Recreation priorities outlined in strategy

A draft strategy outlining potential recreation projects and priorities has been developed by Baw Baw Shire.

Council is urging the community, sporting clubs and recreation organisations to have their say on the 10-year recreation strategy.

The strategy is designed to allow council to understand the current and likely future recreational needs of the community and develop a framework for the effective provision, development and management of recreation facilities and services within Baw Baw Shire.

The draft strategy sets out an action plan of high, medium and ongoing priorities in management; facilities and programs and new facilities.

Development of new pavilions with universal design principles is a high priority in the strategy, with a focus on pavilions that include female friendly changerooms and toilets; functional areas for the delivery of sport rather than social rooms; and one facility to be shared by users.

Six new AFL fields/cricket ovals and six new netball courts as per the Warragul and Drouin precinct structure plans also have been identified as a medium priority.

Two new soccer field in Drouin and five new soccer fields in Warragul are identified as medium priorities.

Subject to the outcomes of a pedestrian and cycling strategy suggested as a high priority, some of the actions to be undertaken would be seating, water bubblers and shade to improve recreation opportunities for seniors.

Council’s current recreation strategy was developed in 2005 and expired in 2015.

In a report to council, officers said the previous strategy had been “pivotal” in leading council’s recreation services over the past decade.

Significant outcomes have included additional operating and capital investment towards recreation; the development of a range of plans for towns and sports; attraction of over $11.8 million worth of grant funding; the redevelopment of the Warragul Leisure Centre; improved systems and communication and better governance and management of facilities.

Council appointed ROSS Planning to assist with development of the draft strategy.

Mayor Joe Gauci said sport and recreation played a huge part in fostering vibrant, healthy and inclusive communities, so it was important to get the strategy right.

“Baw Baw Shire is home to 30 reserves, 83 tennis courts, 10 soccer fields, four skate parks, six aquatic facilities and over 145 kilometres of walking trails, just to name a few, and each of these areas or facilities play a significant role in our local community”, said the Mayor.

“The draft strategy allows council to better understand the current and future sport and recreation needs of the community, and in turn, make more informed investment and management decisions.

“Our goal is to develop a strategy that will help increase sport and recreation participation for all members of the community regardless of age, gender or ability.”

Cr Peter Kostos said the draft strategy was the result of 220 community surveys, 54 club surveys, a sporting club workshop and discussions with key stakeholders.

“It is going out to public consultation for finalisation. Hopefully the feedback from that consultation will be accepted but also sort out any other issues,” he said.

“To help develop the draft strategy we’ve engaged with a large section of our community through community surveys, school visits, school principal surveys, club surveys, club workshop and interviews with other key groups.

“We’ve heard feedback on levels of satisfaction with recreation facilities and opportunities, how people currently participate in recreation activities, barriers to participation, community priorities and club issues and priorities.

“Now we highly encourage residents, sporting clubs, community groups and other stakeholders to review the draft and have their say on the future of recreation in our shire,” he said.

Cr Mikaela Power said a lot of work went into the draft strategy and now it was time to seek public comment.

Cr Darren Wallace said the previous 10-year strategy expired in 2015 after being in operation for 13 years, which was too long.

He said things change over time and a five-year strategy was a better timeframe.

“Ten years is two and a half council terms. We can make decisions and then the next council don’t even put their stamp on the recommendations.

“It is vitally important to get this right. We can’t predict what the landscape will be in 10 years,” he said.

Community submissions on the draft recreation strategy close on Wednesday, July 25.