City of Moreton Bay residents love to enjoy the region’s natural areas. The popularity of CREEC is a testament to that love of the outdoors.
As visitor numbers continue to increase, the facility must meet visitors growing needs and expectations.
To ensure this, Council has established a draft master plan.
About the draft master plan
The draft master plan establishes a strategic approach to delivering a holistic and contemporary vision for CREEC.
The plan was developed with the help of constructive input from a working group and community feedback through public consultation, online submissions, and visitors to the centre.
Upgrades included in the draft master plan
The plan includes a number of new facilities and upgrades to the existing education centre and grounds. These improvements aim to ensure visitors are provided with appropriate amenities, and support environmental education activities.
A nature-based playground
The new playground is due to open in mid-2024. It replaces the outdated existing playground. It will be centred around an exciting interpretation of the natural environment. Through a series of active and interactive play elements, children will become immersed in nature.
The playground will have a combination of natural and manmade shade. It will be located near the future picnic hub for convenience and visibility. The new playground complements the all-abilities playground. Together, they will provide a full range of play-based experiences for various age groups.
The nature-based playground features:
- a log and rope climber
- sand play
- embankment slides
- a climbing wall with rope and mountain climbs
- a pipe tunnel
- boulder balance and discovery trail.
Upgrades to the education centre and amenities
The environment centre will have several upgrades. These include:
- upgrades to the toilet and café facilities
- new rooms and display areas inside the facility
- new outdoor undercover areas or formal and informal uses.
A new picnic hub
A new picnic hub will replace several outdated structures. The hub aims to cater for greater visitor numbers. It is planned to be located between the centre and the new playground. It will provide a central area for families and visitors to relax. The hub will include additional:
- seating
- tables
- bins
- bubblers
- picnic shelters.
Design elements will aim to enhance the centre's environmental focus, provide natural shade and link with the surrounding bushland.
Car park expansion
The first expansion to the car park was completed in 2020. Further expansions are included in the draft master plan. The new car parking areas will have visibility and will cater for increased visitor numbers, especially at peak times.
Accessible trails with more seating and signage
The community can experience the natural riparian bushland of the Burpengary River using the trails and paths around CREEC. These trails and paths will be enhanced with more seating and signage. Most importantly, upgrades to the trail network will improve accessibility for all and link different areas such as the education centre and the sensory garden.