Parks and Leisure Queensland

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Parks and Leisure Queensland Your Regional Voice In the Spotlight Junk Food Housing Seminar Wrapup PLAQ Events 2012 Research Update Savage Consulting Upcoming Events 1-3 4-5 4 6 7-9 Useful Links

Martin Lambert, PLAQ s president, introduced the session with the following summary of the challenges facing the parks industry in Queensland and around the world.

1 Parks and Leisure Queensland Your Regional Voice In the Spotlight Junk Food Housing Seminar Wrapup PLAQ Events 2012 Research Update Savage Consulting Upcoming Events Useful Links PLAQ Regional Council News Newsletter # 08, April 2012 JUNK FOOD HOUSING SEMINAR WRAP-UP The junk food housing seminar was hosted by the Sunshine Coast Regional Council on March 21. Martin Lambert, PLAQ s president, introduced the session with the following summary of the challenges facing the parks industry in Queensland and around the world. Marty s full presentation can be downloaded, together with each speakers presentation, from the PLA members web site. SEMINAR INTRODUCTION The seminar topic started as an idea to develop a guideline a Good Parks Guide to articulate an industry position and support parks and recreation professionals in advocating for functional, accessible and socially suitable parks. A range of trends were noticed including: Major policy focus on housing in the last few years Like food, Housing (and urban Parks) have a major causal relationship with health - cheap food can mean poor health - is there a risk of a similar outcome? Lots of different pressures on housing and urban design Has been a dominant focus on affordable housing, not what is sustainable in a social and health sense (recent article in the Melbourne age). Like any industry we get focused on our sphere of influence and caught up in the everyday battles of delivering parks and recreation outcomes. It is important we step back and look at the wider context and try for an understanding of the drivers for, and influences on, government policy in urban development. After all this is really about what we would argue is Core Infrastructure, and like roads, water and sewerage - you don t get too many chances to get it right and the biggest sin is not to plan for the future. Queensland PLA Secretariat: Megan Lennon PO Box 5660, Manly QLD plaqld@parksleisure.com.au Ph: Fax: : For PLA news and upcoming events visit:

SUMMARY: There is strong evidence that investment now in parks will save future health costs (QORF: if you live within 5km of greenspace you are 70% less likely to have a heart attack) It isn t just

2 Page 2 Newsletter # 08, April 2012 But it is not about taking an adversarial stance- this is about gaining a better understanding and looking at how a cooperative approach can ensure that a push for policy change is targeted effectively and shared as an objective across disciplines. SUMMARY: There is strong evidence that investment now in parks will save future health costs (QORF: if you live within 5km of greenspace you are 70% less likely to have a heart attack) It isn t just physical health there is considerable research that identifies the social and mental health benefits of access to green spaces, natural areas and parks. Public Open Space is also critical to promoting social interaction and cohesion and creating sustainable communities But there are pressures and there is change in what communities want and expect in their urban areas. And it isn t a homogenous solution - we need diversity as much as we need sufficient provision. New urban forms are emerging and with these we have to have new approaches to providing parks for recreation and physical activity. New approaches to the economy are emerging and blending of public space and commercial activity has been shown to create vibrant spaces Consider the pressures: We need cheaper residential solutions There is demand for housing We have less space and are trying to contain the urban footprint We need Water Sensitive Urban Design and protection of waterways and riparian networks as part of a sustainable future Equally we need to protect and provide greenspace at neighbourhood and regional scales The market has some pretty high expectations - everyone wants the new 4 bedder Local Government Authorities have major budget stress and the cost of maintenance is a key issues The need for active neighbourhoods and healthy communities - is it investment in opportunities or programs? Active transport Public transport A strong attachment to traditional sports and skewed investment in sporting infrastructure (does support for the elite level mean increased participation?)

That s what today is about - shaking up our viewpoints you will hear about: Serving up a Housing Solution The challenges in meeting housing expectations - an industry perspective.

Streets that make kids Wii. Steven Burgess, Principal Consultant MRCagney sburgess@mrcagney.com Child Friendly Cities. Stephanie Wyeth, Director Social Planning URBIS swyeth@urbis.com.au Paying the Bill.

