Proposed Environmental Information Centre

Over the past few years, members of the Foote Sanctuary Association have discussed the possibilities for a new building to meet the future needs of volunteers and visitors to the Sanctuary.

A new building would have the following functions:

• Workshop Storage for Sanctuary volunteer’s tools and equipment (ground floor)

• Library/archival storage

• Meeting room/Classroom/interpretive centre with displays about the history and ecology of the Sanctuary

• Kitchen

• Public toilets

Further details

To reduce site impacts, it should be located where the existing workshop is. It would be on two levels, workshop on the ground floor and public facilities on the upper floor, with ramp access from the car park to make it wheelchair accessible. The facilities provided would move the functions of the existing buildings (workshop, tool shed, and additional public toilets) under one roof. It is envisaged that the meeting space would be available for public use.

Following discussions with Greenway Architects (who designed the Buderim Men’s Shed) concept drawings and plans were prepared.

The Eric Joseph Foote War Memorial Sanctuary Association is still seeking feedback from the community about the detailed design of the proposed building. Support for the idea of a new multi-purpose building has been provided by political representatives from all levels of government and from other Buderim community organisations. Finance for construction will be sought from grant programs, public donations and fundraising events.

The proposal is now going through the planning approval process with Sunshine Coast Council, but the response so far has been very positive

In March 2022 a detailed topographic survey was completed of the site and an application made for a grant under the Sunshine Coast Council Major Grants scheme to finance the production of detailed architectural plans and costings. The first draft of these plans has been completed

Research is being conducted into the feasibility of incorporating an inclinator into the design. This would enable disabled access from the car park to the level of the new amenities block as an alternative to ramps linking the stages of the new steps.

The executive committee of the Sanctuary Association welcomes your comments and ideas.

You can email your comments to: foote.sanctuary@gmail.com