health costs
Increased
production
Increased GDP
Increased
productivity
Increased
physical activity
Volunteers
Community programmes Public policy for sport sector Elite programmes
Figure 9: Economic contribution of sport
Source: Frontier Economics
Indicative economic impacts of participation in
sport within the Sunshine Coast include:
1 It is estimated that expenditure related to
organised sport and aquatic facilities on the
Sunshine Coast is $5.27 million in 2010, or
approximately $42 per household. 15
2 Assuming that the volunteer contribution
per capita to sporting activities is evenly
distributed throughout Australia, the value
of volunteer contributions to sports within
the Sunshine Coast in 2006 would have
accounted for approximately $56.5 million. 16
15
Figure calculated by augmenting the results of the
most recent ABS Household Expenditure Survey.
Australian Bureau of Statistics (2006) Household
Expenditure Survey, Detailed Expenditure Items,
2003-04, February 2006.
16
The contribution of volunteers to sports and social
services allows for less costly provision of sports and
social services. ABS (2008) reported that sport and
recreation accounts for approximately 33 per cent
of all volunteers and 26.5 per cent of volunteer
hours based on 2006 survey data. On this basis,
Frontier Economics (2010) estimated that the value
of sporting volunteer contributions to the Australian
economy at $3.9 billion.
3 Assuming a physical activity rate for the
Sunshine Coast similar to the national
average, a ten percent increase in the
region’s physical activity rate would
generate productivity benefits that would
result in an increase in Sunshine Coast
gross regional product of approximately
$10.7 million based on the region’s 2007
gross regional product estimate. 17
17
Assumptions are based on the following: Frontier
Economics, The Economic Contribution of Sport to
Australia (Jan 2010) cites research that indicates
that labour force productivity could be improved
by approximately 4 per cent by those workers that
become physically active. Medibank Private, The
Cost of Physical Inactivity (Aug 2007) estimated the
physical activity rate of the Australian population at
approximately 54 per cent. Sunshine Coast Council
(2009) estimated the region’s 2007 gross regional
product at approximately $9.95 billion. It is assumed
that there is a 50 per cent proportional relationship
between productivity gains and gross regional product
growth (improvements in gross domestic product from
productivity gains are typically half that of the actual
productivity gains) and a physical activity rate for the
Sunshine Coast similar to the national average.
Sunshine Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026 85

Table 14: Major sporting events on Sunshine Coast
Event name Location
2010
dates
Description
National/International
Australian PGA
Championship
Hyatt Regency
Coolum
2-5
December
The Australian PGA Championship is considered
to be one of the oldest and most distinguished
golfing tournaments. The event is staged
annually on the Robert Trent Jones course at the
Hyatt Regency Coolum.
International
Rally of
Queensland
Marcoola 30 July –
1 August
The International Rally of Queensland will be
Round 4 of the prestigious FIA Asia Pacific Rally
Championship and Round 5 of the Australian
Rally Championship.
Noosa Triathlon
Multi Sport
Festival
Various locations
within the Noosa
area
27-31
October
Key event at the festival is the Noosa Triathlon,
which incorporates a 40 km cycle, 10 km run
and a 1500 m swim. The other thirteen events
include shorter triathlons, cycling only events,
running only events and golf.
Mooloolaba
Triathlon Festival
Various locations
in Mooloolaba
26-28
March
Key event at the festival is the Mooloolaba ITU
World Cup (individual) and Mooloolaba Triathlon
(individual and teams), which incorporate a
40 km cycle, 10 km run and a 1500 m swim.
Other events include 5 km run, 1 km ocean
swim, a cycling only event and kids’ triathlon
event.
Outrigger
Canoe National
Marathon Titles*
Mooloolaba
Outrigger Canoe
Club, Mooloolaba
Marina
10-11 April A range of six-person outrigger canoe marathon
events, 3-22 km in length.
Sponsorship
Local
Govt
State
Govt
Corporate
Estimated
participation
156 competitors
in 2009
Anticipated to
attract more than
1000 competitors
2911 participants
in the individual
triathlon in 2009
2435 participants
in the individual
triathlon in 2010
66 teams
participating in
the long course
event in 2010
86 Sunshine Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026

Event name Location
2010
dates
Description
Regional/State
Sunshine Coast
Winter Bowls
Carnival
Various bowls
clubs on
Sunshine Coast
15 June –
7 August
A range of lawn bowls carnivals on the Sunshine
Coast.
Noosa Winter
Festival
Various locations
within Noosa
22-23 May The Noosa Winter Festival comprises three
events, these being the Noosa Running Festival
(half marathon, 5 km and 10 km courses), the
Noosa Century (160 km cycle) and Noosa Blue
Water Swim (2 km ocean swim).
Etchells Winter
Championship
Mooloolaba 10-13
June
An annual yachting event held by the
Mooloolaba Etchells fleet.
Sponsorship
Local
Govt
State
Govt
Corporate
Estimated
participation
Approximately
1300 competitors
916 participants
in the half
marathon in 2009
55 yachts in 2009
Sunshine Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026 87

9 Maps
Sunshine Coast Localities of Interest
1 Beerwah
2 Belli Park – Cooloolabin – Gheerulla –
Coolabine
3 Black Mountain – Ridgewood
4 Bli Bli – Rosemount and district
5 Buderim – Kuluin – Mons – Kunda Park
6 Caloundra – Kings Beach – Moffat Beach –
Shelly Beach
7 Coolum Beach – Mount Coolum – Yaroomba
– Point Arkwright
8 Cooran – Federal
9 Cooroibah – Ringtail Creek
10 Cooroy
11 Currimundi – Aroona – Battery Hill – Dicky
Beach
12 Doonan – Weyba Downs – Verrierdale
13 Eumundi – Eerwah Vale – North Arm –
Bridges
14 Glass House Mountains – Beerburrum –
Coochin Creek – Bribie Island North
15 Golden Beach
16 Ilkley – Eudlo and district
17 Kin Kin – Cootharaba and district
18 Kureelpa – Kiamba
19 Lake Macdonald – Tinbeerwah – Cooroy
Mountain
20 Landsborough – Mount Mellum
21 Little Mountain – Caloundra West – Meridan
Plains – Bells Creek
22 Maleny – Witta – North Maleny
23 Mapleton – Flaxton – Obi Obi
24 Marcoola – Twin Waters – Pacific Paradise –
Mudjimba
25 Maroochydore
26 Mooloolaba – Alexandra Headland
27 Mooloolah Valley – Diamond Valley –
Balmoral Ridge – Bald Knob
28 Mountain Creek
29 Nambour – Burnside and district
30 Noosa Heads
31 Noosaville
32 Palmwoods – Chevallum – Montville –
Hunchy
33 Peachester – Crohamhurst – Booroobin –
Wootha
34 Pelican Waters
35 Peregian Beach
36 Peregian Springs
37 Pomona – Pinbarren
38 Reesville – Conondale – Kenilworth
39 Sippy Downs – Palmview
40 Sunrise Beach – Sunshine Beach – Marcus
Beach – Castaways Beach
41 Tewantin
42 Woombye
43 Wurtulla – Buddina and district
44 Yandina – Yandina Creek and district
88 Sunshine Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026

Sunshine Coast Districts & Localities of Interest
Map 1: Sunshine Coast wide, districts and Localities of Interest
17
KIN KIN
Rural 4
BOREEN
POINT
8
COORAN
37
POMONA
9
COOROIBAH
3
10
COOROY
19
41
Urban D
TEWANTIN
NOOSAVILLE
NOOSA
30 HEADS
SUNSHINE
BEACH
31
40
Rural 3
EUMUNDI
12
35
PEREGIAN
BEACH
BELLI
PARK
13
36
2
YANDINA
44
COOLUM
7
MOUNT
COOLUM
KENILWORTH
CAMBROON
Rural 2
38
CONONDALE
WITTA
23
22
MALENY
33
18
MAPLETON
27
PEACHESTER
1
29
NAMBOUR
16
MOOLOOLAH
VALLEY
20
4
LANDSBOROUGH
BEERWAH
GLASS HOUSE
MOUNTAINS
BLI BLI
MARCOOLA
25
24
MUDJIMBA
FLAXTON
WOOMBYE
MAROOCHYDORE
42
KUNDA
5 PARK
MOOLOOLABA
BUDERIM
PALMWOODS
26
MONTVILLE
Urban C
FOREST
32
GLEN
25
SIPPY
DOWNS
EUDLO
Rural 1
Urban B
PALMVIEW
43
39
CURRIMUNDI
LITTLE
MOUNTAIN
11
21
Urban A
CALOUNDRA
SOUTH
34
15
6
CALOUNDRA
14
0 5
10 20
±
Kms
BEERBURRUM
BRIBIE
ISLAND
Sunshine Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026 89

