Nambour Showgrounds
Master Plan 2013 – 2023 (Part 1)
September 2013
© Sunshine Coast Regional Council 2013.
www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au
mail@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au
T 07 5475 7272 F 07 5475 7277
Locked Bag 72 Sunshine Coast Mail Centre Qld 4560
Acknowledgements
Council wishes to thank all contributors and stakeholders involved in the development of this document.
Disclaimer
Information contained in this document is based on available information at the time of writing. All figures and
diagrams are indicative only and should be referred to as such. While the Sunshine Coast Regional Council has
exercised reasonable care in preparing this document it does not warrant or represent that it is accurate or
complete. Council or its officers accept no responsibility for any loss occasioned to any person acting or
refraining from acting in reliance upon any material contained in this document.
September 2013
Table of Contents
1.
STUDY FRAMEWORK ......................................................................................................................1
1.1.
1.2.
2.
SITE ANALYSIS ................................................................................................................................3
2.1.
2.2.
2.3.
2.4.
2.5.
2.6.
2.7.
3.
OVERVIEW ........................................................................................ ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
VISION STATEMENT ............................................................................ ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
GUIDING PRINCIPLES ........................................................................... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
KEY MASTER PLAN INITIATIVES.............................................................. ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
MAJOR PROJECTS/PRIORITY AREAS ....................................................... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
FUTURE MANAGEMENT ............................................................ ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
8.1.
8.2.
9.
PRELIMINARY OPTIONS ........................................................................ ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
PREFERRED DIRECTION ........................................................................ ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
FEEDBACK ON DRAFT MASTER PLAN ...................................................... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
MASTER PLAN ........................................................................... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
7.1.
7.2.
7.3.
7.4.
7.5.
8.
USER GROUPS AND STAKEHOLDERS........................................................ ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
COMMUNITY CONSULTATION ............................................................... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
OTHER STAKEHOLDERS ........................................................................ ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
STRATEGIC DIRECTION .............................................................. ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
6.1.
6.2.
6.3.
7.
LITERATURE REVIEW ........................................................................... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
CONSULTATION ......................................................................... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
5.1.
5.2.
5.3.
6.
ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF NAMBOUR SHOWGROUND ................................. ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
SOCIAL BENEFITS OF NAMBOUR SHOWGROUND ....................................... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC BENEFIT OF AGRICULTURAL SHOWS ....................... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
SHOWGROUND TRENDS ....................................................................... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
BACKGROUND RESEARCH ......................................................... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
4.1.
5.
OVERVIEW ...................................................................................................................................... 3
LAND OWNERSHIP ............................................................................................................................ 3
PLANNING CONTEXT ......................................................................................................................... 5
FACILITIES ....................................................................................................................................... 6
OPPORTUNITIES AND CONSTRAINTS ANALYSIS ........................................................................................ 9
USERS AND TENURE ARRANGEMENTS ................................................................................................. 11
OPERATING PERFORMANCE .............................................................................................................. 12
SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC BENEFIT AND TREND ANALYSIS .......... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
3.1.
3.2.
3.3.
3.4.
4.
STUDY PURPOSE............................................................................................................................... 1
STUDY TEAM AND PROCESS ................................................................................................................ 1
RECOMMENDED MODEL ...................................................................... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT ....................................................................... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
ACTION PLAN ............................................................................ ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
APPENDIX 1: NAMBOUR SHOWGROUNDS - SOCIAL & ECONOMIC BENEFIT ASSESSMENT
(URBIS, 2013)
APPENDIX 2: NAMBOUR SHOWGROUNDS - CONCEPT PLAN (URBIS, 2013)
Nambour Showgrounds Master Plan 2013 - 2023
1.
S TUDY F RAMEWORK
1.1.
S TUDY P URPOSE
Page | 1
Nambour Showgrounds is a key component of the sport, recreation and event supply both in Nambour and
for the Sunshine Coast Region. It accommodates a vast array of regular community, sport and recreation
activities as well as a range of local and region-wide community events. The Nambour Showgrounds adds
considerable community life and economic value to Nambour and the Sunshine Coast. The development of
a Nambour Showgrounds Master Plan is imperative to secure the integrity, value and efficacy of this facility
into the future.
The purpose of this project was to:
Prepare a Master Plan for the Nambour Showgrounds which will provide a 10 year vision for the facility,
and identifies a clear direction on how the site will look and function in the future.
The objectives of the study were as follows:
1.2.

