Two new community sports policies now open for public feedback

Published on 21 February 2024

A new Fair Access Policy being developed by Baw Baw Shire Council will seek to address the barriers faced by women and girls in accessing and using community sports infrastructure and facilities.

Currently in draft form, the Policy is now open for community feedback, in addition to the Sports Pavilion Design and Development Policy, which will guide how Council designs, develops, and upgrades new and existing sporting pavilions.

The Sports Pavilion Design and Development Policy will address design standards, funding options and prioritisation criteria and provide both Council and the community with a structured framework to guide future pavilion projects, providing consistent and equitable outcomes across the Shire.

The policy takes aim at several objectives, including promoting and fostering positive community wellbeing, supporting local sporting clubs and organisations, ensuring equitable access, maintaining sustainable practises, as well as compliance, safety, and much more.

Three drop-in sessions will be hosted by Council where community members can chat with Council officers directly about the two policies, have their questions answered and provide direct feedback. Details to these sessions are below:

Baw Baw Shire Council Mayor Cr Annemarie McCabe encouraged local sporting groups in particular to view these policies and take up the opportunity to share their thoughts and views with Council.

“The Fair Access Policy aims to eliminate the systemic causes of gender inequality, and I think that local sport provides a big opportunity for us to make some advancements in this space,” Cr McCabe said.

“As a local Council, we want to lead the way to eliminate gender inequality in our community, and this new policy is a step in the right direction.

Cr McCabe added that both policies are easy to read and to ensure Council’s decisions and work reflects community expectations, it was important for the community to have their say.

“I encourage everyone, but particularly members of our local sporting clubs, to have a read and share their thoughts and opinions, as we’re determined to get these right.”

“The Sports Pavilion Design and Development Policy is an important new document that will have a big impact to facilities across our Shire,” Cr McCabe said.

A draft of the two polices are now live on Council’s online engagement platform Baw Baw Connect at www.bawbawconnect.com.au/sports-pavilion-policies with consultation now open. Have your say, your way up until 5.00pm on Friday 15 March.