Map 2: Shortfall/surplus of sports reserve land by locality – as at 2010 based on known ABS 2006 population
90 Sunshine Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026

Sunshine Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026 91

Map 3: Projected shortfall/surplus of sports reserve land by locality – as at 2026 population (if no new land provided)
92 Sunshine Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026

Sunshine Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026 93

Map 4: Notional layout of 20+ ha sports reserve
94 Sunshine Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026

Sunshine Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026 95

Map 5: Estimated indicative service catchment of existing indoor multi-court sports facilities as at 2006
96 Sunshine Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026

Sunshine Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026 97

Map 6: Estimated indicative service catchment of existing indoor multi-court sports facilities as at 2026
98 Sunshine Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026

Sunshine Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026 99

Appendix 1: Prioritisation criteria for capital recommendations
In order to prioritise the recommendations of this report, in particular those with budget implications,
the following criteria has been developed. The criteria builds on the guiding principles (see Section
1.2: Guiding Principles) to ensure consistency. It is assumed that in terms of council’s capital budget
projections, projects that have already commenced would have a higher ranking than new works
outlined in this Plan. The suggested weighting for each criterion is shown in brackets.
Criteria
Strategic context
Low compliance with criteria = 1
Very high compliance with criteria = 5
Score
Activity(ies) have high participation (w1) 1 2 3 4 5
Consistent with identified trends in participation
(e.g. social) (w1)
Identified as a shortfall in the Open Space Strategy
(w2)
Consistent with State Sporting Organisation
direction (w1)
Complies with council policy on support not-for-profit
groups (w1)
1 2 3 4 5
1 2 3 4 5
1 2 3 4 5
1 2 3 4 5
Part of an endorsed master plan (w2) 1 2 3 4 5
Identified as a high need in the Sunshine Coast
Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026 (w2)
1 2 3 4 5
Identified as a high need in other council strategies 1 2 3 4 5
Part of a master planned area (w1) 1 2 3 4 5
Economic and environmental sustainability
Existing facility/area is at capacity (w2) 1 2 3 4 5
Likely to increase operating efficiency or significantly
reduce operating costs (w1)
1 2 3 4 5
Has high likelihood of partnership funding (w1) 1 2 3 4 5
Has minimum impact on sensitive environmental
areas (w1)
Provides likelihood of economic benefit to the region
(e.g. events) (w1)
Has minimal impact on future council operating
expenditure (w2)
1 2 3 4 5
1 2 3 4 5
1 2 3 4 5
Social equity
Benefits multiple community/user groups (w1) 1 2 3 4 5
Area is accessible for informal recreation out of
hours (w1)
1 2 3 4 5
100 Sunshine Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026

Criteria
Infrastructure provision and club sustainability
Low compliance with criteria = 1
Very high compliance with criteria = 5
Score
Addresses needs in a high growth catchment (w2) 1 2 3 4 5
Addresses lack of facility provision (w2) 1 2 3 4 5
Maximises use of an existing facility (w1) 1 2 3 4 5
Beneficiaries (if a club) have demonstrated financial/
management capacity (w1)
Improves the functionality of land (e.g. drainage,
lighting, amenities, parking) (w2)
1 2 3 4 5
1 2 3 4 5
Addresses safety/risk management considerations
(w1)
If not addressed, there is a high risk exposure to
council (w2)
1 2 3 4 5
Accessibility and mobility
Improves accessibility and/or participation
opportunities for people with disabilities (w2)
1 2 3 4 5
Urban character and amenity
Addresses urban amenity issue(s) (w1) 1 2 3 4 5
Indicative capital cost to council
Item has no cost to council (w2) 5
Item has low cost to council ($1m) (w1) 1
Readiness to proceed
Already commenced (w1) 5
Item ready to commence (w1) 3
Item yet to obtain necessary approvals (w1) 1
Overall Ranking
Sunshine Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011-2026 101

www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au
mail@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au
T 07 5475 7272 F 07 5475 7277
Locked Bag 72 Sunshine Coast Mail Centre Qld 4560
10075 10/11