Last chance to give feedback on Stadium Location

Published on 05 February 2024

Following a strong response from the Benalla community on the location for the redevelopment of the Benalla Indoor Recreation Centre (BIRC), Benalla Rural City Council has announced an extension of the community engagement period. The consultation period will now conclude on Friday 9 February 2024.

Mayor Cr Danny Claridge said the initial response to the call for input had been tremendous, with the online information receiving over 3,000 views since being launched on 20 December and 550 submissions being received.

“The feedback received so far has been important, providing us with diverse perspectives and preferences that will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the Benalla Indoor Recreation Centre,” Cr Claridge said.

To accommodate those who have not yet had the opportunity to share their thoughts and ideas, Council is organising a face-to-face session to take place at the current BIRC location on Ackerly Avenue.

“This will be the final opportunity for residents to engage directly with Councillors and Council staff in this first stage of the project,” Cr Claridge said.

This session is scheduled for Thursday 8 February between 6pm and 8pm. We encourage everyone who has not yet participated to attend and contribute to this important conversation.

Cr Danny Claridge expressed his gratitude for the impressive feedback received thus far and emphasised the importance of ensuring that we hear from as many people as we can.

"The input we've received from the community has been outstanding, and we want to make sure everyone has had the chance to share their thoughts on this significant decision. The face-to-face session will be an excellent opportunity for residents to have a direct impact on the final decision on the location for the BIRC redevelopment," Mayor Claridge stated.

Residents can still contribute their preferences and suggestions through the online survey available at haveyoursay.benalla.vic.gov.au/birc or by contacting Council’s Customer Relations team on 03 5760 2600 to access a paper-based survey. Hard copies of the survey are also available at the Benalla Library.

Once the extended community engagement period concludes, the Council will carefully consider all feedback before moving forward with the next steps of the Benalla Indoor Recreation Centre Redevelopment.

“Thank you to everyone who has participated thus far,” Cr Claridge said.