Master Plans in Action
It was in 2020 when we completed the master plans for Coronation Park (Mossman Showgrounds) and the Port Douglas Sports Complex. As master plan designers, we believe meaningful engagement with people is critical to inform a realistic plan that provides tangible benefits to the people who will bring a sports master plan to life.
We applied this approach to the master plans for Douglas Shire Council. Through consultation with all the user groups we developed long term master plans, including prioritised implementation plans, outlining scopes of work for each site. The plan not only addressed physical improvements and additions to the sites to maximise efficiencies, space and multi-sport use, but also identified operational recommendations to ensure that the fundamental functions of both sites were addressed.
“CPR Group have been outstanding in delivering the sports masterplan to the Douglas Shire Council. They have not only been able to deliver an exceptional masterplan for the Port Douglas Sports Complex but have been able to deal with conflicting requests from stakeholders. The passion that they have for delivering something that is ‘right for the community’ is evident and have shown constant professionalism throughout.”
- Sport and Recreation Development Officer, Douglas Shire Council
The plans have since been put into action. The clear priorities have provided the clubs with direction to proactively apply for grant funding, and the demonstrated need within the report has supported the applications, leading to a number of successful grants being obtained.
It’s rewarding to see a master plan come alive, and even more so, to see the clubs empowered by the master plan to improve their club’s facilities, and working together to progress the whole site for the community.
Congratulations to the following groups for the way that they have successfully used the master plans to access funding, develop new facilities and grow their clubs:
The Port Douglas Rugby Club for their successful Building Better Regions Fund grant application of $41,000 for steps, seating and an undercover area
The Mossman Shark Juniors Rugby League Club for applying to upgrade their field
The Douglas Hockey Association for receiving their own club rooms and applying for funding for new shade over the playground
The AFL Juniors for applying for a new irrigated turf area
The Douglas United Football Club for obtaining a $150,000 grant for lights
And congratulations to Douglas Shire Council for endorsing and promoting the plan, and working with all the users to achieve these amazing results.
