Growing a bright future! PLACE + Beerwah PLACE + Beerwah
I Introduction Action Plan Background Key Community Action From November 2011 to January 2012, council invited the local community, businesses, council branches and state government departments to participate in an extensive engagement process to inform the future direction of Beerwah. Subsequently, community members were then invited to form focus groups. From February to April 2012 these groups worked with council s project offi cers to create a draft action plan for Beerwah, based on information collected from the initial community and stakeholder engagement. This draft action plan was then circulated across council for internal feedback for achievability and to include relevant council initiatives. Through the development of the Community Action Plan one action has been identifi ed that has the ability to greatly infl uence further outcomes due to its catalyst nature and would be instrumental to the community s development. This action would be supported by Council to assist with its facilitation. Community to develop an umbrella group to form the governance framework and facilitate delivery of the, through coordination of existing groups and associations. Robust Economy 1.0 Innovation & Creativity Great Governance Ecological Sustainability Beerwah Governance Health & Well-being Social Cohesion Managing Growth Access & Connectedness The fi nal outcome has produced two action plans based around implementation by the: Local Community, and Sunshine Coast Council 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 Planning Infrastructure & Environment Community Business & Economy Council Action Plan Project No.: 21313 Version: 3 Date Created: 12 March 2012 Date Printed: 09 August 2012 Author: Sunshine Coast Council Project Manager: Jamie Franklin PLACE + Beerwah 2
V Vision Community Vision Growing a Bright Future The Beerwah community has a vision for its town to grow a bright future. Beerwah will retain its country feel, build a vibrant, safe and pedestrian friendly town centre, work towards environmental sustainability, create a cohesive and healthy community, balance growth with quality of life, continue tourism links with the Glasshouse Mountains and strengthen local business into the future. Focus Groups 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 Robust Economy Ecological Sustainability Innovation & Creativity Health & Well-being 5.0 Social Cohesion 6.0 Access & Connectedness 7.0 Managing Growth 8.0 Great Governance PLACE + Beerwah 3
1 Robust Economy 1.1 REVIEW SUCCESSFUL TOWNSHIP CASE STUDIES 1.1.1 Review successful tourist hubs across the region such as Maleny, Montville and Pomona. 1.2 PLACE IDENTITY & MARKETING 1.2.1 Business to investigate funding opportunities and/or partnerships to develop place identity and marketing strategy for Beerwah and surrounding Glass House Country region (linked to Sunshine Coast Destinations Limited and Queensland Tourism). These hinterland towns have successfully maintained and grown their identity through street ambience, good business mix and branding (e.g. hinterlandtourism.com.au). - PRIMARY IDENTITY: GLASSHOUSE COUNTRY Embrace the strengths of surrounding Glasshouse Country townships, working in collaboration with the broader district. - SECONDARY IDENTITY: BEERWAH - HEART OF THE GLASSHOUSE COUNTRY Promote Beerwah as Heart of the Glass House Mountains, acting as the major service provider for the Glasshouse region. with possible liaison with Sunshine Coast Destination Limited and Queensland Tourism 1.1 Review successful township case studies Quick Win 1.3 CAPTURING TOURISM SECTORS 1.3.1 Business to develop and promote the Glass House Country Discovery Trail, showcasing the region s significant environmental, recreational, agricultural and cultural heritage attractions. Discovery trail to capture tourism sectors including: - Eco-tourism - Family Adventure tourism - Backpacker market - Accommodation mixes - Recreational vehicles - Wedding and seminar venues 1.4 WEBSITE & SOCIAL MEDIA 1.4.1 Business to investigate funding opportunities and/or partnerships for development of website and social media initiatives to promote Beerwah and the Glass House Country. Liaison with Sunshine Coast Destination Limited for possible affiliation, with linkages to: - maps, brochures, events calendar, business directory, promotional DVD and community radio initiatives - existing websites of Beerwah.org & - social media technology (e.g. Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Blogs). / Sunshine Coast Destination Limited 1.5 CAPTURE RV MARKET (RECREATIONAL VEHICLE or CARAVAN) 1.5.1 Investigate funding opportunities to undertake feasibility study to develop Beerwah as a RV friendly destination. Possible liaison with Sunshine Coast Destination Limited in regard to a study to identify: - Links to existing state or regional RV strategies and associated infrastructure requirements - Opportunity to convert RSL bowling green to overnight RV stop point (40 vehicles) - Opportunity to link RV stop points in Beerwah including Australia Zoo, Gowinta Farms and Sports Grounds. - Marketing links to Camping Australia & Caravan Guides with possible liaison with Sunshine Coast Destination Limited PLACE + Beerwah 4
1 Robust Economy 1.6 INFORMATION CENTRES 1.6.1 Investigate funding opportunities and/or partnerships for production of Beerwah tourism material and brochures 1.7 ATTRACTING NEW BUSINESS 1.7.1 Investigate funding opportunities for development of a business case for Beerwah. 1.8 IMPROVING EXISTING BUSINESS Brochures to be distributed from the Glass House Information Centre along with other prominent tourist locations. - Business case to gain awareness in the market place and promote Beerwah s competitive advantage. - Leverage Councils regional business investment brand - Natural Advantage. with possible liaison with Sunshine Coast Destination Limited 1.4 Develop website & social media initiatives Quick Win 1.8.1 Investigate opportunities for local business to develop improvements to business and customer service. Initiatives may include: - Maximise utilisation of Councils Business Ezy program - Business retention & expansion program, shop makeover program, customer service and visual merchandising training, new residents information toolkit and business & community guide 1.9 BUSINESS MIX & REDUCING ESCAPE EXPENDITURE 1.9.1 Investigate opportunities for local business to undertake market analysis and customer research Market analysis to inform needs of: - business mix, targeted tenancy and shop locally strategy 1.9.2 Investigate opportunities for local business to engage with property owners to assess shop and factory improvement initiatives. Initiatives may include: - Leverage Councils regional business investment brand - Natural Advantage - Working with key sites, attracting inward investment, guidelines to building improvements and vacant shop programs PLACE + Beerwah 5
2 Ecological Sustainability 2.1 NETWORK ENVIRONMENTAL GROUPS 2.1.1 Identify opportunities for establishment of an umbrella environmental community group in partnership with SCC s Environmental Operations. 2.1.2 Set up networking opportunities and promote community partnerships across the Glass House Country region for environmental groups to see where they can assist one another. 2.2 PRESERVE, IMPROVE & EXTEND WILDLIFE CORRIDORS - SCC can assist with advertising, call for membership through Community Conservation Partnerships Local Groups and individuals that may be linked via topic of Environmental Sustainability : - GROUPS: Glasshouse Mountains Advancement Network (GMAN) ; Barung Landcare; Land for Wildlife; Waterwatch/Landcare Mooloolah; Australia Zoo & Wildlife Hospital; Sunshine Coast Environment Council; Ewan Maddock Dam Fish Group - INDIVIDUALS: Beth Hodge; Coochin Creek Rogers ; The twins (bird girls); Bat group (Sandra); Koala rescue group; Birdwing Butterfly Group (local rep); Note: Wildlife hospital should have contact details. Ops) Ops) 2.1 Network environmental groups Quick Win 2.2.1 Investigate opportunities for revegetation along the riparian corridor of Coochin Creek and its tributaries 2.3 CONTROL EXOTIC SPECIES 2.3.1 Liaise with council s Environment Operations and Waste & Resource Management regarding the development and implementation of an educational program on weed species and litter management. - Community environmental groups to drive this process Ops) - Council to provide existing strategic information Ops, Waste & Resource Management) 2.4 PROMOTE USE OF LOCALLY NATIVE SPECIES 2.4.1 Identify and promote use of locally native species for Beerwah and surrounds. 2.5 CONTROL OF FERAL ANIMALS - The Sunshine Coast Biodiversity Strategy (Appendices) has a list of significant flora and fauna species in the region. DERM has a species list for Beerwah State Forest and Beerwah Forest Reserve - Refer to Council publication Our Locals our Beauties Council (Transport & Engineering, Environment Ops) 2.5.1 Discuss with council s Environment Operations and Response Services (Healthy Places) regarding implementation of feral animal management programs e.g. foxes, dogs Ops, Community Response) 2.6 PROTECTION OF SIGNIFICANT ECOSYSTEMS 2.6.1 Investigate with DERM that the locally significant wetlands are mapped in DERM s Wetland Info to ensure adequate legislative protection - Identify fauna species list within water catchment areas for Beerwah - Investigate opportunities for protection of environmental significant land backing onto Coochin Creek. Policy, Environment Ops) 2.6.2 Encourage private land owners/developers to preserve significant vegetation and improve the ecological value of land with high quality vegetation. - Investigate using Council s Conservations Partnerships program to assist/funding opportunities Policy, Environment Ops) / State Govt 2.6.3 Investigate funding opportunities to carry out further water quality monitoring on Coochin Creek (Mooloolah River Waterwatch and Landcare) - Investigate findings from State Qld Healthy Waterways (2 monitoring points) - Council Waterways Operations have some water quality monitoring data for Coochin Creek since January 2007 Ops) PLACE + Beerwah 6
2 Ecological Sustainability 2.7 DEVELOP ECO-TOURISM Quick Win 2.7.1 Lobby State Government to progress actions identifi ed in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland Nature Based Tourism Plan, 2009 (Liase with other organisations like Queensland Outdoor Recreation Federation, Queensland Rogaine Association, Bushwalking Queensland etc to promote the region) - utilise the natural attractions for interpretative experiences of the local flora and fauna, bird watching, Aboriginal customs and traditional way of life - promote walking trails, cycling, mountain bike riding and horse riding - develop opportunities and lobby State Government for a Glass House Mountains Family Adventure Precinct including an upgrade of the walk experience around the base of Mt Tibrogargan and to the peak of Mt Ngungun State / Council (Environment Policy) 2.2 Preserve, improve & extend wildlife corridors 2.7.2 Seek funding and identify existing trails/walks to create map for leaflets/websites etc for recreational and tourism use - see www.derm.qld.gov.au/parks/glass-house-mountains/about.html#walking_tracks). - Seek assistance from the Glasshouse Bushwalkers Club Inc (www. glasshouse.bwq.org.au ) or the Sunshine Coast bushwalking Club ( www. sunshinecoastbushwalkingclub.com ) Ops) 2.7.3 Identify funding opportunities to develop connections of the existing walks/trails on suitable land around Beerwah and extending into Glass House Country. State / Council (Commercial and Procure, Environment Ops) 2.7.4 Promote Beerwah and its environmental values at the Beerwah Garden Expo each May 2.8 ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION 2.8.1 Investigate opportunities with the schools to promote local sustainability initiatives: - Promote sustainable transport options to/from school - Encourage uptake of Living Smart Homes program outcomes to students - Support Fauna Watch initiatives - Provide guided ecological walks around local area - Promote educational outdoor classrooms & walks within school grounds. (Educational garden, composting, veggie garden, worm farm) Schools 2.9 SUSTAINABLE DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION 2.9.1 Investigate opportunities for houses/ neighbourhoods/co-operative to group together and achieve financial discounts with energy providers to achieve social, economic and green environmental awareness 2.10 ENVIRONMENTAL MESSAGING 2.10.1 Explore options with Australia Zoo, schools, library, GMAN and Council to assist with development and implementation of environmental messaging. - The Sunshine Coast Biodiversity Strategy (Appendices) has a list of significant flora and fauna species in the region. DERM has a species list for Beerwah State Forest and Beerwah Forest Reserve - Refer to Council publication Our Locals our Beauties Australia Zoo, schools, library, GMAN, Council (Environment Ops) 2.11 PUMICESTONE CATCHMENT & ESTUARY MANAGEMENT PLAN 2.11.1 Review Pumicestone Catchment and Estuary Management Plan once complete to determine if there are any opportunities/impact for Beerwah area. Policy Strategic Planning) PLACE + Beerwah 7
