Sport hubs flagged in new precincts
Future sporting precinct developments in Drouin, Warragul and Lillico are up for discussion.
Masterplans for five future sporting precincts may focus on sport-specific hubs rather than multi-sport precincts.
The sites were identified in Warragul and Drouin Precinct Structure Plans but Baw Baw Shire now wants community feedback on what the precincts should include.
Draft masterplans for the sites reflect projected sporting needs that cannot be accommodated at existing sites.
The original PSP descriptions outlined multi-sport approaches for each site.
However, officers said a further review favoured a sport specific focus at each precinct such as soccer pitches at one reserve to reduce conflict with other winter sports at the one venue.
The report said this approach also would reduce travel for participants, enable seniors and juniors to be colocated and foster development pathways
The sites include:
McGlone sporting reserve – 6.3 hectares in McGlone Rd, Drouin incorporating a senior oval, two netball courts, pavilion and changerooms, senior and junior pump track, walk trail and 140 car parks.
Weebar sporting reserve – 11.1 hectares at the intersection of Dyall and Weebar Rds, Drouin featuring two ovals, four synthetic cricket practice nets, six netball courts, pavilion with changerooms and public toilets, walking trail, fitness stations and 210 car parks.
Dollarburn sporting reserve – 8.75 hectare site co-located with a potential government primary school and community centre in Dollarburn Rd, Warragul with suggested facilities being two senior ovals, two netball courts, four synthetic cricket practice nets, walking trail, pavilion and change rooms and 230 car parks.
Lillico sporting reserve – 12.1 hectares featuring four soccer pitches, pavilion, spectator seating, fitness station, play space and 160 car parks.
Two options have been developed for the 6.75 hectare Spring Creek sporting reserves which officers said had a number of site constraints. Officers said development of the space requires multiple pavilions and car parks.
The Spring Creek site proposes 11 multi-use courts plus a dedicated show court for both netball and tennis. If supported it would be developed instead of the proposal for the Burke St precinct outlined in the Warragul Outdoor Recreation Plan.
A report to council said the draft masterplans reflected sporting needs within the shire’s growth areas, taking into account a 20-year demographic review to 2041 and a sports demand analysis.
A mix od developer contribution fund, grants, council funds and borrowings would be required to fund the infrastructure at each site.
Some of the sites are still privately owned.
Mayor Danny Goss said when the PSPs were developed, five areas were identified on the edge of the two towns for sporting reserves.
Cr Goss said the decisions made after this public consultation would change Warragul and Drouin forever.
“It’s important to note these are long term plans that outline the detailed works of what should happen within Warragul and Drouin, taking into consideration what facilities are best suited in each area, whether carparks are required, grandstand locations, the option of synthetic grounds etc.
“But council needs to acquire this land first. Through these draft masterplans, we want to ensure we are meeting the diverse sporting needs of residents across our growing municipality,” he said.
Cr Joe Gauci said the original PSPs allocated land for sporting reserves with a football ground, soccer field, netball court and tennis court integrated in one area.
“However, with the way our community sporting needs are developing and growing, based on the draft concepts put forward we may move towards creating areas that cater to the specific sports.
“This approach will allow us to develop regional facilities that can potentially host major events,” he said.
Cr Gauci said seeking community input would give council the foundation for future development.
“Council has to buy the land, get the grants and create the infrastructure but it is forward thinking by council,” he said.
Cr Annemarie McCabe said this was about forward planning to address the demand for sporting facilities.
“The provision of sporting facilities allows for social connectedness, improved community health as well as economic benefits,” she said.
Cr Jazmin Tauru said sporting grounds were well used and well loved in the community.
She said the way each different sporting space was organised with made sense.
Community members are encouraged to view the draft concept plans and provide feedback via the Have Your Say section on council’s website.
Consultation closes on October 7.