2019-11-12 S&O Agenda - Item 8 - Attachment 1 - Draft Cooroy Sports Complex Master Plan

5.       Demand Analysis
The Complex is multi-use and caters for a variety of sports, clubs, schools and the community. Previous
Council planning objectives are for sport and recreation facilities to be fit for purpose, with efficient use of
resources and minimal impact on the environment. Other key considerations from other planning
documentation include:
     •    Multi-use outcomes;
     •    Environmentally sustainable design outcomes;
     •    External funding contributions;
     •    A variety of not-for-profit and commercial use and multiple management models;
     •    Maximised use of facilities;
     •    Encourage maximum participation outcomes;
     •    Ensure built form and public realm offer high standards of pedestrian accessibility and comfort;
     •    Improve safe and convenient pedestrian and cyclist connections; and
     •    Protect the well-established network of open space including parkland, sports fields and nature
          reserves.
Recent upgrades of the cricket training nets were the only items identified by Queensland Cricket for
improvement. The location, number and alignment of the nets requires reviewing to optimise their use,
safety of other facility users and the expansion options of the gymnastics centre.

Several elements of the 2007 Master Plan were not addressed. This may be as a result of the difficult funding
environment in Queensland for sport and recreation facilities over the past ten years. On this basis, the
current master plan must be realistic and consider the difficult funding environment that remains.

The Complex is 16.3ha (approx.) in total area, with the northern portion (Pony Club and Car Club) separated
by Mary River Road along the northern frontage. The site is a mix of Council-owned freehold and Crown Land
with Council as Trustee or leased direct to the rugby league club. The majority of the site supports the use
as a sport and recreation precinct as it is zoned Open Space Recreation. Small parcels of the site are zoned
Open Space Conservation. Any potential development into these areas is problematic and costly.

Facilities are generally ageing across the site with increasing maintenance costs and amenities that do not
meet current standards or participants’ requirements. Improved vehicular, active transport and pedestrian
movement outcomes are required in order to improve safety and accessibility; ensuring a contribution to the
Council and community desire to increase cyclist and pedestrian access/ use. Increasing the functionality of
the car parking network is a priority.

The site is heavily impacted by flooding, with part of the site within a riparian buffer and to the north of the
pony club site, it adjoins the Cooroy sewage treatment plant.

The population profile of Noosa suggests sport and recreation facilities will need to cater for both ends of the
age spectrum (children and older adults). This suggests a mix of formal sport and informal gentle exercise/
walking facilities will be required. Accessibility to and throughout the Complex will be of equal importance.

Increased recreation opportunities will cater for more of the Cooroy community.

Football (soccer), gymnastics and rugby league are some of the highest participation sports for children in
Queensland and will likely require continued access to sports infrastructure that is affordable for groups and
users. As sports increase recreational or altered formats, facilities and amenities may need adaptation.



Noosa Council  Cooroy Sports Complex Master Plan 2020-2030  Draft                                         Page 27