3 Page 3 Newsletter # 08, April 2012 Overall today is about trying to understand some of these pressures and to get some different perspectives. I suspect you don t all agree with everything I ve said - GOOD! That s what today is about - shaking up our viewpoints you will hear about: Serving up a Housing Solution The challenges in meeting housing expectations - an industry perspective. Presented by Mark Doonar, Project Director, Urban Development, Qld APP Corporation Pty Limited mark.doonar@app.com.au Healthy Alternatives - How urban design can save on health costs. Streets that make kids Wii. Steven Burgess, Principal Consultant MRCagney sburgess@mrcagney.com Child Friendly Cities. Stephanie Wyeth, Director Social Planning URBIS swyeth@urbis.com.au Paying the Bill. Implications of delivering and funding urban communities. The real cost of the policy is what?!? A presentation based on the costs of development, how we can improve our planning schemes to reduce the cost of housing, and implications in achieving liveable compact cities Anthony Jones, Manager Regional Planning Policy and Projects Council of Mayors (SEQ) Pty Ltd anthony.jones@seqmayors.qld.gov.au The challenges for Local Government in meeting demand and providing a liveable urban environment. Robyn Douglas (Manager of Social Policy, Regional Strategy and Planning), Sunshine Coast Council robyn.douglas@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au Optional Extra$ Public open space, Green space, multiple use pressures and functional design. The need for a fundamental shift in desired standards of service to deliver better quality parks for purpose. Shaun Walsh, Planning and Development Coordinator. South Bank Corporation theparkmaster@betterparksalliance.org And at the end we would like you to participate in a plenary session to discuss industry responses and in particular what PLAQ could do to cause positive change. PLAQ members will be able to view these presentations when they are uploaded to the PLA website in the near future. If you wish to correspond directly with any of the presenters, please click on their address above. PLAQ wishes to thank the above presenters, all of whom volunteered their services and time to make the seminar such an outstanding success.

The October issue will focus on VIC and TAS Research Projects.

4 Page Page 4 4 Newsletter # 08, April 2012 PLAQ 2012 EVENTS PROGRAMME Research Connections Update View Volumes #1 (Qld), #2 (WA) and #3 (NZ) of the Research Connections Newsletter at The June issue will focus on NSW and ACT Research Projects. The October issue will focus on VIC and TAS Research Projects. Relocation of PLA National Office As of Monday 16th April 2012, the PLA National Office will no longer be based in Bendigo Victoria, but will operate through Mark Band (CEO) and his team at: George House, 207 The Parade Norwood SA 5067 Ph: Fax: (+61) admin@parksleisure.com.au

5 Page 5 Newsletter # 08, April 2012 DATE CLAIMER

6 Page 6 Newsletter # 08, April 2012 NEWSLETTER SPONSOR - SAVAGE CONSULTING Partnership Arrangements If your agency or company is interested in sponsoring issues of the newsletter, or advertising in it, please contact Megan Lennon, the PLAQ secretary ( plaqld@parksleisure.com.au phone: ), or visit the PLAQ website to view the sponsorship package

Adelaide, Australia, 22-24 May 2012 Dear Friends and Colleagues, We extend a warm invitation to you

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

7 Page 7 Newsletter # 08, April 2012 UPCOMING CONFERENCES, SEMINARS & WORKSHOPS Parks Beyond Boundaries 5th International Parks Management & Leadership Conference National Wine Centre, Adelaide, Australia, May 2012 Dear Friends and Colleagues, We extend a warm invitation to you to join us in Adelaide in May Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. Kind regards, David Clarke CEO Parks Forum 125 Victoria St Fitzroy 3065 Ph: +61 (0) Fax: +61 (0) davidclarke@parksforum.org For more information go to

html Date: May 24 25, 2012 Venue: Claremont Showgrounds, Perth Date: September 13-14, 2012 Venue: Royal Hall of Industries at Fox Studios, Sydney

The 5th Healthy Cities: Working Together to Achieve Liveable Cities Conference will be a platform for Government and Industry sector professionals to

design and more. The conference will be held in Geelong from 6-8 June 2012. For more information visit http://www.healthycities.com.

