Development application proposes Isis Club expansion

Isis Club management are “excited” by a proposed expansion to the historic club driven by feedback from members. See the plans.

The proposal includes a covered stage area, outdoor bar and kitchen area, covered seating area and children’s playground.

One of the oldest and most popular clubs in Childers is in line for a significant upgrade if a development application lodged with Bundaberg council gets the green light.

In the application lodged with council by local town planning consultancy InsiteSJC for Isis Club on October 17, an outdoor entertainment area was proposed for the corner of Churchill and Stewart Streets in Childers.

The development would be an extension to the current club, transforming an existing grassed area into a more functional space for outdoors entertaining including a covered stage area, outdoor bar and kitchen area, covered seating area and children’s playground.

The proposal includes a covered stage area, outdoor bar and kitchen area, covered seating area and children’s playground.

Isis Club manager Kerry Smythe said the proposal was driven by community consultation which identified demand for a children-friendly area where families could relax in a pleasant outdoors setting.

“We’ve had a lot of discussion with members and people in our community to see what their thoughts were about what we were proposing to do,” Ms Smythe said.

“And all we keep hearing from people is that it’s going to be so great to be able to bring the kids out somewhere where they can sit and have a coffee or drink, and know that their kids are safe and enjoying themselves.

“We’re trying to create a really nice family atmosphere outside, a place where families can sit and the kids can be entertained.”

Isis Club manager Kerry Smythe said the existing area "doesn't look as inviting as it should, … so we just want to make it beautiful".

In pre-lodgement discussions with Bundaberg Regional Council and the State Assessment Referral Agency, the proposed development’s interface with the Bruce Highway was identified as a key issue to be addressed through the proposal in order to maintain the smooth flow of traffic through Childers.

To this end, the proposal includes a traffic impact assessment which found that, while there are no provisions for on-site parking, the existing on-street parking along Stewart St and Churchill St would be sufficient.

Isis Club manager Kerry Smythe said the "exciting" proposal was driven by member and community consultation.

In line with Ms Smythe’s views on the development as being in the interests of providing a more pleasant environment for Isis Club members, it is not expected to attract a significant number of additional patrons.

If approved, Ms Smythe expects the development to be completed in time for Christmas functions in 2024.

“We’ve already had a lot of people indicating that once it’s all done and dusted, this time next year  they’ll be booking to have for Christmas functions,” she said.

“We have a lot to look forward to.”