Collinsville Redevelopment Masterplan:

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1 Collinsville Redevelopment Masterplan: Promoting Tourism and Building Community in the Collinsville Region Design Proposal Prepared in February 2016 on behalf of the Collinsville Community by: Taryn Pace and Frances Mahlouzarides 4 th Year James Cook University Students completing a Bachelor of Town Planning with Honours

2 Table of Contents An Overview of Collinsville... 4 Why a Masterplan?... 4 Existing Community Facilities... 5 The Key Precincts of Collinsville... 5 Map 1: Key Precincts and Community Attractions... 5 Summary of Proposed Changes for the Collinsville Community... 6 Precinct 1 Collinsville Showgrounds The Showgrounds... 9 Map 2: Key Sites on the Showgrounds... 9 Map 3: Showgrounds Concept Plan Pathways Lighting Carpark Resurfacing Irrigation and Planting Tennis, Squash/Volleyball Court and Skate Rink Shading Precinct 2 Collinsville Memorial Park The Memorial Park Masterplan The RSL Site Map 4: Key Sites at RSL Memorial Park Map 5: RSL Memorial Park Concept Plan Collinsville Redevelopment Masterplan 2

3 New Memorial Lighting Landscaping Shaded Tables and Seating Precinct 3 Collinsville Rugby League Club Rugby League Club and RV Area Masterplan Rugby Grounds Map 6: Key Sites at Rugby League Club Map 7: Rugby League Club Concept Plan Shower and Toilet Facilities Al Fresco Cooking and Dining Road and turnaround area RV Sanitary Dump Point Promoting Local Business Community Opportunities Collinsville Redevelopment Masterplan 3

4 An Overview of Collinsville Why a Masterplan? The Whitsunday Regional Council and the Collinsville community have identified the need to create a five year redevelopment masterplan. By doing so it will assist in shaping the future development of Collinsville and reach desirable outcomes in the region. Through the creation of a masterplan for the local area, the ratepayer s money will be channeled towards achieving desirable development consistent with the overall future vision of the township. Collinsville is experiencing both a decline in population and economic activity. However with development of key precincts over a five year horizon will be an important step in revitalising the community and encourage visitors to the town. Collinsville is located approximately 80km south-west of Bowen and is situated on the northern end of the Bowen Basin coal field. The town was once a booming mining town, however in recent times the mine has downsized as a repercussion of the decrease in economic activity. Consequently, the town has seen the population decrease to 1,501 people (Centre for the Government of Queensland, 2015). Collinsville Redevelopment Masterplan 4

5 Existing Community Facilities The Key Precincts of Collinsville Through research and consultation with the local community, three main precincts of redevelopment have been identified as part of the Collinsville Redevelopment Masterplan, each serving the local community and visitors alike. The first is the Collinsville Showgrounds which is a space used by the local community. The second is the Rugby League Club which is currently not in use but has the potential to be better utilised. The third is the Memorial Park, a site which once accommodated the towns RSL Hall, and is now the home to a standalone World War II memorial. Map 1: Key Precincts and Community Attractions 1 2 Collinsville Showgrounds Rugby League Oval and RV Camping Area 3 RSL Site and War Memorial 4 Pit Pony Experience RSL Site and War Memorial Pit Pony Experience 5 Collinsville Bowls Club 6 Golf Course 57 Collinsville Main Street Bowls Club 6 8 Golf Collinsville Course Coalface Experience 7 97 Darby Main Street Munro Park 10 8 Collinsville/Scottville Collinsville s Coalface Memorial Experience Swimming Pool Collinsville has recently become a RV friendly town and as such the main focus of development is to encourage tourism within the area through the establishment of an attractive RV designated space and the addition of new attractions to entice visitors through the town. The secondary focus in on upgrading community areas for the local community to enjoy. An overview of the primary changes suggested to achieve these goals in the three precincts is detailed below. Collinsville Redevelopment Masterplan 5

