More than 20 sporting user groups, representing over 3,000 members have shaped the Draft 2022 Old Aerodrome Sporting Complex (OASC) Masterplan review, which is now out for public comment.
The review builds on the existing masterplan, which was developed in 2009, and will guide planning and development of one of Mildura’s most popular sporting reserves for the next five years.
Councillor for Recreation and Events Mark Eckel said regular reviews of the region’s major sporting reserves was vital to ensure they continued to reflect sporting groups’ needs into the future.
“Our sporting reserves are among our most important community assets and we need to ensure that as user groups grow and develop, and actions are completed from previous masterplans, that future priorities and projects remain relevant,” Cr Eckel said.
“The growth in individual sports that use the Old Aerodrome Sporting Complex is a prime example of both the success of existing masterplans, and the importance of reviewing them.
“When the existing masterplan for this complex was developed in 2009, it was home to 15 sporting user groups. We had more than 23 user groups participate in this latest review.
“We’ve also seen progress on several projects identified in the previous masterplan, including installation of lighting to AFL and cricket competition standard on Oval No. 2 and development of the BMX facility.”
Cr Eckel thanked user groups for their input into the latest masterplan review, which has identified 76 Priority Actions, ranging from projects to improve wheelchair access through to lighting upgrades and building extensions.
“All 23 user groups that call this complex home have provided great feedback and a wealth of ideas, which has been invaluable in shaping this masterplan review,” he said.
“We’re now seeking broader comment from our general community on what the review proposes.”
Mildura West Cricket Club committee member Brandon Dixon said the masterplan review process has helped his club create a clearer picture of its future priorities.
“Over the last three years, the Mildura West Cricket Club has had a significant increase in female and junior participation that has stretched the capacity of our current facility,” Mr Dixon said.
“The masterplan review has given the club an opportunity to engage all its members in prioritising future infrastructure upgrades to ensure that our facility caters for the continued increase in female players and provides a welcoming facility for all members of the club.”
Mildura Storm BMX Club President Rob Faux said the masterplan review provided an opportunity for his members to identify future priorities that would help attract major events to their venue.
“The Old Aerodrome Sporting Complex masterplan review was a positive process for us, as it was a way for our club to come together to identify future developments we’d like to introduce,” Mr Faux said.
“We got all of our club members together, riders, parents and especially our committee, and we looked forward to the structures we’d like to put in place first.
“This will help us attract more major events – we’d be looking to get a Victorian State Championship here. To have an event like that, it would bring in between three quarters of a million to a million dollars over the weekend, as well as the riders wanting to compete at the track and the venue leading up to that.”
Residents can view and provide their feedback on the Draft 2022 Old Aerodrome Sporting Complex Masterplan review at www.mildura.vic.gov.au/HaveYourSay
Feedback can be provided until 5pm on Friday 10 June.
