On Thursday, 4 December the recently formed Hunter Park Precinct Stakeholder Group (Stakeholder Group) came together for an initial meeting to discuss the Hunter Park Precinct (HPP) and the Gil Recreation Centre (GRC) project.
The Stakeholder Group consists of representatives from local sports user groups, local schools, Gilgandra Local Aboriginal Lands Council, youth and community representatives, the Economic Development Committee, and Council.
Council's General Manager David Neeves said establishing the Stakeholder Group is an important step, ensuring local community interests are represented throughout the life of the GRC project.
"I'd like to thank those who have put up their hand to assist Council and represent their interest groups, as well as the broader local community, on this intergenerational project. Council is committed to ensuring the development of the Hunter Park Precinct and the Gil Recreation Centre, a once-in-a-lifetime GRC project that will significantly enhance the liveability of the Gilgandra Region. Together, these projects will provide great enjoyment for locals and visitors, both now and for many years to come."
The Stakeholder Group has been formed with the following key purposes:
- Receive project updates for information
- Represent community, user groups, and partner stakeholders
- Provide feedback on project design, use, and outcomes
- Act as a sounding board for communications and engagement
- Support advocacy and promotion of the project within the community
At their first meeting, the Stakeholder Group reviewed the history of and investment in the HPP.
Questions raised by the stakeholder group, along with the Council's responses, will form a Q&A available on the Council's website and will be updated as the project progresses. View the Q & A's via Council's website, www.gilgandra.nsw.gov.au/Projects/Active-Projects/Gilgandra-Recreation-Centre.
The Stakeholder Group will meet again in the first week of February 2026, with regularly throughout the project until its completion.
The full Stakeholder Group meeting report can be found on Council's website, www.gilgandra.nsw.gov.au/Your-Council/About-Council/Council-Meetings.
Progress with the GRC project to date includes:
- Development and adoption of a governance framework
- Establishment of the Hunter HPP Stakeholder Group
- Development of a draft HPP masterplan
- Adoption of the HPP vision and outcomes
- Engagement process for external project lead
- Adoption of a communications plan
Over the next 18 months, the GRC will progress through planning and detailed design, followed by construction, with the project on track for full operation by the end of 2028.
The total budget allocation for the GRC project is $16m, to deliver modern, accessible swimming and water experience facilities, and a sports, recreation, and youth centre designed to meet the needs of people of all ages and abilities. The GRC project is made possible with funding from the Federal Government's Regional Precinct and Partnerships Program ($14m), and Gilgandra Shire Council ($2m).
Keep up to date on the HPP Masterplan, GRC project progress, and all of Council's projects via our website, www.gilgandra.nsw.gov.au/Projects/Active-Projects.
