The Thomas Jack Park is one of our region's most beloved and popular green spaces.
There is a lot of misinformation out there about the inclusion of new outdoor play areas and a cultural centre space in the Thomas Jack Park Precinct.
The Thomas Jack Park Precinct is an area the size of around 37,000m², which is roughly the size of 29 and half Olympic swimming pools.
The sheer size of this space means Council can work with our community to enhance some of the park spaces and create a truly amazing, unique parkland experience.
Dalby deserves a unique and iconic venue for our youth, families, and the young-at-heart for new ways to play, connect and celebrate.
Here's the real story behind Council's vision for a beautifully enhanced Thomas Jack Park.
CLAIM: The green space in Thomas Jack Park Lots 2 & 3 will be replaced with cultural centre buildings.
FACT: Council does not have a finalised design for any part of the Thomas Jack Park Precinct which includes Dalby Cultural Centre and any new outdoor play areas.
Council is the process of finalising the appointment of an architect to work with community on the design of a new cultural centre at the Thomas Jack Park Precinct.
CLAIM: Council has not consulted with the community about this project.
FACT: Council began community consultation around this project in August 2022 and have consulted with our community up to this point through our community advisory panel, face-to-face community workshops, online consultation and spent time in the park talking to residents and tourists who use the park.
Council encourages public input on how we can enhance and improve the park's offerings and is currently taking feedback on how we can broaden our engagement process.
Council is putting together a database of community, sporting, arts and cultural groups and organisations, that also our business community, so we can hear from as many people in our community as possible.
CLAIM: Council believes the park is underused.
FACT: Council knows the park is widely loved and used by our community.
Some of the existing facilities will soon be approaching end of life and Council wants to enhance some of the park space to deliver new and exciting areas for play, connection, celebration, and recreation.
CLAIM: Council has kept the project a secret.
FACT: Extensive efforts have been made to keep our community informed though Council's website, social media, eNews, traditional news media, billboards, and community signage, as well as through the first round of community engagement activities.
Council aims to have the cultural centre design finalised mid-year through an open, inclusive process that respects and incorporates community input.
We want to community to tell us their hopes for what Thomas Jack Park looks like now and into the future.