Upgraded playing surfaces, improved lighting and modern amenities have been identified as the key to ensuring City of Newcastle’s sporting infrastructure meets the needs of a growing population.
More than 1,600 survey responses were received during early consultation for the Strategic Sports Plan, with associations, clubs and community members providing feedback on their use of sporting fields, courts and facilities, as well as their priorities for the future.
City of Newcastle’s Executive Manager Community and Recreation Lynn Duffy said the feedback will be used to guide the investment and management of sports facilities across the local government area.
“Improving the availability and quality of facilities was consistently highlighted as the best way to help clubs welcome more participants and expand their programs,” Ms Duffy said.
“Our network of sporting facilities has potential for increased capacity, but drainage and lighting limit how reliably the fields can be used.
“Balancing the needs of organised sport with a growing number of casual users will be a major consideration, with 88% of respondents indicating they use facilities for casual recreation and exercise as part of an active lifestyle.
“Once it’s finalised, the updated Strategic Sports Plan will provide a clear roadmap for the ongoing improvement of Newcastle’s sporting and recreation network.”
Adopted by the elected Council in 2020, the 10-year Strategic Sports Plan was designed to address future demand, but shifting participation trends, population growth, climate impacts and competing demands for usable land prompted City of Newcastle to undertake a review.
A community briefing held last night provided an update on the results of the community engagement, as well as proposed strategic priorities and the next steps in the development and implementation of the Strategic Sports Plan.
Engagement was undertaken with a range of stakeholders including state and local sporting associations, clubs, schools, community groups, government agencies, facility user groups and individuals.
Ms Duffy said the feedback provided valuable insights into current challenges and future opportunities for sport and recreation.
“Wet weather and poor drainage disrupt participation for everyone, while ageing amenities limit female, accessible and inclusive participation,” Ms Duffy said.
“We have to take into consideration the population growth in our western suburbs, as well as future planning proposals in and around the Broadmeadow Place Strategy.
“The quality and reliability of facilities ultimately constrain access more than overall supply, and respondents told us the priority for investment remains surfaces, drainage, lighting and amenities.”
City of Newcastle is now in the final stages of preparing the draft Strategic Sports Plan, which is expected to be placed on public exhibition later this month.
During this period, City of Newcastle will undertake further discussions with sporting associations and clubs to gather feedback and ensure stakeholders have the opportunity to review and help refine the document.
The public exhibition period will also provide another opportunity for the broader community to review the draft Plan and provide feedback on whether it reflects the community’s priorities and aspirations before it is finalised.
The plan will then be further refined before going before the elected Council for adoption.