6 Summary of Proposed Changes for the Collinsville Community 2016/ / Showgrounds Irrigation of Showground New bench seating around Resurfacing of carparks Large shade tree planting Showground Tree and screening planting along Shade cloth over tennis and squash Carpet Snake Creek courts Instillation of pathways linking to Roof over the skate rink other community facilities and LED lighting to illuminate pathways providing a walking track Replacement of old shed at dump point Beautification of old stockyards RSL Memorial Park Irrigation of site Large and medium shade tree Installation of new commemorative memorial Installation of toilet block planting Maintaining the old memorial New shaded picnic tables and Installation of LED feature up- park bench seating lighting for flagpole and memorials Collinsville Redevelopment Masterplan 6

7 Rugby League Club Sealing the road Creation of alfresco cooking and Creation of RV turnaround point dining area through the: Installation of shower o Revitalisaion of undercover facilities structure Revitalisation of Rugby o Installation of barbeque League Club building facilities o Tables and seating Installation of business signage Other Completion of Darby Munro Park walking track to the showground Creation of BMX track Water park feature as part of (yet accessible independently from) the Collinsville/Scottville Memorial Swimming Pool Collinsville Redevelopment Masterplan 7

8 PRECINCT 1 COLLINSVILLE SHOWGROUNDS The Showgrounds are to be a place in Collinsville dedicated to the community. Existing facilities will be reinvigorated and new facilities added, with a planting strategy aimed at beautifying and shading. Making the space more pedestrian friendly is a main aim, with the inclusion of a network of paths to connect facilities and create a walkable townscape. Collinsville Redevelopment Masterplan 8

9 The Collinsville Showgrounds The Showgrounds The Collinsville Showground site is situated centrally in the town and is home to a variety of community clubs and facilities. For an effective design, it is essential for all groups needs to be considered Map 2: Key Sites on the Showgrounds 1 12 Netball/Basket Ball Court Car Parking 2 Skate Rink 13 Skate Park 3 Youth Precinct 14 Dump Point and potable water 4 Tennis Courts 15 Carpet Snake Creek 5 Squash Court 6 Old Stock Yards 7 Multi-Purpose Sports Oval 8 Community Centre 9 Shape Up Shed 10 Lion s Den Hour Caravan and RV Rest Area Collinsville Redevelopment Masterplan 9

10 The Collinsville Showgrounds Masterplan Pathways The showground currently has no formal footpaths linking the facilities on the site. To better connect the showground facilities and provide a more pedestrian friendly area, pathways will be constructed. The style of the paths will be a broomed finish concrete, with simple style allowing costs to remain low. Map 3 shows an approximation of where the pathways will be located. At a future stage, walkways will be established to connect sites across the town and improve connectivity. Map 3: Showgrounds Concept Plan 1 Irrigated Area Lighting 2 Shaded Courts Path 3 Skate Rink Roof. Trees Creek Vegetation Resurfaced Carpark Additional Car Parking Collinsville Redevelopment Masterplan 10

11 The Collinsville Showgrounds Masterplan Irrigation and Planting The site at present has very few established trees. To create more natural shade over the area, trees will be planted around the multipurpose showground oval to shade the proposed pedestrian path. To create an instant visual change, semi-grown large shade trees will be planted. Planting of medium shade trees and other native species will also be planted along the eastern boarder of the site adjacent to Carpet Snake Creek, to beautify the space and screen the neighboring block. Accompanying the planting, irrigation will be installed in the showground oval, aiding in plant establishment and creating a green turf space within the community. Tennis, Squash/Volleyball Court and Skate Rink Shading The two tennis and one squash/volley ball courts situated on the western boundary of the site will be shaded. Shade cloth on high poles will allow play on the courts not to be interrupted, while providing a useable and comfortable space during all times of day. A roof will be constructed over the skate rink to provide shading and allow the space to be used from other uses by the community, such as markets. Lighting At present there is limited lighting across the site. To address the issue, LED lighting will be installed. Electric lighting has been recommended above solar due to the site already being connected to the mains electricity, with the option for solar lighting also possible. Lighting will be erected along to proposed pathways to provide an inviting and safe walking atmosphere across the site. The additional lighting will provide both a more desirable setting for evening walkers and a deterrent for anti-social behavior. Carpark Resurfacing Two car parking areas currently exist on the northern boundary of the site, both of which are extensively worn. To improve the parking conditions the area will be resurfaced, increasing the usability of the areas and deterring people from driving on the internal dirt roads on site. The proposed pedestrian paths will connect the carparks to the facilities across the site. Collinsville Redevelopment Masterplan 11

