Published on Monday, 10 November 2025 at 1:01:06 PM
Consultation
Consultation has been undertaken and sincere thanks to everyone who provided input — your voices have shaped the direction of the Precinct. During the initial consultation participants were asked to vote for their top four preferred inclusions in the Recreation Precinct. The options included a variety of skate, play and passive recreation activities. Looking at the results three standouts were highlighted as SKATEPARK, PUMP TRACK AND BASKETBALL, the design incorporates a combination of all three activities. Although the initial consultation is complete, this remains an ongoing process: the Shire of Gnowangerup is committed to delivering the project as a genuine collaboration with the community. Although no major changes will be made from now, the community are still encouraged to please reach out to the Shire if you would like to chat further about the precinct plans. Consultation also extends to the key agencies that hold infrastructure assets (such as Telstra, Water Corporation and Western Power) and their involvement often means more complex processes and longer coordination times. Based directly on feedback from young people, surveys and workshops Convic developed a concept design report. Summarising the consultation and providing a design that suits the space and our community’s needs. Following further consultation further tweaks were made to refine the vision. The concept design has now been finalised and reflects what local youth identified as priorities.
Funding
With the concept design locked in, a business case has been developed to support upcoming funding applications and to inform Council reporting. A quantity surveyor was engaged to provide a detailed cost estimate so that funding requests can be precise and credible. With all these pieces in place, the project is in a strong position to apply for major funding. A joint application with GNP360 has already been successful in securing the Town Teams Streets Alive Grant. Ahead lie bids to Lotterywest and the Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program.
“The Recreation Precinct, together with the new Family and Accommodation Zone within the Stirling Range Tourism and Cultural Precinct, will be a game-changer for the Great Southern region,” said Cassandra Beeck, Secretary for GNP360. “GNP360 are working together with local government and regional agencies to offer a clear cultural corridor through the region, and we look forward to seeing the results of our hard-earned efforts.”
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Shire President Kate O’Keeffe added, “I was thrilled to learn from Minister Whitby that a joint grant application between the Shire of Gnowangerup and GNP360 has been successful. This funding will go a long way towards closing Aylmore Street, upgrading the footpath for the proposed Community Recreation Park, and making the area a safer place for young people to play. This is another great example of the Shire partnering with a passionate community group to achieve positive outcomes for residents. I couldn’t be more excited about what lies ahead for our incredible Shire.”
Concept Design
Circulation and Access
The existing park has entry paths from Alymore Street and Yougenup Road. Internal connection paths circulate the park and connect BBQ and toilet areas. The northern edge of the site has no formal footpaths, however it is identified that Alymore Street forms a key pedestrian connection for local residents into the town centre.
Views and Connections
The proposed skatepark site has open edges clear of obstructions along views into and from site.
It is essential for the design of any youth facility to allow for and encourage clear views into, across and through site. This promotes passive and neutral surveillance for the space and discourages anti-social behaviour.
A prospectus that will be shared with Lotterwest at the end of November
The Shire are excited about the progression of the Recreation Precinct and look forward to updating you further as we progress.
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