8 Page 8 Newsletter # 08, April 2012 Green Growth: New Shoots International Conference 2012 VALUE and MP4 joint International Conference 9-10 May 2012 Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, UK Register now at Or visit Date: May 24 25, 2012 Venue: Claremont Showgrounds, Perth Date: September 13-14, 2012 Venue: Royal Hall of Industries at Fox Studios, Sydney Info Call for papers now open. The 5th Healthy Cities: Working Together to Achieve Liveable Cities Conference will be a platform for Government and Industry sector professionals to discuss causes, effects and solutions that relate to population health, sustainability, natural resource management, transport, climate change, urban design and more. The conference will be held in Geelong from 6-8 June For more information visit The 5th International Urban Design Conference will be held at the Hilton on the Park in Melbourne from Monday the 10th to Wednesday 12th of September The theme is Opportunistic Urban Design. For more information visit urbandesignaustralia.com.au

The conference will take place at the Newcastle Town Hall in Newcastle, New South Wales. The theme is : "Change an opportunity for revitalisation". The Triggers. The Responses. The Hurdles.

9 Page 9 Newsletter # 08, April On behalf of Parks and Leisure Australia, we invite you to attend the 2010 PLA National Conference in Newcastle, on 16th - 19th September The conference will take place at the Newcastle Town Hall in Newcastle, New South Wales. The theme is : "Change an opportunity for revitalisation". The Triggers. The Responses. The Hurdles. The Outcomes. It promises to offer everyone from the policy maker through to the senior manager, practitioner and student, a host of challenges and innovative ideas to discuss and workshop during the conference and to utilise back in the workplace. Be sure to register early to avoid disappointment. The conference is becoming more and more Cycle Queensland Citrus to Sea. Gayndah to Noosa Saturday 8 to Sunday 16 September 2012 pedal away from the everyday A week away with a 1000 friends Pedal away from the everyday on Cycle Queensland This two-wheel adventure holiday will take you through citrus fruit groves along some of Queensland's most spectacular coastline, and gives you the chance to meet some of Hervey Bay's world famous whales. You don t need to worry about cooking meals, transporting luggage or navigating from town to town because all your needs are taken care of by our support crew. Each day we dish up three delicious, cyclist-sized meals and provide hot showers, entertainment, a place to relax, and much more. Cycle Queensland is all about having a good time after all, you re on holidays. Why do it? For some it s a challenge, for others it s an adventure but for many it s simple life is better on a bike. For more information go to

10 Page Parks10 andnewsletter Leisure Queensland # 08, April 2012 Page 10 SOME USEFUL LINKS COOEEads provides a weekly listing of jobs, conferences and training opportunities in the outdoor education/ recreation; environmental education/extension; and conservation/park management fields in Australia and New Zealand. It is free to receive, but there is a cost to advertise. Looking for a volunteer work opportunity to gain new skills or give something back? - visit: our volunteer section. Interested in working in the New Zealand conservation field? - visit: NZ Conservation Jobs. A new Brisbane Region e-advisory is now available info on upcoming free workshops, news and events from the Department of Communities (Sport and Recreation Services ) and the wider sport and recreation industry. The April Healthy Communities/ Physical Activity Update is now available Send a request to Sherryn Davies, Health Promotion Officer Physical Activity, Queensland Health sherryn_davies@health.qld.gov.au and request inclusion on the ing list. Public space - seating and miniparks in cities New Urban Design protocol for Australian cities Creating Places for People New funding announced for Healthy Active Communities (federal gov) Qld councils who got funding for healthy active community coordinators Department of Communities Sport and Recreation Services For all the latest on sport and recreation services in Queensland visit The new Queensland Cabinet and Departmental structure can be viewed at To view the latest QORF Newsletter, go to The latest International River Foundation News can be viewed at

It provides information on planning and undertaking maintenance, as well as checklists for recording the results of inspections and maintenance activities undertaken.