Develop a set of strategic directions for the Nambour Showgrounds which provide a clear vision of
the future role, form and function of the site.

The production of feasible options for the future Nambour Showgrounds site which are formed
from a thorough understanding of the site, existing and potential future user demands, Council’s
Place Making principles, best-practice design principles, and best-practice management and
governance arrangements.

The production of a comprehensive and detailed draft Master Plan which clearly informs Council
and the community of the recommended development for the Nambour Showgrounds, and is of a
suitable quality for public review.

Finalisation of a comprehensive, well-informed Master Plan for the Nambour Showgrounds which
provides a clear vision for the facility for the next 10 years.
S TUDY T EAM AND P ROCESS
The study team comprised Strategic Leisure Group (project management, background research,
consultation, strategy development), Urbis (social and economic benefit research, planning issues,
architectural concept plans) and McCormick Rankin Cagney (transport and traffic advice).
The study methodology comprised a four stage process as outlined at Figure 1 below. This report should be
read in conjunction with an earlier Situational Analysis Report (May 2012) 1 prepared for Council which
examined the site opportunities and constraints, tenure arrangements, trends and benchmarked
management arrangements.
1
Nambour Showgrounds: Situational Analysis Report. ROSS Planning. May 2012
Nambour Showgrounds Master Plan 2013 - 2023
Figure 1: Study process – Nambour Showgrounds Draft Master Plan
STUDY PROCESS
PRINCIPAL DELIVERABLES
Stage 1: Background Research and Consultation
 Background research analysis
 Site investigations
 Desktop social and economic analysis
 Analysis of transport issues
 Stakeholder engagement
 Community and Council engagement
Strategic Directions Report
Stage 2: Master Plan Options
 Information analysis
 Development of concept plan options
 Presentation of options to Council/stakeholders
 Analysis of stakeholder/Council feedback
 Determination of preferred option

