Sport and Recreation Facility Study released

The aim of the study is to assist with decision making around future facility maintenance and upgrade priorities to manage future expectations regarding the levels of service for these facilities.

Ararat Rural City Council Mayor, Cr Paul Hooper said the document covers all sections of the municipality.

“A large majority of residents across the Ararat Rural City participate in sport and recreation and this document relates to them and is shaped around their experiences,” he said.

“It is vitally important that people read and comment on the document and give us feedback, on the implications of the study at a grassroots level.

“This will be a key strategic document that informs Council’s decision making relating to community sporting and recreation assets in the future, so we need to understand that impact from a community perspective.

“In a time when all Councils are feeling the squeeze of rate capping, it is more important than ever that we get our asset-management right.”

The draft study was developed through broad community consultation, including community forums, club surveys, online and paper submissions.

Interviews were also held with external stakeholders, and Council staff provided feedback via workshops. Consultants then analysed current and future trends in sport and recreation, sport requirements, stakeholder strategic plans and other readings.

The draft study includes recommendations on future maintenance, capital works, programming and planning at recreation facilities within Council, based on various criteria including need, condition, cost-benefit analysis, and current guidelines.

Residents can view the document and provide feedback by visiting the Ararat Rural City Council’s ‘Have Your Say’ section at www.ararat.vic.gov.au. A copy can also be viewed at the Municipal Office on the corner of Vincent and High Streets, the Ararat Library or Lake Bolac Business and Information Centre until Tuesday, March 28.