Have Your Say on Draft Recreation Strategy

Published on 15 June 2018

Baw Baw Shire Council is inviting feedback from the community, sporting clubs and recreation organisations on the Shire-wide Draft Recreation Strategy 2017-2027.

The draft strategy was presented to Council at Wednesday’s meeting and endorsed for a six-week Have Your Say community consultation period.

The strategy, once finalised and adopted, will be the overarching policy document that guides all recreation activity across Baw Baw Shire, replacing the outdated Recreation Strategy 2005-15.

The strategy aims to provide strategic direction for planning and development of recreation facilities and services across the Shire over the next 10 years.

Mayor of Baw Baw Shire Councillor Joe Gauci said sport and recreation plays a huge part in fostering vibrant, healthy and inclusive communities, so it’s important we get our guiding document right.

“Baw Baw Shire is home to 30 reserves, 83 tennis courts, 10 soccer fields, four skate parks, six aquatic facilities and over 145 kilometres of walking trails, just to name a few, and each of these areas or facilities play a significant role in our local community”, said the Mayor.

“The draft strategy allows Council to better understand the current and future sport and recreation needs of the community, and in turn, make more informed investment and management decisions.

“Our goal is to develop a strategy that will help increase sport and recreation participation for all members of the community regardless of age, gender or ability.”

East Ward Councillor Peter Kostos spoke of the vast community engagement that had already taken place to get the draft strategy to this point.

“To help develop the draft strategy we’ve engaged with a large section of our community through community surveys, school visits, school principal surveys, club surveys, club workshop and interviews with other key groups”, said Cr Kostos.

“We’ve heard feedback on levels of satisfaction with recreation facilities and opportunities, how people currently participate in recreation activities, barriers to participation, community priorities and club issues and priorities.  

“Now we highly encourage residents, sporting clubs, community groups and other stakeholders to review the draft and have their say on the future of recreation in our Shire.”

For more information or to make a feedback submission, please visit Have Your Say before consultation closes at 5.00pm on Wednesday 25 July 2018.

Following this consultation period, Council officers will consolidate feedback and develop a final strategy for Council’s consideration later in the year.

The strategy is being jointly funded by Baw Baw Shire Council and the Victorian Government through Sport and Recreation Victoria.

Any enquiries can be directed to Council’s Recreation Team on 5624 2411.