BOWEN'S newest suburb took on some more shape this week with the landscape architect in charge of Whitsunday Shores' surroundings handing the shire council a copy of his designs.
U Plan registered landscape architect Steve Moss addressed the council at last Wednesday's meeting to explain in detail his Whitsunday Shores Landscape Concept Development Plan.
Two lagoons, open parkland and a coastal strip feature largely and Mr Moss promised it would become a "quality coastal park we are all proud of".
"The purpose of today is to make council aware of the directions we are taking and gather some support," he said.
Last December the shire council gave preliminary approval for a staged development at Whitsunday Shores, south of Bowen, that is expected to eventually house 3000 people.
The plans by developer PGP Developments include 641 residential lots, an 18-hole golf course, tavern, service station and motel to be developed over a 10 to 15-year time frame.
Mr Moss, who is no stranger to Bowen, being involved with the landscaping at Hansen and Case parks on Horseshoe Bay Road, said the current project was both exciting and challenging.
He said he wanted to make accessible the natural beauty of the coastline, with its rocky outcrops, sandy beaches and diverse vegetation, but it also had to be managed responsibly to protect and enhance the environmental qualities.
Under the plan the area is divided into central parkland and coastal areas.
The central parkland includes a large freshwater pond acting as a stormwater catchment, which Mr Moss likened to Mackay's Gooseponds corridor.
There is also a tidal saltwater lagoon and a community area featuring an open grassed area, central paved square, flagpoles, children's playground and car parking areas.
The coastal trench area included a raised boardwalk to access an area of mangroves and walking tracks which would wend through a coastal woodland area.
Mr Moss said he wanted to create areas that would attract residents of both Whitsunday Shores and Bowen.
"The potential of the area is huge, with its diversity of vegetation and wildlife," he said.
"There are some major opportunities to protect, enhance and further rejuvenate the area.
"What I want to do is create spaces for people to get out and enjoy.
"The challenge is to protect and enhance the environmental qualities while providing for a managed and sustained use of the area."
Mr Moss said with the concept plan complete, the next steps included gathering council support to facilitate further government negotiations; implement the plans based on extensive range of research and background studies; further dialogue with council and the community; and then begin a staged implementation of the project.
During the discussion, while there was no mention of costs involved in implementing the plan, Mayor Mike Brunker did question the amount of ongoing maintenance that would be involved, since it would be council's responsibility.
Mr Moss replied it was "not a manicured area of the intensity of Hansen Park" and maintenance would not be extensive.
