Will you cut down trees in the park?

We all know that trees are important not just for shade, but also because they help clean the air, make places look nicer, support wildlife, reduce noise, and improve our health and wellbeing.

As part of our commitment to sustainability and community values, the design team have prioritised the retention of all existing trees within Thomas Jack Park. Throughout the design process, significant care has been taken to sensitively position pathways, structures, and play elements around existing trees, ensuring they remain a defining feature of the park.

We have identified that there is one mature tree that will need to be removed to accommodate the plant room for the new water play area. We are, however, pleased to report that we are committed to planning around 95 new trees to ensure our community enjoys clean air, shade and tree canopy for many years to come.

In areas where works occur near established root zones, we propose the use of low-impact construction techniques and specially engineered pavements to minimise disturbance and support long-term tree health. This thoughtful integration reinforces the park’s existing shade, character, and ecological value, while celebrating its cultural identity.

As for the Cultural Centre, a key part of the architectural brief is to minimise loss of mature trees and to investigate opportunities for moving or replacing any trees lost. Once detailed designs are complete for these facilities, we'll have a more accurate idea of any tree loss and net gain onsite.

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When will construction begin?

At this stage, construction for the new play areas in the parkland could begin in early 2026.

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Can I still access park facilities during construction?

Construction schedules for both Thomas Jack Park and the Cultural Centre will be planned to ensure the least disruption to use possible.

While we are currently working through the tender process and construction timelines for each new element of the parkland, Council will keep our community informed of potential disruptions to play offering in Thomas Jack Park.

Thankfully, Dalby has several other fantastic parks and recreation spaces. Council will be looking at fun new ways to activate other parks in our region during construction.

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What is happening to the Parks Depot?

As part of Council's 2025-26 Budget, it was decided to relocate the existing parks and recreation depot in Thomas Jack Park to a new space that better suits the growing needs of Dalby.

The depot is directly adjacent to the park and will be used to store materials and equipment during the construction phase of the project before being converted to new parkland green space.

From this, around 1500m2 of new greenspace will be added back to the park — increasing the parkland greenspace to 37,800m² and further reducing the total cultural centre building footprint to around 6.6% of the park.

The parks and recreation depot will find its new home on Nicholson Street in early 2026.

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Where is the Liberty Swing?

When the Liberty Swing in Thomas Jack Park was first installed, it was at the forefront of accessible equipment and provided play opportunities for people with disabilities.

Since then, landscape and play designs have moved in favour of inclusive spaces where everyone can play together, side-by-side.

We’ve worked with people of all abilities in our community to ensure that Thomas Jack Park — and particularly, the play areas — are fun, safe and welcoming for all.

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How will Lions and Rotary be recognised in the new design?

Community groups like Lions and Rotary are important not just to Thomas Jack Park, but to all of Dalby.

We are working closely with these groups to appropriately acknowledge their significant contribution to the park over many years. Watch this space!

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How deep is the water in the Water Play area? Will it be fenced?

Any bodies of water in the park, including the Water Play area, have a maximum depth of 300mm. Due to their height and volume, they do not require a pool fence or barrier.

All elements in the park comply with Queensland Government laws and standards. We are currently working on the detailed design for the water play area and look forward to sharing these in the coming weeks.

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Are the playgrounds fenced?

With so many wonderful new play experiences and offerings in store for the Thomas Jack Park Precinct, visibility and access will be the key considerations around future containment zones.

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Are the playgrounds shaded?

Yes! Shade sails, and where possible, natural shade from mature trees, will be used throughout the park to protect people and equipment from the sun.

A shade analysis will be conducted in the next phase to review key areas of the park and maximise shade throughout.

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Why does the master plan look slightly different from last year's concept design?

Since the release of draft master plan concept in October 2024, we've been working with the community to further refine the design of the park considering five key principles (you can read more about them here):

• Cultural Cultivator
• Youth and Teens
• A Social Hub
• Embedded in Nature
• Gateway to Western Downs

One big difference is the inclusion of the multi-purpose court. Our young people told us we hadn't quite hit the mark in the concept design, and since then, we've been working with them to help shape the future of the precinct (learn more about this process here) — including this dedicated space. We’ll continue to work with our Youth and Teens to ensure Thomas Jack Park meets the needs and aspirations of this important group.

