newy.com.au – Newcastle residents and sporting groups have identified better playing surfaces, drainage, lighting and amenities as their priorities for an updated sports plan, with the council expecting to release a draft for public comment later this month.
More than 1,600 survey responses from associations, clubs and community members will help shape the revised Strategic Sports Plan, which will guide investment in and management of sporting facilities across the Newcastle local government area.
City of Newcastle’s executive manager community and recreation, Lynn Duffy, said the quality and reliability of facilities constrained access more than overall supply. Ageing amenities were also limiting participation by women and people with accessibility needs.
“Our network of sporting facilities has potential for increased capacity, but drainage and lighting limit how reliably the fields can be used,” Ms Duffy said.
The consultation highlighted the importance of sporting grounds and courts beyond organised competition. Among survey respondents, 88 per cent indicated they used facilities for casual recreation and exercise.
Ms Duffy said balancing those users’ needs with organised sport would be a major consideration, while better facilities would help clubs accommodate more participants and expand their programs.
The council adopted its existing 10-year Strategic Sports Plan in 2020. Population growth, changing participation trends, climate impacts and competing demands for usable land prompted the review.
Growth in Newcastle’s western suburbs and future planning proposals in and around the area covered by the Broadmeadow Place Strategy also needed to be considered, Ms Duffy said.
A community briefing outlined the consultation results, proposed strategic priorities and the next steps in preparing the updated plan. Feedback has been sought from schools, community groups, government agencies and other facility users, as well as sporting organisations.
The council is now in the final stages of preparing the draft. During public exhibition, residents will be able to assess whether it reflects their priorities and suggest changes, while further discussions will be held with sporting associations and clubs.
The plan will then be refined before being put to the elected council for adoption.
More information is available on the City of Newcastle website.
