
Proserpine Area Masterplan
- Client Name
- Whitsunday Regional Council
- Location
- Queensland, Australia

Image: Main Street Proserpine, courtesy of Whitsunday Regional Council
Challenge
SLR was commissioned by Whitsunday Regional Council to produce landscape and urban design concepts for Proserpine as part of the Prosperous Proserpine Project.
Proserpine is a regional township in the Whitsundays that has long history as an agricultural centre mainly in sugar cane. Unlike other Whitsunday towns such as Bowen and Airlie Beach Proserpine鈥檚 inland location and agricultural focus requires different considerations for townscape improvements. Council鈥檚 brief was to look at opportunities to promote the town鈥檚 character and identity in order to attract visitors and enhance community pride.
Solution
An integral part of the brief was to look at the entry or 鈥榞rab鈥� points leading into Proserpine that enabled clear legibility and understanding of its location especially as viewed by visitors. SLR took the approach of undertaking an analysis of Proserpine that was focused on identifying its key character elements as a way of promoting its unique identity and revitalising the urban centre of Proserpine鈥檚 Main Street.
SLR identified a disconnect between the commercial centre and the Bruce Highway which does not openly encourage or promote legible access into Proserpine.
The team adopted the underlying theme of reinvigorating and transposing some of Proserpine鈥檚 historical 鈥榤emories鈥� and agricultural themes into the concepts.
This complimented the proposed desire of Council to improve Main Street as a pedestrian destination highlighting its historical buildings and laneway enhancement opportunities.
SLR undertook a lead role as Landscape Architects and Urban Designer and oversaw a consultant team consisting of Public Art specialist, civil, lighting, traffic and stormwater engineers to advise on the design concepts. SLR worked closely with Council鈥檚 key stakeholders, staff and community to offer workable and sustainable solutions for the community.