Bowraville Masterplan implementation

Bowraville has a masterplan, a framework to support town centre land use, connectivity and public domain improvements. Its aim is to support the creation of a more diverse and enlivened town centre. 

The current adopted plan is called Draft Bowraville Masterplan and Design Report – January 2021, prepared by Alan Rudge Architects. In December 2025, Nambucca Valley Council reviewed the adopted Bowraville Masterplan and resolved to proceed with its staged implementation through an allocated budget of $250,000. 

Council is starting with Precinct 1, the High Street median centre opposite Nambucca Valley Phoenix. 

Bowraville Masterplan Precinct 1

Draft Bowraville Masterplan and Design Report suggested a winding water feature for Precinct 1 on page 40. However due to public safety concerns, Council’s engineering team are suggesting instead to install a curved pathway and shade trees in Precinct 1. 

Further information on Precinct 1 will be provided when detailed design has been done. 

Splash pads provide a fun, recreational space for young people.

After the success of installing a splash pad at Bellwood Park, Nambucca Heads, Council is investigating construction of a potential splash pad in Bowraville.

Council is inviting community feedback on the potential locations for the splash pad, within Hennessey Tape Recreation Area, up until 13 October 2026. You can provide your feedback by taking the survey here or contacting Council on council@nambucca.nsw.gov.au

Council currently considers the potential benefits (strengths) and challenges (weaknesses) of each different as: 

Site 1: This site's strengths are it has high visibility, it has good passive surveillance from adjacent roadway, existing shade, and it's close to amenity building. Its weaknesses are it would require a 30m fence as it is adjacent to a road, the gravel road access to the river below would need to be reinstated, and fill would need to be imported to create a flat platform for the pad. 

Site 2: This site's strengths are it has high visibility, it has good passive surveillance from adjacent roadway, existing shade, and it is the site with the most recreation space immediately adjacent to it. Its weaknesses are a 30m fence would be required as it is adjacent to a road, it is immediately adjacent to a golf course, so there would be likely errant golf balls that could enter the splash pad area and fencing would need to mitigate this risk, and it is likely to increase children crossing Coronation Street. 

Site 3: This site's strengths are it is an elevated site that is close to picnic tables and bbq facilities. It is also away from roads. Its weaknesses are there is a potential greater chance of a collision with cyclists on the bike track, a fence may need to be installed and it has poor passive surveillance from Coronation Street.

The land at Site 3 is also subject to an Aboriginal land claim. While a splash pad may still be a good use for this land, any installation would need to navigate additional permissions over its use and compensation may be required.

Don't like any of these potential sites? You are welcome to suggest another potential site, for Council's consideration, within Hennessy Tape Oval.