Sunshine Coast Council publishes draft aquatics strategy

The Sunshine Coast community has been invited to have their say on ways to guide the planning, development and management of the aquatics network across the region through to 2026 by providing input on the Draft Sunshine Coast Aquatics Strategy.

The Councilâs draft strategy, which is now available for public comment, has been developed to ensure maximum use of existing aquatic facilities and programs and to identify future developments that will increase and/or enhance community use and participation in aquatic sports and recreation.

The Draft Sunshine Coast Aquatics Strategy 2010-2026 is part of council's ongoing Our Place, Our Future campaign which aims to develop a strategic approach to planning the future of the Sunshine Coast region in partnership with the community.

Statutory and Regional Planning Portfolio holder Councillor Russell Green said council was focused on ensuring the draft strategy has addressed the ideas, aspirations and concerns of users and community members, and proposes solutions for now and into the future, stating "this study has examined future needs for the Sunshine Coast region as a whole, as well as plans for each individual aquatic facility.

"The vision of the draft aquatics strategy is to provide a diverse range of quality aquatic facilities and infrastructure across the region which positively contributes towards the Sunshine Coast's character, identity and vibrancy, and helps attain physically active and healthy communities."

The draft strategy is specific to council owned land where aquatic programs and ancillary services are delivered and where council has a defined role in that network, primarily concerned with:

• Outdoor and indoor pools;
• Spray/splash parks and aquatic interactive play structures;
• Wading pools.

The strategy is based on an assessment of current council aquatic infrastructure, demographic planning, contemporary pool design and management trends and extensive community consultation and customer feedback.

Councillor Green said aquatic facilities are unique community assets, which contribute towards significant health, fitness and social benefits for a large spectrum of the regionâs population base, adding âin a time of rapid population growth and change, it is important that council understands the role of our 12 council owned aquatic facilities.

"We want to ensure we are planning ahead to improve and provide the best match between the local demographic population and what each aquatic facility offers."

The Draft Sunshine Coast Aquatics Strategy was undertaken concurrently with the Draft Sunshine Coast Sport and Active Recreation Strategy.

Recommendations of the Draft Aquatics Strategy have been classified into the following categories:

• Planning the council owned regional aquatic network for growth and change;
• Improving management arrangements and community outcomes;
• Developing partnerships in aquatic service provision;
• Marketing and promoting the regional aquatic network;
• Sunshine Coast Council venue recommendations.

The community is invited to have its say on the Draft Sunshine Coast Aquatics Strategy 2010-2026 by sending council a detailed submission before 4.30pm, Friday 8th November 2010 at Email: mail@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au

Image: Kawana Aquatic Centre.