Engagement Findings - July 2023

Thank you to everyone who participated in our recent engagement on the Bulli Showground Draft Master Plan. Here is a summary of what we heard:

About the Project

Bulli Showground has become one of the city’s most significant sporting facilities. People recognise the potential for Bulli Showground to become an area that supports a diverse range of uses. These include concerts and festivals, markets, retail shows, family events, sports training, and space for active or adventure recreation opportunities.

Following extensive community consultation and stakeholder engagement undertaken in 2018/19, Council has developed a draft Master Plan for Bulli Showground. During May and June 2023, people were then asked for their feedback on the plan. Overwhelmingly people agree with the proposal to transform the showground into a contemporary multi-use facility suitable for hosting of events and sports training facilities. Potential traffic and noise impacts resulting from this proposal were the two major issues identified by residents. Other feedback received will help refine the master plan and to guide future investigations required to make the project a success.

Engagement summary

84% of survey participants (N=288) agreed with Council’s proposal to transform the showground into a contemporary multi-use facility suitable for hosting of events and sports training facilities.

The feedback ranged from positive support for the proposed sporting, social, commercial and sustainability opportunities the master plan provided to concerns about a range of issues. Many participants supported the provision of facilities for a wide variety of sports with improved amenities, and lighting for sporting events. Several participants suggested a multi-purpose facility to support cultural and community activities. Opportunities for affordable commercial as well as non-commercial community uses were requested. These included café/kiosks, artist run galleries, community gardens and an inclusive playground.

A key theme was the request for adequate, planned, safe and well managed access to the site. Requests were made for more detailed management plans that would address issues such as noise, flood, traffic, and infrastructure required for festivals. Others requested more information on how the plan would affect Grevillea Park. Several participants expressed concern regarding the impact of the future Bulli bypass. A few participants criticised the draft Master Plan for being too narrow in scope.

The sustainability potential of the site was also identified by some respondents. The incorporation of sustainable design into its construction was asked to be considered. Other suggestions ranged from requests for a dog off-leash park and the incorporation of camping & caravan provisions.

If you would like to find out more, you can read the complete Engagement Report now.

Next Steps

The feedback received from this engagement will be reported to Council to help inform their decision on endorsing the Master Plan.

Once endorsed by Council, a Master Plan for the showground will guide future use of the area as a recreational, cultural, and sporting space for the local community and visitors.