Revitalisation Plan for Rainbow Beach Foreshore
Proposed sites for a visitor centre, flying fox and fitness area
As the tourism hub of the Gympie region, plans have finally been proposed for a “destination playground” to make our coast even more attractive to visiting families.
Go online and check out the new Rainbow Beach Revitalisation Plan (follow links on our website and facebook page). Adopted by council last month, they say the plan is indicative at this stage and is designed to communicate council’s vision for the Rainbow Beach foreshore and parks areas.
Suggestions look impressive however, there is no specific timeframe for implementation and no allocated funding.
Recent upgrades to Phil Rogers Park already include beautification outlined in the plan, however council states “the local community would be consulted before any proposed enhancements to the area are finalised”.
Overall, the plan includes more viewing areas, landscaping, preferred vegetation, additional shade structures, funky seating, bikeracks, drinking fountains, new amenities buildings and linked circuits (feature “deco” pathways or boardwalks through bushland edges) connecting all three parks on the foreshore.
After years of lobbying for improvements, local groups are encouraged to comment. Although council were unable to supply a date, they said public consultation will commence in the New Year with councillors and staff available for one on one appointments to discuss the plan.
For Lawrie Hanson Park, space is allocated for a Visitor Information Centre (indicative only), picnic shelters and BBQ facilities, seat node and memorial in remembrance of passed residents of Rainbow Beach.
An upgrade to the existing skatepark includes a street circuit, chill out zones, viewing areas, shelters and seating.
Making the most of shade, there are proposed climbing challenge play under the existing tree canopy, additional seating, an extra toddler focused playground and fun bicycle path surrounding the playgrounds.
In the older “Party Park” the plan highlights an upgrade to the existing playground extending play area under trees, shade and seating nodes, integration of new play challenges for all abilities and a flying fox and softfall surfacing, surrounded by a children’s bicycle path.
There are interesting plans for Phil Rogers Park: potential viewing and seating deck, disabled parking, continued upgrades to existing shelters with new skillion type and a proposed fitness area.
In front of the beach in Lions Park, there are proposed removable shelter clusters and multi-level removable deck and additional beach showers.
Rainbow Beach residents and visitors are still waiting on the steps to the beach. The plan suggests investigation of a suitable location for beach access and states the “actual location based on favourable geotechnical investigations to ensure long term sustainability of structure”.
Social Wellbeing Portfolio Councillor, Cr Rae Gâté, said “Having this plan in place will help in aligning future grant funding applications and capital works budget requests and also provides a guideline for replanting and routine maintenance which is ongoing and not funded through the capital program,” said Cr Gâté.
The draft plan will is available at all council libraries as well as online at https://www.gympie.qld.gov.au/documents/40005057/40005560/Rainbow-Beach-revitalisation-plan.pdf , be sure to contact council and have your say.
Image – In with the new – the plan included new amenities buildings, pictured the mural on the old amenities block