Stage 3: Draft Master Plan
 Concept plans
 Indicative cost estimates
 Draft report
Stage 4: Final Master Plan
 Public review process
 Final Master Plan and report
Options Development and Assessment
Draft Master Plan and Report
Final Master Plan and Report
Page | 2
Nambour Showgrounds Master Plan 2013 - 2023
2.
S ITE A NALYSIS
2.1.
O VERVIEW
Page | 3
Nambour Showgrounds (the Showgrounds) are strategically situated close to a national highway (Bruce
Highway approximately 1.5kms), the town centre and Nambour Railway Station (approximately 1.3kms). Its
ease of access from Brisbane, and the Sunshine Coast as a whole is a competitive advantage for the
staging of a range of events.
Petrie Creek forms a natural boundary and scenic backdrop to the southern portion of the site, on the other
side of which are Nambour State School, Nambour State High School, a bowls club and croquet club.
During major events, these venues are used for parking. The northern boundary comprises a small pocket
of residential properties and Bli Bli Road. Coronation Avenue forms the western boundary of the site, with
residential properties further to the west. To the east is remnant bushland and Crusher Park. The site is
steeply sloped from the west and north toward Petrie Creek and this forms a natural amphitheatre on these
boundaries. Maps 1 and 2 illustrate the Showground location and adjoining uses.
From Council advice Native Title is deemed to have been extinguished at the Showgrounds and no items of
cultural heritage significance have been identified. It is understood that no buildings within the Showgrounds
are heritage listed.
The management of the Showgrounds is undertaken by a Council Facilities Coordinator. The Nambour
Showground Advisory Group represents each organisation that holds a tenure agreement over the reserve
and meets with Council on a quarterly basis. Council undertakes the vast majority of grounds maintenance
and invests capital into the site. Fields and outdoor spaces are heavily used, while some internal spaces are
underutilised.
2.2.
L AND O WNERSHIP
The land on which the Showgrounds are situated is made up of four parcels totalling approximately 16.8ha
Most (14.5ha) of the site is situated on one parcel of land held under a Deed of Grant in Trust to the former
Maroochy Shire Council. Three small parcels of land are owned freehold by Sunshine Coast Council.
These are situated in the north east of the site (including part of the rodeo arena) and far east of the site
(extending from part of the Fergus Scott Pavilion and livestock yards to the Petrie Creek boundary).
Property and lot boundaries are illustrated at Map 3.
Table 1: Property Details
PROPERTY DESCRIPTION
OWNERSHIP
TENURE
LAND AREA
Lot 738 on RP810778
Sunshine Coast Council
(former Maroochy Shire
Council)
Deed of Grant in Trust for Show and
Sports Ground, Nambour Purposes
and for no other purpose whatsoever
145,274m2
Lot 3 on RP131905
Sunshine Coast Council
Freehold
8,058m2
Lot 6 on RP220222
Sunshine Coast Council
Freehold
14,310m2
Lot 2 on RP184379
Sunshine Coast Council
Freehold
562m2
Nambour Showgrounds Master Plan 2013 - 2023
Map 1: Nambour Showgrounds (Image courtesy Sunshine Coast Council)
Map 2: Adjoining uses
Image reproduced from ROSS Planning report per permission Sunshine Coast Council
Map 3: Property and Lot boundaries
Image reproduced from ROSS Planning report per permission Sunshine Coast Council
Page | 4
Nambour Showgrounds Master Plan 2013 - 2023
2.3.
Page | 5
P LANNING C ONTEXT
Nambour is designated as a Major Regional Activity Centre in the South East Queensland Regional Plan
2009-2031 which “supports the higher retail, employment and service needs of Nambour and surrounding
hinterland areas.”2 Acknowledgement of this higher order function for Nambour is an important
consideration in the Master Plan.
Under the current Planning Scheme (Maroochy Plan 2000) Nambour Showgrounds is designated as a
Special Purpose Precinct within Planning Area No 2 (Nambour). The Nambour Showgrounds Precinct
(which includes neighbouring state primary and high schools) in the Maroochy Plan 2000 notes that
preferred uses in this context include showground, other outdoor and indoor recreation and schools. Other
uses that are consistent with the intent and desired character of the precinct may also be considered where
appropriately sited and designed. Key issues described in the intent for the Nambour Showgrounds Precinct
include avoiding adverse impacts on the quality of water entering Petrie Creek, maintenance of the hydraulic
and environmental capacity of the creek and its environmental values, and high standards of design for any
new development especially along Coronation Avenue and Nambour-Bli Bli Road.
The Nambour Showgrounds site is subject to the Nambour Local Plan Area and is within the local growth
management boundary under the Draft Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme 2012. It is zoned Sport and
Recreation in the Draft Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme 2012. The purpose of the Sport and Recreation
Zone is described as providing for a “range of organised sport and recreation activities and those uses and
support facilities which are associated with those activities.” Under the Sport and Recreation Zone,
temporary or periodic uses, such as markets or outdoor entertainment events are permitted where these
uses are “of a scale that can reasonably be accommodated by the existing open space facilities and do not
unduly impact on the amenity and character of the surrounding area.”
The draft Nambour Local Plan Code seeks to achieve, among other things, the following outcomes:

Progressive development of Nambour as a Major Regional Activity Centre, providing a broad
range of higher order uses and activities.

Protection and retention of established character areas of Nambour and buildings identified as
having cultural heritage or streetscape significance.

Development that retains key landscape character and natural environment elements; protects
significant views contributing to the character and landscape setting of Nambour; contributes to the
establishment of attractive gateways and streetscapes and sense of entry and arrival to Nambour.

Development that improves local connectivity by providing pedestrian and cycle connections to
and between key destinations including the town centre, railway station, cultural facilities,
community activities (including hospitals), sport and recreation areas, and educational
establishments.
If development of the site occurs under the provisions of the Draft Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme 2012 it
will be subject to a number of overlays including:
2

Nambour Local Plan Code

Land Subject to Flood Hazard Overlay

Biodiversity, Waterway and Wetland Overlay (Native Vegetation, Wetlands, Riparian Areas,
Waterways)
“South East Queensland Regional Plan 2009–2031”. Department of Infrastructure and Planning. July 2009, p22
Nambour Showgrounds Master Plan 2013 - 2023
2.4.
Page | 6

Land Subject to Regional Infrastructure Overlay (Water Supply Pipeline, Major Road Corridor)

Landslide Hazard and Steep Land Overlay (moderate hazard area)

Maximum Height of Buildings and Structures (8.5m)