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The flying foxes look so cool! Can I use them as an adult?

Yes, the flying foxes will be suitable for most adults — perfect for young people and the young at heart. These have also been designed with inclusivity front of mind, so all abilities (and ages!) can play together.

Specific details like weight ratings will be explored in the next phase.

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What facilities will be built?

The resolution passed by Council is for a new library, art gallery, cinema and visitor information centre facilities.

Why is there no Performing Arts Centre in the plan?

Concerns were raised by the community about the impact that a Performing Arts Centre might have on Thomas Jack Park in terms of the footprint of the building as well as parking requirements and traffic, and Council made the decision to remove it from the plans accordingly.

There is a tremendous appetite for live music and performing arts in Dalby, which is why we will proceed to investigate alternative, more viable location options that carefully consider future community needs and Dalby’s capacity to offer amazing cultural performances.

Council will consider commissioning a business case for a future Performing Arts Centre in its 2025/26 budget to determine its viability at this time, with the potential to defer construction until such time as local demand, capacity and productivity is ready to support a large-scale facility.

How is Council going to provide enough parking for increased demand when the Cultural Centre is built?

External traffic engineers have undertaken assessment of the site and surrounding streets.

The total anticipated parking demand for the site is 149 vehicles and the draft proposal includes over 160 spaces. Therefore, the traffic engineers have advised that the cultural centre development would be able to be accommodated within the proposed on-street provisions.

The gallery, library and cinema are expected to operate with different peak times, as well as the surrounding uses such as the Uniting Church and dance classes. Major events are infrequent.

For event days, there are 800 street car parking spaces within 400m of the site which allows for well over 2000 additional visitors.

There will be spaces for Persons With Disability located at the Cultural Centre entrance.

A parking and traffic study will form an important part of the detailed design process. The design for parking on the surrounding streets will continue to be refined accordingly.

Why does the plan remove the existing car park within the park?

This carpark as it stands is non-compliant, difficult to get in and out of and would have to be rebuilt at additional cost. Our community have told us they want to maximise green space so this car park has been removed to create additional space for play and recreation. This is supported by the traffic engineers' parking recommendation.

What is the height of the Shed?

The height of the Shed structure at its peak is 11m, with the eaves of the structure approximately 8.5m from the ground.

The design process explored many shapes and configurations of the buildings, including the design for the Shed structure. The Shed roof pitch supports the function of the internal uses while contributing to the character and identity of the scheme.

The final design addresses functionality, flexibility, character, identity, constructability, building science, stakeholder engagement, cost effectiveness, maintenance, and durability, and importantly building code requirements. A change to one element will impact on another resulting in a compromise to the project's ability to address a broad array of issues.

The height of the shed is two storey in height to accommodate the functional areas of the Library and VIC/Multi Media Spaces within the 2500m2 footprint and no-go zones determined by Council.

The height enables hanging of event equipment (lights/sound equipment/curtains), data projection for movie, temporary stage and performance production with adequate and suitable clearances under.

Will I still be able to use the rest of the park during construction?

Council will endeavour to ensure that during any works to the park, access to safe play, green space, covered seating and barbecue facilities is maintained.

Does the design meet the 2500m2 development footprint?

Yes. The maximum development footprint was a requirement of the brief made by Council to provide the right balance of building to park and was in response to community feedback. The below diagram shows the development footprint total of 2,490m² for the concept design.

In the above diagram, you can also see the light red dotted line which is the edges of the exclusion zone.

How will Council make sure these new upgrades are protected from vandalism and keep the spaces secure?

Safety and visibility, lighting, security and extended hours of activity are all considered through the design, and specifically a design approach known as Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED).

Council is working with youth groups throughout the design process as this has been shown to make a significant difference to crime by increasing pride and ownership of the space. Having the cultural centre facilities in the park will mean that the park's spaces are more activated which decreases unsavoury behaviours.

