Planning is underway for the future of the Rockhampton Showground and nearby Victoria Park.
Rockhampton Regional Council has announced it’s looking to engage a consultancy team to help develop a detailed Master Plan for the precinct.
Mayor Tony Williams said it’s an important first step in what will ultimately be a long-term project, bringing significant social and economic benefits to the region.
“Rockhampton already supports major sporting, exhibition and entertainment events, but if we are to attract more major events in the future, we need to improve the precincts infrastructure,” he says.
“We must ensure that any improvements to the precinct meet the needs of our community while delivering a high-quality venue, that will attract large exhibitions, world class entertainment events and national and international sporting competitions.”
Communities and Heritage Councillor Drew Wickerson says council has been talking with current users of the site and will continue to do so throughout the master planning.
“It is really important that we work with all of the stakeholders who currently use the site. The master planning process will guide council in the staged development of the precinct over time,” he says.
“This is about creating a vision and plan for the precinct that works for everyone.”
Sport Parks and Public Spaces Councillor Cherie Rutherford says plans for the precinct will support the future growth of sporting and major events for the whole community.
“Council is committed to ensuring that the showgrounds continue to be the home for major events, such as Beef Week – the largest celebration of the beef industry in the Southern Hemisphere – as well as other key events that will benefit our community for generations to come.”