12 PRECINCT 2 COLLINSVILLE MEMORIAL PARK The Memorial Park will be aimed at enhancing community pride and sense of belonging. The space will provide a beautiful and significant place for people to honour and remember service persons from the local community. Collinsville Redevelopment Masterplan 12

13 The Memorial Park Masterplan The RSL Site The Collinsville War Memorial is located on the corner of Birralee and Belmore Streets. At present, the site for the Memorial Park development is vacant apart from a World War Two memorial which was erected in The monument is a cenotaph with four panels displaying the Roll Call of Honour on the front panel and the names of men who enlisted for WWII from the Collinsville district on the remaining sides. The towns RSL Hall was once located on the site, however it has since been demolished. The existing memorial has the potential to be relocated, pending consultation with the public. Map 4: Key Sites at RSL Memorial Park WWII Memorial Flagpole Trees 7 Collinsville Redevelopment Masterplan 13

14 The Memorial Park Masterplan Map 5: RSL Memorial Park Concept Plan 1 Existing WWII Memorial 2 3 New Memorial Flagpole 4 Covered Picnic Tables 5 Park Bench 6 Toilet Block 7 Existing Trees Collinsville Redevelopment Masterplan 14

15 The Memorial Park Masterplan New Memorial In keeping with the war memorial theme, a new monument will be erected to the west of the site. The feature will commemorate soldiers who have enlisted post WWII who originate from the local area. By doing so, all return service persons have an opportunity to be remembered throughout the town. A similar style to the Pit Pony Experience Donators Wall can be used for the proposed monument which will carry the style to the site. The existing flagpole will remain on site, to be use for memorial events. Lighting Lighting the new and existing memorials and flag pole will aid in creating an attractive area for locals and visitors during the evening in addition to its current day use. Feature up-lighting, similar to that surrounding the newly completed Pit Pony Statue and Donors Wall, to illuminate the memorial faces and the flag would serve to create a feature of the park in the evening while remaining a low visual impact for the surrounding residential dwellings. As the site is connected to mains power, installation of electric lighting would likely be the least costly. Collinsville Redevelopment Masterplan 15

16 The Memorial Park Masterplan Landscaping At present, the site consists of a levelled grassed area. The west side of the block has mature natives which will be maintained. On the boundary line to the north is a mango tree which will remain. To provide more shade on the site, additional large shade trees which are native or endemic to the area will be planted to expand on the limited natural shade. Irrigation will need to be implemented to water the trees as establish and maintain the park to provide a pleasant green space for users. Shaded Tables and Seating Maintenance free metal tables and chairs will be place across the site to assist in activating the space and creating an inviting environment for the community to enjoy. A similar style to the shaded area at the Lions Fruit Park will be used to visually link the town. Collinsville Redevelopment Masterplan 16

17 PRECINCT 3 COLLINSVILLE RUGBY LEAGUE CLUB The Rugby League Club will support the Collinsville community economically and socially. Enticing tourism through the creation of a welcoming RV designated area and promoting and supporting local business through signage and on-site activities will improve the economic performance of the town. The club will also maintain its identity as the Mighty Miners rugby league club, enabling the community to showcase its local talent. Collinsville Redevelopment Masterplan 17

18 Rugby League Club and RV Area Masterplan Map 6: Key Sites at Rugby League Club Unsealed Road Toilet Block Rugby Club Covered Area Rugby League Grounds Grandstand Seating Rugby Grounds The revitalisation of the Collinsville Mighty Miners Rugby League club will center around creating a designated RV and caravan rest area as part of Collinsville s recent recognition as an RV friendly town. The current 72 hour rest area located in the south eastern corner of the Showgrounds is limited in space and facilities, with no toilets or showers in close proximity to the rest area. RV tourists that stop in the area are currently utilising the amenities adjacent to the youth precinct on the opposite side of the site, leading to potential issues with safety and making both facilities less attractive to users. Additionally, the proximity to the Shape up Shed and Skate Park, couples with the barren and unshaded location makes the area unappealing for RV tourists. The under utilised Rugby League Club has therefore been recognised as an ideal location to create an attractive and useable long stay RV designated area, with the existing 72hour RV rest area (including the dump-point infrastructure) able to act as a supplementary spill-over location. Collinsville Redevelopment Masterplan 18

