Sports facilities review

Porirua sportspeople and residents are being asked for their opinion on a draft council policy document on the future sports infrastructure needs of the city.

‘‘Organised and casual sports are hugely beneficial to people from communities right across our city,’’ said councillor Denys Latham.

‘‘A reflection of the council’s commitment to ensuring sports continues to thrive here, is our Shared Responsibility Scheme which enables the council to partner with sports clubs to build and maintain much-needed sports infrastructure.’’

Due to the success of the scheme, he said the council was frequently approached by sports groups asking for council assistance to help meet infrastructure needs.

In order to make sound judgements about city-wide leisure needs and sports facility demand, rather than ad-hoc ones, the council conducted its own research in 2010 and 2011.

Using this research, combined with the feedback from sports clubs, the Shared Responsibility Scheme – a funding mechanism – has been updated, and a Sports Infrastructure Investment Policy is being developed.

To help the council form this policy, sports clubs are being invited to put forward their views. The policy aims to: Establish a decision-making process to prioritise funding applications for sport infrastructure provision through the Shared Responsibility Scheme or as part of council’s long term plan.

Provide a strategic basis and direction for future sport infrastructure development in Porirua.

Identify and prioritise sport infrastructure developments where council might have a lead role.

The council wants to hear from all sporting clubs and organisations on their sports’ prospects for future development and possible infrastructure projects in Porirua.

A meeting is being held on Wednesday, March 14, at which council staff will also check the PCC sports club database is up to date.

The meeting is in the Te Rauparaha Arena meeting room from 6.30pm to 8pm.