Spotlight on Bairnsdale’s sporting sites

The current and future needs of Bairnsdale’s sporting groups have been compiled into a strategic document that is now out for public feedback, East Gippsland Shire Council says.

The Draft Bairnsdale Sporting Facilities Plan looks at participation in various sports, the sporting facilities available, and population forecasts for the town to better understand where investment will be needed and identify any facilities that are under-used.

Mayor Cr Joe Rettino said the project will develop a valuable resource for council’s planning.

“Before we began, we knew our community was very active and had a high participation rate in organised sport,” Cr Rettino said.

"However, we didn’t have data available to let us know which capital works were most needed to address gaps, be it a gap in the type of facilities available or gaps where some demographics have fewer facilities."

Bairnsdale was chosen as the starting point for reviewing participation in sport and the supply of sporting facilities as many of East Gippsland’s regional teams are based in the town.

The next stage of project will focus on Orbost and Lakes Entrance. 

The Draft Bairnsdale Sporting Facilities Plan has identified netball, gymnastics and soccer as sports being hindered from growing due to their facilities and some sports are using sub-standard and non-compliant facilities that are not fit for purpose.

“This draft plan identifies what facilities are needed in the future for traditional sports, and also notes that council needs to work with emerging sports to improve participation rates,” Cr Rettino said.

To develop the plan, council worked with sporting clubs, leagues and associations, as well as Victorian sports managing bodies.

"Seventy-five clubs were invited to complete a survey to help council understand their club, its participation rates, facilities, and the volunteerism associated with the club.

“Since that initial survey, we have held over 70 meetings with clubs to help us create a Sporting Facilities Plan that will achieve the best outcomes for all users.

“While non-organised sport isn’t part of this project, improvements such as walking tracks in sporting reserves, playgrounds, seating and public toilets are all considered, as a way of encouraging more use of sporting facilities.

You can read and provide feedback on the Draft Bairnsdale Sporting Facilities Plan on council’s engagement portal or at our customer service centres.

Feedback closes Monday, June 25.

The project is funded by council and Sport and Recreation Victoria.