2019-03-12 Services & Organisation Committee Agenda

SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                    12 MARCH 2019


A draft plan was developed and presented to Council in October 2018. The development of the
Plan has largely been undertaken by consultants, Otium Planning. The project was completed
over five stages comprising:

1.    Background research including an analysis of demographics, relevant literature including
      previous planning and trends within sport and recreation activities;
2.    Consultation/engagement with key stakeholders;
3.    An inventory of existing facilities within the study area;
4.    Assessment and analysis of findings including identification of suitable existing facilities for
      upgrade to regional level;
5.    Developing a draft report

Community engagement on the draft plan occurred from 29 October 2018 to 23 November 2018.
The Plan was finalised following consideration of the feedback through the community
engagement phase.

2.    Aim

The aim of the Regional Facilities Plan for Difficult to Locate Sports is to provide a consistent and
planned approach to the provision of regional level facilities for the four selected sports within the
catchment of the three local government areas. A key objective of the Plan is to reduce
duplication in facility provision, development and management and to provide guidance on
regional priorities.

3.    Summary

In preparing the Regional Facilities Plan for Difficult to Locate Sports, a ‘desired standard of
service’ for regional facilities has been articulated for each sport, as well as identifying where
possible, the preferred site locations for regional facilities for each sport.

Participation levels, trends and facility demand arising from participation growth have not been a
significant driver in the formulation of the Plan. In comparison with other activities available to the
community, the reported participation in the activities within the scope is relatively limited. The
impacts of urban growth, increasing population, rural land pressures and the need to coordinate
investment and planning are the key drivers for the Final Plan. Urban growth applies
displacement pressure on existing facilities and compounds this by reducing available land for
relocated or new facilities.

The four sports identified as part of the Plan currently have access to local opportunities or
facilities catering for varying levels of recreation and competition – the exception being motorised
water sports, as options are limited mostly to recreation uses on a lake and some river sections.
No club-managed facilities capable of providing competitive opportunities for motorised water
sports exist within the three local government areas.

The Plan focuses on public land and community-based clubs and sport. It does not deal with
private facilities or the aspirations of commercial operators for business development however
some of the recommendations may refer to or require consideration of public/ private
partnerships.

State level organisations, regional associations and local clubs were invited to provide input in
the consultation phase of the Plan, and assisted with informing the final recommendations for
each of the identified sports as outlined below.




                                                                                       Page 23 of 60