Acid Sulphate Soils Overlay

Airport Environs Overlay

Land Subject to Bushfire Hazard Overlay

Scenic Amenity Overlay
F ACILITIES
An overview of major infrastructure and use is as follows:
Main arena
[Main oval (1) for cricket
during season (summer).
Used for Annual Show,
equestrian events, other
major events outside of
cricket season]
Equestrian Area
 Covered arena
 Outdoor arena
 Rodeo arena
 Livestock yards
 Stables
 Shed
[Regular use by range of
equestrian groups. Used for
Annual Show and large
events]
Nambour Showgrounds Master Plan 2013 - 2023
Equestrian areas (cont’d)
Main Pavilion
 Building
 Car park
[Upper level mainly used by
Sunshine Coast Darts
Assoc and for Qld Garden
Expo/ Swap Meet events.
Lower level used for Annual
Show and some events.]
Main entry
[Ticket boxes and
turnstiles used only for
major events e.g. Qld
Garden Expo/ Annual
Show]
Grandstand
[Ground level catering
area used for meetings,
Annual Show, events.
Seating used for events,
cricket]
Page | 7
Nambour Showgrounds Master Plan 2013 - 2023
Trade Pavilions
[Used for events. Car park
for Council park and ride]
Catering Buildings – Apex
and Rotary
Meeting/ Administration
Buildings
Nicklin House – lower level
on-site Council
administration. Upper level
craft group.
Wallace House – upper
level for meetings. Lower
level as catering for large
events and equestrian
events.
Scout Hall – mainly used
by equestrian groups and
on site administration for
meetings.
Old School Building –
used for regular meetings
and for events.
Caretaker’s House – used
for storage for user
groups, otherwise
unoccupied for several
years.
Ovals 2 and 3
[Ovals used by cricket
during summer season and
as parking/ display area for
large events outside of
season (e.g. Qld Garden
Expo, Annual Show,
Caravan and Camping
Show). Also used for
camping during events and
by passing caravan
clubs/rallies in the off
season. Reinstated to ‘fit for
play’ standard for cricket at
start of season.
Cricket clubhouse lower
level used for catering
during major events. Upper
level as permanent cricket
area]
Page | 8
Nambour Showgrounds Master Plan 2013 - 2023
Page | 9
Tennis courts
[Used exclusively by
Nambas Tennis Club]
Badminton Area
[Used by Sunshine Coast
Badminton and Nambour
Badminton Club.
Separate entrance to
building off Coronation
Avenue]
Upper level flat open
space and storage sheds.
[Storage sheds for a range
of user groups]
Community Garden
Other buildings
[Lapidary – used
exclusively by club.
Poultry – used exclusively
by club.
Wood chop area – used
exclusively for Annual
Show]
2.5.
O PPORTUNITIES AND C ONSTRAINTS A NALYSIS
A site inspection was undertaken early in the study process to familiarise the study team with the site. This
focussed on existing infrastructure, site access and internal movement, configuration, functionality and
relationship to neighbouring uses. The Nambour Showgrounds Situational Analysis Report, May 20123 was
used as a framework for site analysis. A synopsis of this assessment is provided in Table 2.
3
op cit. Nambour Showgrounds: Situational Analysis Report.
Nambour Showgrounds Master Plan 2013 - 2023
Page | 10
Table 2: Overview of Nambour Showground positives and areas for improvement
POSITIVES
AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT
Access and Circulation
 The site has excellent access from the Bruce
Highway (1.5kms) and Nambour Railway Station
(1.3kms)
 639 ‘northern loop’ bus route departs Nambour
Station and stops at Showgrounds
 Close proximity to car parking opportunities at
nearby Crusher Park, schools, bowls club,
croquet club and Churches for use during events
 All buildings and facilities on site can be
accessed by vehicles and pedestrians
 Internal wayfinding lacks legibility making it
difficult to locate specific buildings
 Road signage leading to the venue is poor
 Signs on corner Bli Bli Road and Coronation





