Nambour Showgrounds Master Plan
Sunshine Coast Council
Purpose
The Nambour Showgrounds required a new 15-year strategic blueprint due to the expiration of the previous master plan. This master plan aimed to address the site's high utilisation, the region's population growth, and showground’s space constraints. The economic and social impact assessment of the site was also reevaluated as part of this process.
The Showgrounds makes a significant economic contribution to the Sunshine Coast region as the host of several major events including the Agricultural Show and the Garden Expo which attract >30,000 visitors. The site is also an important provider of facilities for community sport and recreation activities including tennis, cricket, equestrian, darts and badminton, and provides a home for community groups such as lapidary (gems and stones), motorsport, craft and poultry. Outdoor facilities are extensively used for equestrian activities and the site is categorised as the Sunshine Coast’s Council-wide equestrian centre - hosting major equestrian events for up to 200 horses.
Approach
The master plan considered the present and future sports and active recreation demands, community and commercial event and exhibition requirements, as well as the role of the facility as a disaster evacuation centre. It also took into account the diverse needs of various equestrian disciplines and the showgrounds' role in placemaking for Nambour's revitalization. Consultation with users and Council informed a thorough evaluation of the existing site layout and infrastructure, addressing the need to replace ageing infrastructure and work within the site constraints. CPR Group's expertise in showgrounds and equestrian planning was fully leveraged to meet the technical and functional needs of equestrian and livestock users within the master plan.
Outcomes
The Nambour Showgrounds Master Plan envisions the site as a thriving community hub with a pivotal role in the Sunshine Coast region's social and economic fabric. With effective management, the plan strives to maintain a balance between the showground's roles as an event centre, sports and community facility provider, and disaster evacuation centre. It supports the continued hosting of major events, such as the Sunshine Coast Show and the Queensland Garden Expo, and strengthens the showgrounds' role as the Council-wide equestrian centre while accommodating the growing needs of sports, recreation, and community organisations.
