Council shares next steps on future Community Heart

Published on 04 August 2026

Livingstone Shire Council is progressing an Options Analysis to help shape the future of Yeppoon's Library and Community Centre, following a strong community response to its recent Community Heart engagement.

More than 630 people completed the survey, including 215 hardcopy responses, providing Council with valuable insight into what residents value most and what they want to see as the community continues to grow.

The feedback will help inform the Options Analysis, which is assessing how Council can best meet growing demand for modern library, community and cultural services while planning for the long-term needs of the community.

Mayor Adam Belot said the engagement confirmed what many already knew, the Library and Community Centre are cherished community assets that play an important role in bringing people together.

"The message from our community is clear. People value these spaces and services because they create connection, support learning, foster inclusion and provide welcoming spaces in the heart of Yeppoon," Mayor Belot said.

"The engagement also confirmed our existing facilities are no longer keeping pace with demand. Services continue to grow, programs are reaching capacity and the community wants more flexible, accessible and modern spaces for the future.”

Residents highly valued the Library's welcoming atmosphere, friendly staff, collection and children's programs, while the Community Centre was recognised for its vital support services, community activities, social connection and much-loved gardens.

Feedback also highlighted strong support for future facilities that strengthen community connection, remain inclusive and accessible, support health and wellbeing, and provide opportunities for lifelong learning.

Mayor Belot said while the project had generated considerable public discussion, feedback from many regular users reflected optimism about the future.

"There has been some very passionate discussion in the wider community, but many of the people and organisations, who actually use these facilities every day, are excited by the opportunity to expand services, improve accessibility and create spaces that better meet the needs of our growing community,” he said.

"People don't want to lose what makes these places special. They want to preserve the welcoming atmosphere, sense of belonging and community spirit, and that's exactly what Council wants to achieve.

"This isn't about simply replacing what people love. It's about building on those strengths so future generations can enjoy even better community, cultural and library services.

"While no final decisions have been made, what is clear, is our existing facilities are beyond the end of their useful life, and doing nothing isn't an option."

The Options Analysis is assessing how Council can address several important community priorities, including growing demand for library and community services, modern and accessible facilities, ongoing community support services and long-term infrastructure planning.

"This a critical next step for Council to objectively assess all viable options, their costs, benefits and long-term outcomes before any decisions are considered,” Mayor Belot said.

"We understand people are passionate about these spaces, and rightly so. That's why we're taking a careful, evidence-based approach to planning for the future."

Mayor Belot said once complete, within the next couple of months, the results from Options Analysis will be shared with the community at a Community Information Open Day, where residents will be able to speak directly with Council officers, and provide feedback.

"When the planning work is complete, we'll put all the information on the table so our community can understand the opportunities.”

Mayor Belot emphasised that preserving the community's emotional connection to the precinct would be a key focus of the next stage of engagement.

"At our Community Information Open Day, we won't just be sharing the options. We'll be inviting the community to share their ideas on how we can carry the heart and soul of these much-loved places into the future,” he said.

"Whether that's recognising the history of the site, incorporating cherished memories, relocating meaningful features or creating new spaces that reflect the same warmth and connection, we want those ideas to come from our community.

“The buildings may change over time, but the spirit of these places doesn't have to."