Council unveils community's vision for Hughenden Leisure Precinct

Published on 23 July 2026

Flinders Shire Council has launched a blueprint for the revitalisation of the Hughenden Leisure Precinct to guide future investment and support community wellbeing and economic growth.

The Hughenden Leisure Precinct Master Plan establishes a long-term vision for the renewal, enhancement and future expansion of the Hughenden Leisure Precinct, comprising the Hughenden Memorial Pool, Allen Terry Caravan Park and Youth Precinct/Skate Park.

Underpinned by extensive community and stakeholder engagement, the Master Plan has been developed to guide future investment, funding applications, and the staged delivery of infrastructure improvements, estimated at $38.7 million.

Flinders Shire Council Mayor Kate Peddle said the Hughenden Leisure Precinct played an important role in supporting community wellbeing, recreation, tourism and economic activity within the Shire.

“However, this much-loved precinct would benefit from significant upgrades and investment to ensure it continues to meet the needs of residents and visitors into the future,” said Mayor Peddle.

“Through the master plan process, we have identified issues such as ageing infrastructure, including a swimming pool that has reached the end of its useful life, limited shade, landscaping and seating, and drainage and service infrastructure deficiencies.

“There’s also a need for improved pedestrian connectivity and accessibility, and opportunities to enhance youth recreation facilities and visitor experiences.

“The Master Plan provides a strategic framework for staged improvements across the precinct, while strengthening integration between facilities and establishing a high-quality leisure and tourism destination for Hughenden.”

An artist's impression of the Hughenden Memorial Pool redevelopment, which includes a new accessible 25m, eight-lane heated pool.

The Master Plan has been informed by a comprehensive engagement process involving community members, users, operational staff, facility managers, elected representatives and local students.

An online community survey attracted 87 responses and found strong support for investment in the precinct, with the majority of respondents indicating upgrades were important across all facility areas.

Community priorities include renewal of the ageing swimming pool, improvements to shade and landscaping across the precinct, enhanced youth recreation opportunities, and caravan park upgrades.

Survey respondents consistently expressed a desire for a more attractive, connected and functional parkland-style precinct that better supports families, young people, visitors and residents.

“The Hughenden Leisure Precinct Master Plan has been developed with the community, for the community, and I would like to thank all community members and stakeholders who shared their views,” said Mayor Peddle.

“Together we have created a bold vision for the Hughenden Leisure Precinct that provides a strong foundation for enhancing community wellbeing and supporting tourism growth.”

An artist's impression of the Youth Precinct and Skate Park.

The Master Plan also responds to Hughenden’s evolving role as a regional service centre supporting renewable energy development, workforce growth and long-term community liveability.

Mayor Peddle said the revitalised leisure precinct would strengthen Hughenden’s attractiveness as a place to live, work and visit.

“Enhancing our recreation infrastructure will support workforce attraction and retention, while upgraded facilities and improved amenity are expected to attract more visitors, who will stay longer and spend locally,” she said.

“The co-location of accommodation, recreation and leisure facilities also creates opportunities for events, competitions and tourism-driven activities that can deliver flow-on benefits to local businesses and services.”

The Master Plan provides a strategic framework for future investment, advocacy and grant funding opportunities, with detailed design work for the pool redevelopment already completed, and other improvements costed for delivery over 10 to 15 years.

“This isn’t a plan that is going to sit on a shelf and be forgotten,” said Mayor Peddle.

“We will be preparing a grant application for Round 2 of the Queensland Government’s Tourism Icons Investment Fund for caravan park improvements, including new amenities blocks and upgrades to laundry and kitchen facilities.

“The community’s vision for the Hughenden Leisure Precinct will continue to drive Council’s advocacy and fundraising efforts and form an important part of community benefit negotiations with renewable energy proponents.”

For more information about the Hughenden Leisure Precinct Master Plan, visit: www.flinders.qld.gov.au/Community-and-Environment/Facilities-and-Recreation/Hughenden-Leisure-Precinct-Master-Plan