3 Innovation & Creativity 3.1 ARTS & CULTURE COMMUNITY 3.1.1. Investigate opportunity to undertake a cultural awareness workshop, highlighting the existing artistic and cultural expertise within town. 3.1.2 As a part of the Local Public Art Strategy provide input into integrated art in the streetscape. The cultural awareness workshop could lead to: - Expressions of interest for development of Beerwah Arts & Culture Committee - Creation of Beerwah Arts & Culture Directory linked to the Community Hub (for people and groups with expertise or interest in arts &culture). Community ideas: - Capture the significance of the mountains, traditional owners and early pioneering and agricultural heritage of the area - Tie the mountains back into the town centre through historical footpath / heritage trail - light local flora and fauna species - Utilise recycled materials. (eg pineapple crates for street furniture or public art project). - Consider opportunity to paint mural (eg. Retravision building, corner of Simpson St and Peachester Road). - Consider artistic flags for main street to mark entry into Beerwah. Liaison with Council s Community Hub database Council (Masterplan & Streetscape Team) 3.1 Undertake a cultural awareness workshop Quick Win 3.2 LOCAL CREATIVE & CULTURAL PARTNERSHIPS 3.2.1 Liaise with Beerwah local schools to identify opportunities for stronger creative partnerships between youth and the wider community. Opportunity to develop the Schools, Art & Town Alliance. - leading to annual projects such as the Beerwah tourism poster competition, Beerwah Schools 3.2.2 Investigate partnerships with the indigenous elders of Beerwah and identify opportunities for extending understanding of local indigenous heritage. The Glass House Country Festival currently holds an Indigenous Dreaming storytelling event. In collaboration with the traditional owners, the opportunity exist to: - Capture traditional stories and publish for a small fee to cover cost (distributed through Beerwah Library) - Build upon existing video consultation with indigenous elders to create educational History & Hopes DVD. Indigenous Community 3.3 BROAD CREATIVE & CULTURAL CONNECTIONS 3.3.1. Explore feasibility of the Beerwah Boomerang Project, promoting Beerwah to Australia and the world. 3.4 ARTS & CULTURAL EVENTS The project would inspire the community and motivate its youth. - a traditional boomerang could be created and engraved with Beerwah Boomerang Project. - Associated educational website developed and media launch to follow the Boomerang around the world - This could form part of a schools english language and geography program Indigenous Community / Schools 3.4.1. Investigate opportunity to include a community Open Garden Show as extension to the Glass House Country Sustainability & Garden Expo. For the last two years the expo has held a schools garden competition, which could be further enhanced by a community Open Garden Show (liaise with Rotary Club of the Glass House Mountains). Rotary Club of the Glass House Mountains / Schools 3.4.2. Investigate feasibility of a Summer Sunday Music Series to be held in Turner Park and balcony of Beerwah Community Hall. This initiative could build upon the winter Sundayze Series and AMPED Youth Week. - In partnership with HCDA, BADYACC, local schools and the Sunshine Coast Youth Orchestra. Liaison with Council (Community Services) PLACE + Beerwah 8
3 Innovation & Creativity 3.5 VACANT SPACES PROGRAM 3.5.1. Liaise with real estate agents about opportunity to utilise vacant spaces for artists/cultural projects and community groups requiring short term start up space. 3.6 ART-TOURISM 3.6.1. Investigate feasibility of annual Mountain Light Show to creatively promote Beerwah s scenic mountain setting. 3.7 CELEBRATING LOCAL HERITAGE AND CREATIVITY To be staffed by volunteers providing contact information of local artist or community group eg.- Townsville vacant spaces program - Mill Place retail store at the Cooroy Library A weekend festival during which the mountains are illuminated for a period of time each night (solar powered). Potential to apply large-scale projection technologies Real-estate agents / Artists/ Community Groups / Beerwah Umbrella Group with possible liaison with Sunshine Coast Destination Limited 3.2 Liaise with local schools for creative partnerships Quick Win 3.7.1. Liaise with the Rotary Club of the Glass House Mountains to identify opportunity to strengthening Beerwah s role and presence within the Glasshouse Country events such as the Glasshouse Country Sustainability and Garden Expo. Add to the festival information about the region s history from the early times of the indigenous community to the first settlers, and through the region s farming changes. Representation of local growers at markets could be increased as a vehicle for promoting local produce. Other draw card activities may include pineapple bowling, speed woodchop / creative woodcarving, traditional dance and boomerang throwing. - Refer to: www.glasshousecountryfestival.com.au/ Rotary Club of the Glass House Mountains 3.7.2. Investigate feasibility of developing Artistic Expo to be coordinated by proposed Beerwah Arts & Culture Committee. Artistic Expo open to all members of the community and held at Community Hall. Could incorporate painting, drawing, pottery, woodwork, metalwork, printing, music, amateur theatre etc. Art Community PLACE + Beerwah 9
