Previous Consultation

In collaboration with our community, we have been working to create an integrated community destination where green space and natural surroundings are complemented by opportunities to learn, be entertained, relax, and socialise in the new facilities.

Since the loss of MyALL 107 we have undertaken multiple extensive rounds of engagement, gaining key insights from thousands of people.


The Consultation Process

Throughout Stages 1 to 3, our consultation team have been busy undertaking open public engagement along with targeted engagement with key community stakeholders including neighbouring residents. This engagement began in June and continued through until the beginning of November at the conclusion of Stage 3 – Draft Concept Design.

Engagement included:

  • Sessions in schools to gain input from youth and teen perspectives
  • Regular meetings of the Community Advisory Panel and Youth Advisory Panel
  • Meetings with key cultural stakeholders including representatives of the library, art gallery and visitor information centre
  • Pop ups around town
  • Online survey


Shaping the project and setting a shared vision

The site, project brief and concept design have been informed by many factors including community feedback, expert advice, and other technical, strategic and financial considerations.

The full Phase 1 Community Engagement Report and Site Analysis Study (June 2024) is available to read here.

The full Phase 2 Engagement Report (August 2024) is available to read here.

The full Phase 3 Engagement Report (November 2024) is available to read here.

What we have heard from our community

There were many positive outcomes from Stage 3 – Draft Concept Design engagement, the community were largely very eager for the development of the Cultural Centre, captured in the following key takeaways –

  • Much of community is excited about the design and eager to see it move forward
  • Youth are especially excited by the new provisions for play and socialising
  • Many of the remaining queries now relate to details that will be addressed in Phase 4 – Detailed Design
Thomas Jack Park

In relation to Thomas Jack Park, we understand community concerns around protecting the existing values of the site. The key messages we heard were:

  • Thomas Jack Park plays an important role in our community, from social, cultural and personal perspectives and this role must be preserved
  • When asked to rank the most desired activities for the Cultural Centre in a May survey, responses showed that the top 9 activities out of 17 were social activities
  • There is concern at a loss of green space in the park and this must be minimised and addressed through the design
  • It is vital to maintain access to a safe and secure playground through any development of the park
  • There are concerns around parking and traffic issues which must be addressed through the design
  • There is much support for locating some Cultural Centre facilities within Thomas Jack Park because of its proximity to the CBD, existing position as a community hub, increased opportunities to spend time in nature, safety for youth and the potential to create something exciting and unique that sets Dalby apart in the region
Culture, Play and Recreation

We also heard in relation to culture, play and recreation at Thomas Jack Park:

  • Community expressed a need for more activities and opportunities for youth and teens
  • There is a lot of excitement from community at the prospect of workshop space, tech spaces, event spaces and ways for older children to gain independence in a safe, welcoming and accessible environment
  • There was strong community sentiment that the library and art gallery in particular should be embedded in nature, creating more opportunities for learning, studying, experiencing art and being entertained in proximity to the natural environment
  • Throughout engagement, community envisioned a place that not only provides interest, activities, amenities and time in nature for visitors but also tells stories of Dalby’s identity and heritage, and becomes a must-visit destination for anyone travelling in our region
  • Community recognised that in order to accommodate a wide range of uses, all of the facilities would need to be designed as multi-use spaces, adaptable to many different situations