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.

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.

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 2,500m² for the draft 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.

Why does the design show palm trees?

The draft concept design shows an artistic impression of how the future precinct might look. The planting shown is purely illustrative. The design team is working towards a net gain of trees and plants through the project and will specifically aim to focus on native species that grow well in Dalby.

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.

What is the funding for this project and where has it come from? (answer updated 29.07.2024 to add more information)

There are two projects under this umbrella in terms of funding - the cultural centre facilities and the park land.

For the Dalby Cultural Centre, Council received a $14.18 million grant in Round 3 of the Resource Communities Infrastructure Fund (RCIF) allocated by the Department of State Development and Infrastructure. The RCIF was designed to support community infrastructure projects, and the funding awarded to WDRC is specifically for Dalby Cultural Centre. You can read about it on the State Government website.

The total budget for the facilities is $65 million at today's dollars. It is estimated that the construction will take between two and three years once started.

For the upgrade of Thomas Jack Park itself, there is $300,000 allocated for planning and design in the FY 2024/25 budget, to include design of a new playground. There is then $3.5 million for construction and installation in the FY 2025/26 budget.

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 April 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.

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.

Are there trees marked for removal in Thomas Jack Park? (answer updated 03.08.2024 to add more information)

You may have noticed markings on the trees which were related to a detailed survey of Thomas Jack Park. We understand there is some concern in the community that these trees were marked for removal - this is not correct.

The survey helps Council make operational decisions around general park maintenance and upkeep, and provides us with key information on infrastructure and drainage for future improvements to play areas and infrastructure.

From this survey, seven trees were identified to have foliage that posed a high risk to user safety (including broken limbs and significant deadwood). On Saturday 3 August 2024, tree pruning and trimming works were undertaken not only to maintain safety, but to retain and protect these seven mature trees.

Will you cut down trees in the park?

Tree coverage is very important not only for provision of shade but for carbon sequestration, aesthetic value, biodiversity and noise reduction as well as for our wellbeing. A key part of the architectural brief for the facilities to be built in the park is to minimise loss of mature trees and to investigate opportunities for moving or replacing any trees lost.

What will happen to the playground and existing facilities?

We understand Thomas Jack Park’s significance to the community for play, parties, connection and outdoor recreation. We know the playground and other park facilities are highly valued by the community. Many of the current facilities are nearing end-of-life and need replacing. Council will endeavour to ensure that during any works to the park, access to safe play, covered seating and barbecue facilities is maintained.

Under the Western Downs Planning Scheme, is it permitted to build in a park that is designated as recreational space?

Thomas Jack Park comprise of various lots under three planning zones as per the diagram below, including community facilities, medium density residential and recreation and open space zones.

Buildings for community use like a library, art gallery and visitor centre are consistent uses, and therefore allowed to be built in all of these zones.

A cinema is classified as a theatre and is consistent use in the community facilities or recreation and open space zone. It is also permissable to apply to build a theatre in a medium density residential zone.

In summary, all of the planned uses of the future Thomas Jack Park Precinct are either consistent with or possible upon making a development application under Western Downs Planning Scheme.

Have the residents immediately facing the park been consulted about the project?

A ‘resident stakeholder’ zone has been created to engage with residents within 100m of the park, including the two homes inside the park itself. These residents will be consulted closely throughout the design and construction phases.

What were the outcomes of the Wildlife Boxes schools project that took place in 2023?

The nesting boxes planned during the Wildlife Boxes project are being installed along Myall Creek. Thomas Jack Park was never a part of this project.

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.