4 Health & Well-being 4.1 COMMUNITY SAFETY 4.1.1 Identify opportunities and requirements for 24 hour policing in Beerwah. 4.2 COMMUNITY SUPPORT & PARTNERSHIPS 4.2.1 Investigate opportunities for partnering with not-for-profit community support organisations on the Sunshine Coast. 4.3 INCREASED HEALTH SERVICES Community to lobby state government to assess and review need for increased policing For example: - United Synergies provide support for young people, families and communities, with particular emphasis on those experiencing some form of disadvantage, to assist them in achieving their full potential. State United Synergies 4.2 Partner with not-forprofi t organisations 4.1 Lobby State Government for increased policing 4.3.1 Identify opportunities and requirements for an increased number of medical and social services and community to lobby accordingly. - For example: dental, pathology, Medicare, Centrelink, hospital and a community health care centre. - Investigate opportunity created by development of the Kawana Health Precinct, including the Public and Private Hospitals State / Business 4.4 FITNESS TOURISM & EVENTS 4.4.1 Identify opportunities for promoting the Glasshouse Country as a mountain fitness and outdoor recreation region consistent with recommendations from the following strategies: - SEQ Outdoor Recreation Demand Plan - Sunshine Coast Recreation Trails Plan - Sunshine Coast Nature Based Tourism Study For example: Health, well-being and mountain fitness could be incorporated into a distinctive new branding for Beerwah. Fitness tourism could capture fitness groups including: - Cycle groups (road riding and mountain biking) - Hiking & bushwalking - Orienteering and adventure racing - Horse riding / Beerwah Umbrella Group with possible liaison with Sunshine Coast Destination Limited PLACE + Beerwah 10
5 Social Cohesion 5.1 TURNER PARK AS CIVIC HEART 5.1.2 Identify opportunity for community based projects, events and outdoor meeting spaces to be located in Turner Park. 5.2 A CONNECTED COMMUNITY Community ideas for Turner Park include: - Annual events, farmers markets, festivals, outdoor cinema, coffee karts, exercise classes - Develop feature park entrance and create better visual and physical connections to community hall and library - Identify open space and amenity improvements to increase diversity of use - Opportunity for major attractor playground to create a family adventure precinct, linking with the Glasshouse/Landsborough playgrounds, Australia Zoo, Big Kart and Aussie World - Enhance existing wetlands/wildlife through construction of interpretive pathways and seating rest areas - Improve drainage, pathway connections and crossing points - Investigate parking opportunities for cars, buses and drop off points Turner Street or to southern portion of park Community Groups / Council (Community Services / Infrastructure Services) 5.4 Promote youth support networks 5.2 Promote community networks 5.2.1 Promote community networks and connection of residents through use of the Community Hub, Facebook, Glass House Country News, notice boards and possible neighbourhood centre. Community networks to support car pooling, house sitting, dog minding, meeting reminders, setting up new groups/clubs etc. Council s Community Hub database 5.2.2 Establish neighbourhood information centre located at the CWA (or similar), where newcomers can learn more about the community. 5.3 A STRONG COMMUNITY Glass House Country Community Cooperative has already commenced delivery of this action. Glass House Country Community Cooperative 5.3.1 Engage broadly across the community (individuals and organisations) to gauge opinion for the establishment of a neighbourhood centre/flexible community space 5.3.2 Identify the availability of alternative community meeting spaces developing community and private sector partnerships. 5.4 YOUTH DEVELOPMENT Liaise with council to identify if existing community buildings can be utilised or associated affordability issues addressed with existing Council facilities Encourage access to schools, church halls, Beerwah Hotel and RSL. Schools / Churches / Private venues 5.4.1 Promote existing youth support networks including the Beerwah and District Youth and Community Centre (BADYACC) Identify further support requirements for BADYACC. State 5.4.2 Consult with the local police about the possibility of establishing a Police Citizens Youth Club (PCYC) for Beerwah This club could arrange supervised youth events, such as beanbag cinema, or a blue light disco. State 5.4.3 Explore opportunities for community groups to work with State Government to implement an engagement and diversionary program for young offenders. For example: Graffiti action day, painting electricity boxes, a skate park clean up, and creative responses in graffiti hotspots. State 5.5 COMMUNITY GARDENS 5.5.1 Identify community members who are keen to establish a community garden network. - Investigate use of council parkland for the development of a public community garden - Community gardens to be encouraged at nursing homes - Promotion of edible gardens & composting in private houses/land Council (Parks & Gardens) PLACE + Beerwah 11
6 Accessibility & Connectedness 6.1 IMPROVING PUBLIC TRANSPORT 6.1.1. Community to lobby state government for improvement to public transport services and infrastructure. Community upgrade requests include: - bus transfers to Peachester and the Blackall Range - improvements to timetabling and prices so trains are more affordable and convenient. - improved toilet amenities at the railway station - developing an attractive and safe environment around the railway station State 7.1 Establish community reference group for Public Domain Masterplan 6.1 Lobby State Government to improve Public Transport 7 Managing Growth 7.1 PUBLIC DOMAIN MASTERPLAN 7.1.1 Community reference group to work collaboratively with Council in development of the Public Domain Masterplan Community Reference Group to be consulted in the masterplanning design phase and collaborate with council to provide local knowledge in the development of the Public Domain Masterplan and inform streetscape works Council (Transport & Eng. Services) 7.2 REVIEW OF DRAFT PLANNING SCHEME 7.2.1 Community to review Draft Planning Scheme when available and provide timely feedback to council. 7.3 PROXIMITY TO CALOUNDRA SOUTH Ensure vision and values of the local community are achieved including: - response to the growth of Beerwah consistent with its role as a Major Regional Activity Centre and Community Hub - enhancement of town character and identity, whilst allowing appropriate level of development - mixed use, commercial, retail and residential density requirements in new development to cater for future population - residential development with 3-4 storey walk up height limit in mixed use and multiple housing areas - active street frontages, design for climate, spaces between buildings for mountain glimpses, formal and informal seating opportunities, outdoor dining spaces and public art - ensure local laws are responsive to business requirements Council (Strategic Landuse Planning) 7.3.1 Ensure widespread knowledge and understanding of plans for Caloundra South to enable the community to capitalise on potential. - Community to make submissions on Caloundra South plans - Community to advocate for an appropriate level of public transport between Beerwah and Caloundra South for work, leisure, commerce, schooling etc. State PLACE + Beerwah 12
8 Great Governance 8.1 COMMUNITY GOVERNANCE MODEL 8.1.1 Community to develop umbrella group to form the governance framework and facilitate delivery of the, through coordination of existing groups and associations. 8.2 PARTNERSHIPS - Community to develop indicators and monitor performance delivery of the to achieve vision. Council (Community Development) 8.2 Develop strong community partnerships 8.1 Develop community umbrella group 8.2.1 Umbrella Group to establish strong partnerships with the existing community groups, the local community, businesses and all levels of government - Ensure the continuation of established partnership between council and the community Community Groups/ Business 8.3 SEEK ADDITIONAL FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES 8.3.1 With council support, community groups to apply for grants in their own right, for funding of which Council is not eligible. Community grant funding opportunities include: - Gambling Community Benefit Fund (up to $30,000) - Jupitors Casino Community Benefit Fund (up to $150,000). - Council s community funding programs Community Groups / Business PLACE + Beerwah 13