Galbraith Park Master Plan sets new benchmark for green spaces

Whitsunday Regional Council has adopted the Galbraith Park Master Plan, providing a long-term vision for a greener, more connected and more immersive parkland experience in the heart of Cannonvale. 

The Master Plan was adopted at the same Council meeting as the Airlie Beach Precinct Master Plan, reinforcing Council’s commitment to coordinated planning across key community and visitor precincts.” 

Mayor Ry Collins said the Galbraith Park Master Plan focuses on creating a park that feels natural,  welcoming and connected to the Whitsundays’ landscape and lifestyle. 

“Galbraith Park is well placed to become a key everyday space for Cannonvale, supporting walking, gathering, play and connection as the area continues to grow,” Mayor Collins said. 

“This Master Plan sets out how the park can evolve over time into a cooler, greener and more immersive place that reflects our subtropical environment and strengthens the community’s  connection to nature.” 

Importantly, the Master Plan also provides the broader planning framework for key community infrastructure within the park footprint, including the Cannonvale Community Hub, ensuring future development is well integrated with surrounding green space, pathways and parkland connections. 

The plan outlines a clear framework for future improvements, including intuitive wayfinding, cohesive material choices, expanded shaded areas, enhanced biodiversity and planting that reflects both subtropical rainforest and native Australian woodland landscapes. 

Signage and wayfinding will be designed to be legible, intuitive and seamlessly integrated into the landscape, supporting navigation while strengthening a sense of place. 

Materials will prioritise durability, accessibility and locally inspired textures, ensuring the park ages well and remains resilient in a coastal climate. 

A strong focus on planting and landscape design underpins the Master Plan, with layered canopy trees, rainforest zones, native woodlands and ecological corridors creating cool microclimates,  supporting biodiversity and encouraging people to explore and linger.

Mayor Collins said it was important for the community to understand the Master Plan is a long-term guide, not a construction timetable. 

“This plan sets a clear long-term direction for how Galbraith Park can grow and improve over time, as funding opportunities, detailed design and partnerships come together,” he said. 

“It allows us to make thoughtful, staged decisions while protecting the natural character that makes this park special.” 

The Galbraith Park Master Plan will now guide future planning, design and investment decisions for the site.