Katrina Novak has had a busy year overseeing community consultation into a new masterplan for the Dapto Showground.
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Now the consultation process is complete the Dapto Agricultural and Horticultural Society chief executive is preparing for the next phase of the planning process for 'the Groundz' starting in 2021.
Ms Novak said the general response suggests the community is ready for the showground to include a dining and family recreational precinct.
She said with Dapto's population growing rapidly, the economic benefit would be significant.
Ms Novak said early estimates indicate more than 500 jobs will be generated if the draft masterplan is realised.
"The Dapto AH Society is extremely proud of its history, having served the local community since its conception over 160 years ago," she said.
"Since this time though, community needs have changed and the current design of the showground limits its use and is therefore under-utilised by the community.
"Our vision for "the Groundz" provides much needed amenities and green space in the town centre, which will in turn increase the usage of the site and offer a vibrant and exciting community hub."
More than 80 per cent of respondents surveyed as part of the community consultation process indicated they would regularly visit "the Groundz" if it offered a cinema; an indoor and outdoor family eatery, a café precinct, live music and concerts, restaurants and wine bars, and a large outdoor children's playground and parklands.
"The Showground is a precious community asset, and the land will not be sold off to achieve these plans, instead, we will be seeking suitable joint venture and/or leasehold partners to assist us in achieving "the Groundz" vision and draft masterplan," Ms Novak said.
The Dapto AH will work with Colliers International Wollongong managing director Simon Kersten to help secure partners to that can assist in delivering its planned vision for the site.
Mr Kersten said such projects are a once in a generation opportunity.
Ms Novak said Dapto AH Society was trying to activate the site.
She said the Ribbonwood Centre and McDonald's were also on its land and the latest plans fit within existing zoning for private recreation.
What the Dapto AH Society Board is trying to do is activate the site more so the showground area is used all week.
She said it is not a council owned showground so more activity will help cover general maintenance costs of keeping the gates open on the 9 hectare site in the middle of Dapto.
And they want to do that by diversifying giving the community what it wants and will frequently use.
And in the process generate employment.
Ms Novak said none of the plans are final but the community vision is exciting.
She said it had been four years getting to this point and will probably be a five year process delivering the most popular items on the community's wish list following the consultation process.
She said it is about creating a space with lots of different precincts and zones where people can connect and many different activities can be happening at the same time.
There is no reason why other things can be happening when the markets are on.
She said the popularity of food vans during COVID-19 were a good example of how popular activating the site can be.
She said the masterplan process is happening at the same time as Wollongong City Council's town centre plan which is good time.
"What we are doing is what they said Dapto needs," she said.
Greyhound Racing NSW, which currently operate under licence at the Showground, will be included in the process and invited to submit a proposal.
Ms Novak said all the present stakeholders will continue to be kept up top date with all progress made through the planning process.
Mine support for community organisations
South32's Illawarra Metallurgical Coal has delivered more than $250,000 to local community organisations over the past financial year.
In the Illawarra six organisations shared $126,071 from South32 IMC's Dendrobium Community Enhancement Program.
And eight organisations in the Wollondilly region shared $129,505 from South32 IMC's Community Partnership Program.
Vice president of operations Wayne Bull said South32 was committed to make a positive contribution to the communities where it operates.
"I'm delighted we've been able to deliver such significant funding for Illawarra and Wollondilly community organisations," he said.
"It's been a difficult year for many people and organisations in our community because of COVID-19, and I'm particularly proud we've been able to lend a helping hand. We look forward to continuing to support our communities.
Illawarra recipients included $20,550 for the Figtree Community Carols organised by Figtree Anglican Church, $53,480 to Mount Kembla Public School to help refurbish the library and provide online learning during COVID-19, $2000 for the Kembla Heights Fishing Club and $4,938 for Mount Kembla Rural Fire Service brigade.
Figtree Anglican Church executive manager Scott Simpson said the church was deeply grateful to the support for an event that brings the community together at Christmas time.
"Although this year's event will be a little different with a 90 minute online special, it will remain a free community event and feature talent from our local community," he said.
This year's Figtree Carols event will be available to watch at 7pm on Saturday 12 December at figtreecarols.com.
Third propeller fitted to Southern Cross II Replica
The third propeller was fitted to the Southern Cross II replica this week.
Project manager Jim Thurstan said the team of volunteers at HARS will now pull the propeller off the number two engine and fit it with seals and then torque and lock all three propeller retaining nuts.
Meaning the flying replica of Australia's most famous aircraft is still on track to be back in the air in 2021.
There are still some electrics to work on before testing and CASA approval can be granted.
Read more:
Movers and Shakers is a new weekly feature of people doing significant work in or for the Illawarra community
Do you have an interesting business story you would like to share? Email grellis@austcommunitymedia.com.au.
Greg Ellis
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
