A glimpse into the future potential for ‘The Common’

Published on 21 September 2022

The Common.jpg

Rockhampton Regional Council has released its long-term vision for The Common and is asking the community to have their say on the draft Master Plan.

Parks Sports and Public Spaces Councillor Cherie Rutherford said the future is looking bright for one of our region’s key sporting and recreational precincts.

“The vision for The Common is to create a multi-purpose sporting and recreational precinct, taking advantage of its attractive open spaces, natural setting and capitalising on and promoting the impressive backdrops of the Berserker Ranges, Fitzroy River and Rockhampton CBD.

“Improving spaces like The Common are critical to enhancing the social fabric of our community and also play an important role in improving our physical and mental wellbeing,” Cr Rutherford said.

“They are also an essential part of our economy, supporting the tourism sector, major events, recreation businesses and associated jobs in our community.

“Taking a master planned approach for the future development of The Common will allow us to build and improve the facilities and amenity of the site in a coordinated way over time. It aims to improve how the community uses and connects with this beautiful open space which is right on the door step of our CBD.

“Over the past few years, we have worked very closely with the clubs that currently use this space to identify their challenges and future needs.

“While Council’s budgets are currently under pressure, it is important that we continue to put long term plans in place that can be activated as funding and investment opportunities arise for both Council and individual user groups.”

Divisional Councillor Grant Mathers said the long term vision for the site will provide the region with a precinct that builds on the existing facilities which are already delivering strong benefits to our sporting community.

“These sporting clubs and facilities are such an important and popular asset to our community - enhancing the surrounding precinct will be a big win for all concerned,” Cr Mathers said

“This master plan captures how the site may be developed, taking into consideration its existing uses and natural constraints. Council’s initial focus will be on the improvements to the passive recreation elements such as the foreshore pathway network connecting to the Fitzroy River Bridge and into the CBD and improvements to the river bank that will allow family’s to picnic and fish by the river.

“How wonderful would it be to have such an attractive recreational precinct right on the on the doorstep of the CBD?”

To have your say on the draft Master Plan for The Common, visit: https://engage.rockhamptonregion.qld.gov.au/

Consultation Closes 11 October 2022.