Re-imagining Bowen’s Foreshore – Be part of the Plan!

Consultation results and next steps

We thank the community for having their say on the Bowen Foreshore Masterplan!

Bowen Foreshore Masterplan is a critical component of Bowen’s growth strategy, guiding the design and development of projects that will benefit the community for generations to come. We sought feedback on the Masterplan's vision, proposed actions and captured further ideas for consideration.

Please view our consultation summary or detailed consultation report. Key feedback included:

• Strong support for Council to advocate for and support private development within the Foreshore and Harbour.
• Desire to prioritise activation of the Foreshore and Harbour to create vibrancy, improve amenity and boost visitor experience, including:
  • Event programming
  • Enabling pop-up food trucks and recreation equipment hire to meet short-term needs in lieu of new development activating
  • Supporting and incentivising mixed use private investment, such as accommodation, restaurants and cafés
• Desire for Council to support and advocate for the removal of barriers that may impede re-development of the Harbour. Re-development may include amenity improvements, activation via a mix of uses, proposed breakwater, fishing opportunities, increased moorings, increased trailer parking, and investment that may attract tour operators, marine skills education, and marine service industry for superyachts and local needs.
• Strong support for proposed recreational upgrades in the plan, including a focus on activities for teens, sports courts, Catalina playground, waterplay, nature play, new and boardwalk pathway connections.
• Support for proposed stormwater channel improvement projects to improve amenity and concern about erosion caused by storm surge within the Foreshore, particularly west of Catalina information centre.
• Prioritisation of improvements to Henry Darwen Park, including amenities and fencing around the playground.
• Demand for formalising on-street parking in proximity to the Bowen Swimming Pool and PCYC Skate rink to support events, participants and safety.
• Strong support for interpretive and wayfinding signage within the Foreshore, including topics such as, unique local nature, history of Bowen, Juru storytelling, European settlement, connection to local attractions and role of the jetty supporting major industries.
• Need to further investigate actions in collaboration with key stakeholders, including:
  • Suitable location for the waterpark to alleviate maintenance pressures caused by the harsh coastal environment, potentially adjoining the PCYC skate rink.
  • Design and funding options for renewal and activation of the Port Denison Sailing Club.
  • Preferred use of Council land on Santa Barbara Parade, potentially including mixed active uses, art gallery or precinct parking for events or development incentive.
  • Diversifying functions of PCYC skate rink and Bowen Swimming Pool for improved activation, health and multi-purpose programming.

Council Officers will consider consultation findings to refine the Bowen Foreshore Masterplan, prioritise future actions and support ongoing advocacy. The final Bowen Foreshore Masterplan will be adopted by Council at a future Council meeting.

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Help us shape the future of the Bowen Foreshore Masterplan!

Bowen Foreshore Masterplan is a critical component of Bowen’s growth strategy, guiding the design and development of successful projects that will benefit the community for generations to come. It sets an aspirational vision for the Bowen Foreshore, to inspire private investment and define priorities for staged delivery of public space upgrades that enhance vibrancy and liveability over 15+ years.

View the draft Bowen Foreshore Masterplan and our fact sheet for more information.

The plan is timely, seeking to leverage flow on benefits from the $68M Bowen Wharf renewal project led by North Queensland Bulk Ports. Council’s role is to share the draft Masterplan as an investment prospectus, collaborate with interested parties and implement priority actions, defined by community consultation, upcoming asset renewals and grant funding opportunities.

Help shape the draft Masterplan by sharing your insights via the online survey below or attend upcoming consultation events, including: