Clubs tell council to think big

Two major sporting clubs have criticised Baw Baw Shire’s proposed new recreation precincts for not aiming big.

Concept plans for $70 million worth of recreation developments across four new precincts have been endorsed by council.

But, Warragul Industrials and Drouin football/netball clubs have expressed their dissatisfaction with the plans.

WIFNC’s Tim Kubale told council to “think big now.” And, his sentiments were echoed by Chris Soumilas on behalf of Drouin Football Club, who said the plans adopted by council were “not the answer.”

Sporting hubs, including competition and training facilities, as well as pavilions will be created in the masterplans that identify future recreation precincts in McGlone and Weebar Rds in Drouin; Dollarburn Rd in Warragul and Lillico Rd, Lillico.

In a submission to council, Mr Kubale said said prospective growth should be at the forefront of all decision making.

He said Warragul Industrials was a rapidly growing club and one of few clubs in Victoria that co-shared a facility with another football-netball club.

To cater for its four male football teams, three female teams and 10 netball teams, he said the club needed to play two football games at a time and provide four netball courts and a warm up area for netballers.

“WIFNC believe that we as a shire need to think big now while we have this opportunity at planning stage.

“When people, companies or organisations plan something well and then work hard at that plan, more often it is achieved,” he said.

Mr Kubale said the shire did not have a single sporting precinct that could attract a marquee game to the area.

“This should be our number one aim. If this requires more land then we should get more land, not just compromise to the easiest option.

“Shouldn’t we aim for the right fit, rather than try to fit the wrong space?” Mr Kubale said.

Mr Soumilas told council the proposed two ovals at Weebar Rd and one oval at McGlone Rd was not the answer to the forecast demand on football ovals. He said the Drouin senior and junior clubs currently had 15 teams between them.

Mr Soumilas said the senior and junior clubs could not manage two separate venues.

He said any new precinct needed to have the required number of ovals to cater for growth and a single pavilion and social rooms to cater for everyone.

“It does not have to be built in one hit. We are not asking for that. Plan it and work towards the right project. Then the right project will attract funding from the federal and state governments and the AFL,” he said.

Baw Baw Ratepayers Association secretary Kerry Elliott also pleaded with council to consider the bigger picture and make more land available for future recreation precincts.

She said Warragul Industrials, Drouin and Warragul Football Netball Club had all spoken of their frustration with the concept plans.

“There continues to be concerns particularly about the suitability of the sites of the sporting reserves and lack of land available for future needs and expansion of facilities.

“We look across the border into Cardinia sporting facilities are of a much higher standard. The area of land at Lang Lang and their very impressive facility is just one, but other grounds in Cardinia Shire have areas which allow vision and progress,” she said.

Ms Elliott urged council to take the time to consider an exciting future in recreation and sporting arenas and not be locked in and re