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With up to 15,000 people using the area for a range of sporting events, Rockhampton Regional Council is to fund a master plan for the North Rockhampton Sporting Hub.

The master plan for the area, known as ‘The Common’,  will link with master plans for both Mount Archer and Frenchman's Creek to create a sport and recreation ‘corridor’ for the area from Mount Archer to the Fitzroy River.

Cricket, rugby, touch and football are among the sporting groups which regularly draw more than 9,000 participants to The Common, a number which swells to 15,000 when major events are included.

The ‘Revitalising Rocky's Heart - Master Planning and Integrated Sport and Recreation Precinct’ is seen as being key to ensuring the precinct gets in line for future funding from the Queensland and Federal Governments.

The broader region-wide strategy is set to outline the future of sport in Rockhampton and identify gaps which need to be addressed in facilities.

It will also allow Council to determine where flood mitigation or resilience work can be carried out on existing clubhouses.

The project brief highlighted Rockhampton's reputation for developing elite athletes in a number of sports, and opportunities to enhance and create new sporting opportunities.

It also draws attention to Queensland Health statistics that show 59.6% of the region's adult population are identified as being overweight or obese, compared to the State average of 58%.

The masterplan aims to assist council's vision to help tackle the challenges of obesity, and provide a healthier, more active lifestyle.

The Council maintains a range of different sport and recreation facilities within The Common.

The 'Revitalising Rocky's Heart Project' aims to:

• Support the local economy and businesses through construction, and enhance sports tourism, resident and visitor draw cards to the region;
• Create highly accessible and well-service pedestrian, cyclist, public transport and vehicle networks to better connect the area with the natural environment, CBD businesses, residential areas and other public, open spaces; and
• Consolidate the area to allow a more comprehensive and multiple uses of existing sport and recreation facilities as well as opportunity for future expansion.

Image shows the North Rockhampton Common. Courtesy of Google Maps.

21st January 2016 - ROCKHAMPTON MEMORIAL AQUATIC CENTRE OFFICIALLY OPENED AND FULLY OPERATIONAL

21st November 2014 - A QUARTER OF QUEENSLAND DEATHS LINKED TO OBESITY

1st August 2014 - REGIONAL QUEENSLANDERS FACE OBESITY AND HEALTH CRISIS

29th November 2013 - PLANS TO REDEVELOP ROCKHAMPTON’S ROCK POOL WATERPARK

23rd July 2013 - ROCKHAMPTON’S SOUTHSIDE MEMORIAL POOL OPENS

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