Avenue and at main entry on Coronation Avenue
lack prominence
Limited formalised internal car parking
No dedicated pathway to CBD
No dedicated internal pedestrian paths
Poor disability access throughout the site
Access to badminton building does not provide
public access to the rest of the Showgrounds
Infrastructure and Grounds
 On-site management office
 The site contains a number of aging buildings
 Main arena in good condition and used year







round for cricket (summer) and events (winter)
Ovals 2 and 3 in reasonable condition
Trade display pavilions provide multi-use
opportunities for events
Site perimeter is fenced
Approx 650 seat grandstand
Multiple equestrian arenas and covered arena
Several power boxes for additional power supply
during events situated on verges of ovals
Access to bore water for irrigation









which appear to have been developed or
relocated to the site on an ad-hoc basis
Most buildings lack disability access
Main Pavilion lacks functionality for events and
disability access
Several buildings lack functionality for multi-use
and some are single purpose use (e.g.
badminton, poultry, lapidary, tennis)
No permanent PA system
Cricket pitches need to be protected during
events and reinstated to ‘fit for play’ standard for
cricket season
Conflict between events and sport use of ovals
Proximity to residences on northern side has
potential to create amenity issues
Historical drainage issues on all ovals
Covered equestrian arena surface suffers
compaction due to rain entering arena and poor
drainage
Entry
 Close proximity to external car parking
opportunities and public transport
 Opportunity to reshape main entry and create a
sense of arrival that is also safer for patrons
 Main gate entry off Coronation Avenue lacks
functionality for ticketing large crowds and has
inadequate disability access (prams and
wheelchairs cannot fit through turnstiles)
 Limited congregation space at main entry forces
patrons onto roads during larger events
Second entrance off Bli Bli Road is smaller and
constrained by steep topography
 Only one traffic island at main entry. No drop off
points
 No dedicated entry for equestrian vehicles/
service vehicles
Nambour Showgrounds Master Plan 2013 - 2023
POSITIVES
Page | 11
AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT
Environmental
 Large, useable open space areas
 Site is subject to
 Adjoining Petrie Creek has potential for attractive
linkage to recreational paths
 Native vegetation
 Recent improvements to field drainage





flooding which can
occur relatively
quickly. The areas
most affected are
cricket ovals 2 and
3 and the rodeo
arena
Absence of road
verges, swales etc
results in erosion
from high velocity
water flow and
less useable
space
Erosion from runoff on steep slopes
on either side of
Sports Parade and
at north west
corner of the site
Lack of drainage
measures in these
areas
Limited water capture and re-use
Combination of inadequately drained soil and
high water table results in damage to ovals if
used during events
Amenity
 Attractive setting in keeping with Nambour’s rural
character
 Good viewing areas
2.6.
 Poor visibility and access along Coronation
Avenue due to bamboo along footpath
U SERS AND T ENURE A RRANGEMENTS
The Showgrounds are used for a variety of purposes by a broad range of users. There are 15 regular user
groups who have some form of tenure over facilities at Nambour Showgrounds. These groups (with
approximate membership) include:
ORGANISATION NAME
APPROX MEMBERSHIP
AS AT 2012
Sunshine Coast Agricultural Show Society
165
Nambour Cricket Club
170
Zone 6 Pony Club
800
Northcoast Active Riders Group
100
Sunshine Coast Showjumping & Equestrian Club
300
Gunalda & District Western Performance Club
73
Nursery & Garden Industry Queensland
(Queensland Garden Expo)
n/a
Nambour Showgrounds Master Plan 2013 - 2023
ORGANISATION NAME
APPROX MEMBERSHIP
AS AT 2012
Sunshine Coast Darts Association
Av 40
Nambas Tennis Club
80 + social
Nambour Lapidary Club
45
Maroochy Pony Club
50
Nambour APEX Club
10
Rotary Club of Nambour
38
Nambour Community Garden Club
15
Sunshine Coast Antique Car Club
300
Page | 12
All the above groups (with the exception of Nambas Tennis Club which has a 10 year lease expiring in 2020)
have a three year licence agreement expiring on 30 June 2014. In addition to these groups, a number of
other regular users have an informal hire arrangement for the areas they use. These include:

Nambour Poultry Club

Craft Creations

Landrover Owner’s Club

Suncoast Hotrod & Custom Cars

Historic Motorcycle Club

Woombye Rotary Club

Collectorama Antiques
In addition there are numerous one-off event hirers and less frequent community user groups and schools
who hire facilities.
2.7.
O PERATING P ERFORMANCE
Operating revenue and expenditure for the Nambour Showgrounds for the year ending 30 June 2013 was as
follows:

Total Revenue
$142,711

Total Operating Expenditure
$783,578

Operating Surplus/Deficit
($640,867)