CQUniversity supports Rockhampton Regional Council's vision for new sporting precinct
CQUniversity has thrown its support behind Rockhampton Regional Council’s (RRC) vision to develop a large-scale, multi-purpose community sporting precinct at the Rockhampton North campus.
During an official announcement held at the proposed site on the eastern side of the campus (along Norman Road) on Wednesday, 4 October, the Council revealed its site masterplan, as well as immediate plans to prioritise Stage 1 of the development to deliver a new, flood-free and contemporary home for Rockhampton Netball. This will include 16 fit-for-purpose hard courts, new club facilities and change spaces and three-court indoor facility.
The full Rockhampton Sports Precinct Masterplan incorporates a six-court indoor sports centre with associated facilities, 16-court outdoor precinct, extensive grass playing fields (with the potential to be configured as either six rectangular or three oval fields) and associated club facilities, athletics facilities and car parking with transport access via Norman Road at Foulkes Street.
The long-term vision for the site also includes a community play space with playground, basketball and pickleball spaces.
RRC Mayor Tony Williams thanked CQUniversity for their support of the project by saying it is a great example of how two public organisations can work together to deliver positive outcomes for the community.
RRC Parks Sport and Public Spaces Portfolio Chair Cr Cherie Rutherford also added that the announcement of the precinct masterplan was an exciting day for the sporting community and the region.
“One of our great challenges in delivering new sporting infrastructure has always been finding flood-free land that would be large enough to cater for multi-use precincts.
“What we have unveiled is far more than just an idea – it is a real and tangible plan to create a thriving sports precinct in the heart of our region.
“I want to thank CQUniversity for their support in this initiative and I look forward to seeing the full master plan implemented and developed in the future,” said Cr Rutherford.
CQUniversity’s Chief Operating Officer Narelle Pearse said the University was excited to offer its support to the project which would deliver significant community benefit while also complementing existing facilities on the Rockhampton North campus.
“CQUniversity is very supportive of Council’s plan to co-locate an international standard, multi-purpose sporting precinct on the CQUniversity Rockhampton North campus.
“Universities act as important community hubs and co-locating this precinct on the Rockhampton North campus will benefit our staff, students, residents at Capricornia College, sporting organisations from across the region and the general community, who will all be able to access the excellent facilities set out in Council’s masterplan for the precinct,” Ms Pearse said.
Ms Pearse also said the RRC would manage all aspects of the project including community consultation.
“While the precinct will be co-located at CQUniversity’s Rockhampton North campus, this is a project being led and managed by the Rockhampton Regional Council.
“We are also very supportive of the Council’s commitment to engage the community by seeking feedback on the draft masterplan and encourage all community members including CQU staff and students to register their feedback via the Council’s website.
“We look forward to working together with Rockhampton Regional Council as they work towards making on this exciting community project a reality.”
The Rockhampton Regional Council will hold a four-week consultation and engagement period (from 4 October to 1 November) to gather community feedback, suggestions and ideas. All members of the community are encouraged to participate in the process.
More information about the project and how to participate in the consultation process is available at engage.rockhamptonregion.qld.gov.au.
