Community representatives have formally taken a seat at the table in shaping the future of Gilgandra’s largest recreation investment, following the first meeting of the Hunter Park Precinct Stakeholder \ Group.

The group met on December 4 to begin discussions around the Hunter Park Precinct and the Gilgandra Recreation Centre project, a $16 million development expected to transform sport, recreation and youth facilities in the region.

The Stakeholder Group includes representatives from local sporting user groups, schools, the Gilgandra Local Aboriginal Land Council, youth and community groups, Council’s Economic Development Committee and Council staff, ensuring a broad cross-section of community interests is represented throughout the project.

Gilgandra Shire Council General Manager David Neeves said establishing the Stakeholder Group was a key step in ensuring local voices are heard across the life of the 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,” Mr Neeves said.

“Council is committed to ensuring the development of the Hunter Park Precinct and the Gilgandra 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 to receive project updates, represent community and user groups, provide feedback on project design and outcomes, act as a sounding board for communications and engagement, and support advocacy and promotion of the project within the community.

People power will guide the Gilgandra Council in shaping Hunter Park Precinct and the Gilgandra Recreation Centre project.

At the initial meeting, members reviewed the history of the Hunter Park Precinct and the investment already made to date.

Questions raised by stakeholders, along with Council’s responses, will be published in a question-and-answer section on Council’s website and updated as the project progresses.

The Stakeholder Group is scheduled to meet again in the first week of February 2026 and will continue to meet regularly throughout the project until completion.

The Gilgandra Recreation Centre project is expected to progress through planning and detailed design over the next 18 months, followed by construction, with the facility currently on track to be fully operational by the end of 2028.

The $16 million project will deliver modern, accessible swimming and water-based facilities, along with a sports, recreation and youth centre designed to meet the needs of people of all ages and abilities.

Funding includes $14 million from the Federal Government’s Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program, with a $2 million contribution from Gilgandra Shire Council.

Council says progress to date has included the development and adoption of a governance framework, establishment of the Hunter Park Precinct Stakeholder Group, development of a draft precinct

masterplan, adoption of the precinct vision and outcomes, engagement of an external project lead and adoption of a communications plan.

Updates on the Hunter Park Precinct Masterplan, Gilgandra Recreation Centre project progress and other Council projects will continue to be shared publicly as planning advances.