SIX plans to develop ‘spade ready’ community and recreational projects across the Wakefield region are now out for public consultation.

Wakefield Regional Council is seeking community feedback on the plans which were identified as priority projects in the Wakefield 2030 Community Plan and Annual Community Plan:

• Port Wakefield master plan stage one concepts – for rejuvenation of the town’s tidal pool, Edward Street and caravan park landscape. $1M has been earmarked in 2022/23 to start work on these projects and feedback on the concepts will help inform the final designs.
• Ralli Park and Hamley Bridge sporting precinct draft master plans and Blyth sporting precinct draft master plan concepts to renew and upgrade these key community and recreation spaces, in particular focusing on clubhouse redevelopment.
• Balaklava Apex Park draft master plan concepts that look at opportunities to create a community and family focussed outdoor space, increasing visitation and encouraging healthy lifestyles through outdoor recreation. A new community facility that will service both the transformed Balaklava pool and other park uses is included in the plans.
• Balaklava Railway Corridor draft master plan concepts that look at ways to increase visitor numbers, improve site features, celebrate the railway history and improve access between the town and the Ralli Park Sporting Precinct.

“These plans have all had initial stakeholder engagement and we’re excited about sharing the opportunities with the broader community,” CEO Andrew MacDonald said.

“The Port Wakefield concepts start to bring to life the master plan for the town. Port Wakefield has so much to offer and the plans aim to develop features that will benefit the community and lure tourists off the highway to enjoy the town’s hidden gems.

“The sporting precinct plans acknowledge the significant role sports play in the Wakefield region but also seek to enhance facilities for more passive recreation and create spaces the whole community can enjoy.”

Mr MacDonald said all feedback would be collated over the coming months and the new Council would consider plans early in 2023, including funding options.

“While there is a $1M budget for Port Wakefield in 2022/23, we would need to seek further grants for future stages of that project and the new Council would need to determine the appropriate level of investment in the other projects,” he said.

“These plans are about ensuring we can be ‘spade ready’. Clearly, a small Council like Wakefield cannot fully fund such ambitious plans and it may be necessary for the key stakeholder groups to support financially and help us leverage State and Federal funding commitments.”

Each of the plans and feedback opportunities can be viewed on Council’s website www.wrc.sa.gov.au – follow the links from ‘Major Projects’ on the front page menu. Consultation ends in October.