Western Downs residents are invited to help shape the design of Dalby's new cultural centre at Thomas Jack Park, and guide future upgrades to amenities and play equipment, to inform a masterplan for the broader Thomas Jack Park Precinct.
To ensure all Dalby residents have the opportunity to help guide the future offerings in Thomas Jack Park Precinct, Council has planned a series of public events and online activities to encourage widespread community involvement in the master plan process.
Western Downs Regional Council Mayor Andrew Smith said Council would be gathering extensive community feedback during July through pop-up 'Have Your Say' engagement booth sessions in Dalby Shopping World, a free family fun day in Thomas Jack Park and via a series of interactive online activities.
"We understand that some people in our community much prefer to get involved and share their ideas in person rather than online, so Council is inviting the community to help us form the design brief for Thomas Jack Park Precinct in a number of exciting ways," Cr Smith said.
"Thomas Jack Park Precinct is made up of a number of much-loved elements including gardens, playgrounds and play equipment, barbecues and picnic amenities, paths and park connections, car parking, visitor information centre, and of course, the parkland's green space.
"Some of the park infrastructure is nearing the end of life, and through the cultural centre engagement process, we know the Dalby community is excited to see new play and recreation offerings as part of Thomas Jack Park Precinct.
"With the integration of thoughtfully designed cultural centre facilities that include a new library, cinema, art gallery, and the visitor information centre, it's time to take a look at the bigger picture of Thomas Jack Park Precinct and develop a master plan for its outdoor play equipment, recreation areas and amenities.
"The goal is to enhance Thomas Jack Park Precinct's appeal as a community gathering place where green space and natural parkland is complemented by new ways to learn, play, be entertained, relax and socialise."
Council is inviting Western Downs residents to have a say on the future planning for Thomas Jack Park Precinct at a free family fun day in Thomas Jack Park on Sunday, 14 July 2024, from 8am to 1pm with live music, kids zone library, jumping castle, face painting, balloon art and food vendors.
"There will be a series of park mapping and visioning activities on offer at our free family fun day and our engagement team will be on hand for residents to ask questions about the project and participate in discussion around Dalby's identity and the park precinct master plan," Cr Smith said.
"We'll also be making these mapping and visioning activities available for anyone wanting to share their ideas at Council's pop-up 'Have Your Say' booth in Dalby Shopping World from 15-17 July, right outside Big W.
"For those who prefer to join the discussion and share their ideas online, we have a series of interactive activities available on Council's 'Have Your Say' webpage from 3-28 July.
"Council will also continue to meet regularly with the Community Action Panel (CAP), Youth Action Panel (YAP) and key cultural stakeholders to help formulate the concept design brief for the cultural centre.
"We're hoping to hear as many voices as possible over the next month to help guide the Dalby Cultural Centre design brief and broader Thomas Jack Park Precinct master plan and create a parkland experience that celebrates Dalby's identity as the gateway to the Western Downs."