19 Rugby League Club and RV Area Masterplan Map 7: Rugby League Club Concept Plan Resurfaced Road RV Dump point & Potable Water Amenities Block Rugby Club Barbeque Area Turnaround Area Playing Fields Collinsville Redevelopment Masterplan 19

20 Rugby League Club and RV Area Masterplan Road and turnaround area Extension and resurfacing of the existing road at the Rugby League Grounds to create a turnaround point at the north western corner of the site is an essential aspect in making the current league club a useable RV area. The road can also be widened, to allow additional RV parking along the northern boundary of the site. An opportunity to extend the road around the perimeter of the rugby fields to create a loop driveway also exists, with this able to be carried out now or in coming years depending on budgetary restraints. RV Sanitary Dump Point Installation of an RV dump point to the existing sewerage line to the north of the amenities block will provide an additional convenience for visitors in the RV area, increasing the likelihood of tourists staying in the region. Shower and Toilet Facilities To provide an area which is inviting to RV tourists, it is proposed to upgrade the existing on site facilities. Currently, a standalone male and female toilet block exists on the eastern side of the Club building. Although showers are already situated in the Club building, extension of these external amenities to include two showers would provide facilities that are able to be open to the public at all times without risk to the Rugby Club building. The amenities block is connected to electricity, providing the potential to have either an electric or solar hot water system installed to serve the shower facilities. Al Fresco Cooking and Dining Revitalising the existing sheltered area on the western side of the League Club will provide a location for an al fresco cooking and dining area. Two automatic shut-off public barbeques and durable, maintenance free metal tables and chairs will be installed to serve both visitors to the region and members of the wider community. Collinsville Redevelopment Masterplan 20

21 Rugby League Club and RV Area Masterplan Promoting Local Business In addition to providing an inviting area for tourists, the proposed development will also aid the local community, by providing various opportunities to improve the economic performance of the town as a result of increased local and tourist activities. The sites proximity to a variety of local attractions and businesses makes it an ideal jumping-off point for visitors to explore the town, with the local bowls and golf clubs situated adjacent and a number of pubs, museums and shops in walking distance or a short drive. The installation of information signage of the region and local businesses in the area will further work to entice visitors throughout the township and encourage them to take part in local experiences which are distinctly and uniquely Collinsville. Community Opportunities The Rugby League Club site will still provide for rugby league and other sporting activities to be played on the existing fields, with both ovals and grandstand seating to remain useable by the community. In addition to serving its current and continued function as a sporting ground, creating an RV rest area will enable the site to provide many additional opportunities for the Collinsville community. The established trees and western playing field serve as a potential location to hold local markets in the shaded bushland setting, with the newly installed barbeque facilities providing an opportunity for local community organisations or schools to host weekend breakfast barbeques for RV tourists on the site. Potential also exists for the Rugby League Club to be revitalised into a Collinsville football club/museum, recognising and commemorating past teams in the community and the history of the club. Collinsville Redevelopment Masterplan 21

22 Acknowledgments Prepared in collaboration with: Whitsunday Regional Council Collinsville Lions Club Collinsville Community Association Collinsville Youth Coalition Collinsville Connect Telecentre Collinsville Shape up Shed Collinsville Tennis Club Collinsville Football Club Collinsville Rodeo Association Glencore Collinsville Taryn Pace and Frances Mahlouzarides as participants in the Collinsville Regional Experience (REX) Program With the support of: Collinsville Redevelopment Masterplan 22

23 References Centre for the Government of Queensland (CGQ). (2015). Collinsville and Scottsville. Retrieved from Whitsunday Regional Council. (2014). Collinsville War Memorial. Retrieved from Collinsville Redevelopment Masterplan 23