Future facility and service provision will need to maximise opportunities for multi-use, including the development of ‘service hubs’ and the establishment of a hierarchical approach to facility provision that is linked to defined service levels and asset management planning. New and refurbished facility provision should consider opportunities to support social gathering spaces, multi-use and incorporating a high degree of environmental sustainability in design, development and operation. Facilities development or improvement must consider Universal Design principles, including female friendly design. Ensure future residential areas ‘embrace’ open space reserves and encourage casual surveillance to support informal recreational use. Plan, provide and maintain linear connections to/from recreation reserves and key destinations as a high priority. Additional research is needed to identify and monitor local physical activity participation preferences, trends and changes over time. Additional research is also needed to explore the unique needs of specific target groups, in particular women and girls. Consultation summary The following section provides a summary of key themes and issues identified during the initial consultation activities including an on-line community survey completed by 247 residents, club survey completed by 48 individual clubs and 34 meetings, interviews and submissions. Participation: Similar to State and National trends, there is an overall preference for informal, non-club based physical activity participation in the Shire, however participation in traditional club based sports remains strong. Walking and Cycling are the most popular physical activities. There is also evidence of desire for additional participation in these activities by individual survey respondents. The majority of individual clubs have reported membership growth over the last three years. Club based participation is dominated by males. 95% of community survey respondents indicated that they regularly participate in physical activities. Identified barriers to participation included lack of facilities, awareness of existing opportunities, costs, access and perceptions of personal safety. Meeting needs: Community: Current facilities and programs/services are generally meeting community needs (68% and 65% respectively). Areas suggested for possible improvement in Council services included: Pavilion and building maintenance. Developing new facilities. Improving existing sport and recreation facilities (including parks). Diversity of provision.
Future facility and service provision will need to maximise opportunities for multi-use, including the development of ‘service hubs’ and the establishment of a hierarchical approach to facility provision that is linked to defined service levels and asset management planning. New and refurbished facility provision should consider opportunities to support social gathering spaces, multi-use and incorporating a high degree of environmental sustainability in design, development and operation. Facilities development or improvement must consider Universal Design principles, including female friendly design. Ensure future residential areas ‘embrace’ open space reserves and encourage casual surveillance to support informal recreational use. Plan, provide and maintain linear connections to/from recreation reserves and key destinations as a high priority. Additional research is needed to identify and monitor local physical activity participation preferences, trends and changes over time. Additional research is also needed to explore the unique needs of specific target groups, in particular women and girls. Consultation summary The following section provides a summary of key themes and issues identified during the initial consultation activities including an on-line community survey completed by 247 residents, club survey completed by 48 individual clubs and 34 meetings, interviews and submissions. Participation: Similar to State and National trends, there is an overall preference for informal, non-club based physical activity participation in the Shire, however participation in traditional club based sports remains strong. Walking and Cycling are the most popular physical activities. There is also evidence of desire for additional participation in these activities by individual survey respondents. The majority of individual clubs have reported membership growth over the last three years. Club based participation is dominated by males. 95% of community survey respondents indicated that they regularly participate in physical activities. Identified barriers to participation included lack of facilities, awareness of existing opportunities, costs, access and perceptions of personal safety. Meeting needs: Community: Current facilities and programs/services are generally meeting community needs (68% and 65% respectively). Areas suggested for possible improvement in Council services included: Pavilion and building maintenance. Developing new facilities. Improving existing sport and recreation facilities (including parks). Diversity of provision.