Once the project progresses to the detailed design phase, specific security strategies will be created.

Why is the rotunda being removed?

The rotunda was gifted to community by the Rotary Club as a place for performance, entertainment and socialising in the park. During engagement, Rotary representatives have noted the rotunda is no longer the active place it once was and felt it is not accessible for the whole community.

We are working with Dalby Rotary to find new ways to recognise the club's contribution to the community and share the past memories that were attributed to the rotunda. Design features have been added to celebrate the rotunda and its place in the park. The Cultural Centre Cafe is designed to replicate the iconic octagonal shape of the rotunda, and the roof of the park pavilion takes inspiration from the lattice pattern of the rotunda's sides.

How will the design reflect the identity of Dalby?

This is a vital question that will continue to be considered during the next phase of detailed design. The design is inspired by rural elements, for example the shed structure, and it will continue to consider features, colours and textures that reflect and showcase Dalby's identity.

The designers are eager to hear suggestions from community on how this project can be reflective of Dalby and the Western Downs. This could consider materials used, planting, colours and artwork. There are plenty of opportunities in both the buildings and landscape to tell stories of Dalby's history, proudest moments, most-loved community figures and ambitions.

What about parking for our valued tourists and visitors?

The draft parking plan retains five marked RV parks on Pratten Street where travellers will have easier access to the relocated toilets, picnic and play facilities. There is also the existing additional flexible parking along Drayton Street if required. The vision is for Thomas Jack Park Precinct to become a must-visit destination for travellers and the designs include plenty of provision to support and encourage visitors.

Why is the cinema a flexible space? Will it still feel like a cinema?

Community told us that they need plenty of spaces for performance and events across the site. The cinema space presents a fantastic opportunity to be somewhere that can also host theatre, dance, music and shows.

When the space is in 'cinema' mode, it will feel like being in a standard cinema with high quality sound and visuals and comfortable tiered seating in a blackout environment. There will be a kiosk to purchase snacks and drinks.

When the screen is lifted, the space becomes flexible with retractable seating and the option to open out into the outdoor performance area. Local schools have told us this will be of great use for their music and drama departments for band and orchestra performances, dance shows, musicals and more, being fully accessible and with a mid-size capacity.

When will work begin on the new cultural centre?

Now that the site has been selected and architects appointed, a site concept design has been developed. The design process has been in consultation with the community. When the final plans are endorsed by Council, a development approval under the Planning Scheme will be required.

The project is scheduled to commence (i.e. breaking ground) in late 2025, in accordance with approved funding from the Resources and Community Infrastructure Fund. Council can request an extension if needed but an approval is not guaranteed. As such, Council will be working with the community to meet the defined schedule to reduce any risk to the funding.

What will happen to the 107 Drayton Street site?

Council is committed to finding a future use for this site which best serves the needs of the community.

Who is designing the new Cultural Centre?

Council appointed a collective of architects for this project, led by OMA alongside Anna O'Gorman, People Oriented Design and Blaklash. This architectural team have heard what you need and want for the future of the Park Precinct and have collaborated with Council and community to develop this concept. We are thankful to all who have contributed their time to get involved in the process. Together we will enhance the heart of our town for our community today and for generations to come.

How and when were the architects selected for the project?

The architects were selected through a rigorous competition process which began in September 2023 after the initial Council resolution to proceed with Thomas Jack Park as the cultural centre site. The process was paused in April 2024 when the resolution was passed to go back out to community consultation.

The architect team were officially appointed after the Council resolution to proceed in Thomas Jack Park in June 2024.

How much space will be used in the park?

Council understands the significance of Thomas Jack Park to our community, and we can ensure that minimal impact to the park and green space is one of our top priorities. The diagram below explains the areas that were defined to ensure our park remains primarily as open parkland. The image below shows an 'exclusion zone' in purple which was created to protect the area of mature trees on the Drayton Street side, and to create a buffer around the homes in the park. The white shaded area is not part of the project area and includes Council’s depot and two private residential properties. The final concept design adheres to these boundaries.

The total footprint of the buildings cannot exceed 2,500m2. The total park area is over 37,000m2.