Council is supporting the delivery of a community-led infrastructure project at Raspberry Creek Homestead, with $320,000 allocated to invest in new outdoor infrastructure that will benefit local residents, families, and visitors.

The project will operate as a pilot initiative focused on empowering the community to help shape, design, and deliver infrastructure that meets local needs and creates lasting community benefit.

Council recognises the important role community facilities play in bringing people together and creating opportunities for recreation, social connection, and community wellbeing. Through this project, the Byfield community will have the opportunity to contribute ideas and help determine the infrastructure improvements that will provide the greatest benefit for the area.

The project aims to:

• Deliver lasting community infrastructure that benefits the broader Byfield community.
• Create a welcoming and inclusive community space.
• Improve recreational opportunities for local families and visitors.
• Encourage community participation and ownership.
• Establish a pilot model for future community-led infrastructure projects.
• Ensure public assets are located on publicly accessible land for long-term community benefit.

This project is being shaped by the community, for the community.

Share your ideas by completing the survey below and help determine the infrastructure improvements that will deliver the greatest benefit for Byfield.

Raspberry Creek Homestead is one of the Capricorn Coast's most significant historic places, with a history dating back to the early 1860s. Established by pioneering settlers James and Mary Hutton, the homestead was originally located within the Shoalwater Bay area and served as the centre of the family's pastoral operations for more than 50 years.

In 1965, the property became part of the Shoalwater Bay Training Area. To preserve this important piece of local history, the homestead was relocated in 1988 to its current site in Byfield with the support of a Bicentennial grant.

Today, Raspberry Creek Homestead is situated on land reserved for cultural and historical purposes under the trusteeship of Livingstone Shire Council and is leased and operated by the Byfield & District Historical Society. The homestead continues to serve the community as a museum and library, preserving the stories of the region's pioneering families and heritage.

As the site of the Byfield Community Infrastructure Project, Raspberry Creek Homestead provides a unique opportunity to celebrate the area's rich history while creating new community infrastructure that will support local residents, families and visitors for generations to come.

The Byfield Community Infrastructure Project was developed following Council's decision to redirect funding previously allocated to the Byfield Footpath Project. After considering current construction costs and community priorities, Council resolved to invest the available funding in a community-led infrastructure initiative that would deliver broader benefits for the Byfield community.

Through discussions with local stakeholders and an assessment of potential locations, Raspberry Creek Homestead was identified as the preferred site due to its accessibility, community value and potential to support a range of future community uses.

Site Selection

Council has determined that Raspberry Creek Homestead is the most appropriate location for the project because:

• The site is Council-controlled land, ensuring infrastructure remains publicly accessible for community use into the future.
• The land is State Government owned, with Council acting as Trustee and responsible for its ongoing management.
• Infrastructure delivered through the project will become Council assets and can therefore be appropriately monitored, maintained and renewed.
• Any playground equipment installed can be incorporated into Council's routine playground inspection and maintenance program.
• The site is appropriately zoned for community and recreational uses.
• The location provides an opportunity to create a shared community space that benefits residents, visitors, families and local groups.

This project is intended to be delivered as a community-led, community-benefit initiative.

Council will work alongside local stakeholders and community representatives to identify priorities, explore opportunities and develop a project that reflects the needs and aspirations of the broader Byfield community.

Feedback received throughout the engagement process will help inform the project's scope and future delivery.

The final scope of the project will be informed by community feedback and available funding.

Potential infrastructure improvements may include:

• Playground equipment
• Shade structures
• BBQ and picnic facilities
• Outdoor recreation spaces
• Seating and gathering areas
• Landscaping and beautification works
• Other community-focused infrastructure identified through engagement

No decisions have been made regarding the final infrastructure outcomes, and community input will play an important role in shaping the project.