11 Page 11 Newsletter # 08, April 2012 MORE USEFUL LINKS Maintenance Guideline Maintaining Vegetated Stormwater Assets Guideline is now available. This document helps asset managers and maintenance staff by providing practical and standardised advice for maintaining swales, bioretention systems, constructed wetlands and sediment basins. It provides information on planning and undertaking maintenance, as well as checklists for recording the results of inspections and maintenance activities undertaken. Those who design and approve vegetated stormwater assets can also use this document as a reference to help deliver more maintenance friendly assets. Two additional guidelines are coming soon: Rectifying Vegetated Stormwater Assets and Transferring Ownership of Vegetated Stormwater Assets. Our Maintaining Vegetated Stormwater Assets Guideline is up on our website and is available for free download. Water by Design helps individuals and organisations to sustainably manage urban water. Winner Australian Water Association Program Innovation Award. Water by Design is a program of Healthy Waterways. For more information on Healthy Waterways and its programs, visit The Active Outdoors Expo returns to Manly on October 6 a new website ( is coming soon! Book a spot and be seen! Your PLAQ Regional Councillors. Martin Lambert PLAQ President Open Space, Recreation and Sport Consultant and Director, Strategic Leisure group Glen Fensom PLAQ Vice President Open Space and Recreation Specialist Sunshine Coast Regional Council Kylie Crocker PLAQ Treasurer Long Standing Regional Councillor Richard Clarkson Principal Conservation Officer Qld Parks and Wildlife Service Dept of Environment and Resource Management Carly Jeavons Consultant Open Space Planner ROSS Planning Ron Degenhart Coordinator Landscape and Open Space, Development Infrastructure Townsville City Council PLA National Board Member - Qld John Wood Consultant, Open Space Planner John Wood Consulting Services Alan Polley Sport & Recreation Officer Townsville City Council Kristina Dickman Senior Adviser Sport and Recreation Redland City Council

I have had a lifelong association with sport and have been working professionally in the industry for 15 years.

12 Page 12 Newsletter # 08, April 2012 Introducing Kristina Dickman - PLAQ Regional Councillor As the Service Manager for Sport and Recreation at Redland City Council, I am passionate about a healthy and active community and providing sport and recreation opportunities at the grassroots level. I have had a lifelong association with sport and have been working professionally in the industry for 15 years. Prior to this I worked in the tourism industry as a Marketing and Operations Manager for an adventure based tour company running 4WD tours on Moreton Island. The major highlights in sport were working with GPS Rugby Club (where I played for a few years) and Baseball Queensland which led to an opportunity to work at the Sydney Olympics in 2000, a truly great experience. These experiences across the sporting spectrum gave me confidence and stood me in good stead to move into running my own business, creating and running sport events on the Gold Coast. After 4 years of the events business I needed a change and moved into a role with State Government in Toowoomba as the Sport and Rec Adviser for South West. This job took my back to Chinchilla and the towns of the Western Downs where I grew up. I was able to come back to Brisbane with the Department and worked for a couple of years in the Industry Development Unit and as the Program Manager for Outdoor Recreation Centres before moving from State to Local Government. In this role I get to work with the community and really feel like we are able to make a difference through our Sport Redlands Program. Introducing Alan Polley - PLAQ Regional Councillor Alan Polley - I grew up enjoying the great outdoors on the sport fields of SE QLD, and naturally gravitated towards a career in the Sport and Recreation industry. After studying Sport and Exercise Science and Education, I started managing sport programs and facilities at James Cook University. I have been with local government (Sport and Recreation, Townsville City Council) since 2008 and am excited to be part of such a worthwhile industry. I am passionate about assisting community groups to provide great services for the community; and see the need to plan for infrastructure that supports these programs.

Are healthy and attractive for people and their communities, and protect and enhance our environment.

Are healthy and attractive for people and their communities, and protect and enhance our environment. LIVING WATERWAYS IS A BEST PRACTICE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT APPROACH TO DELIVER ENDURING, ENGAGING