Considering future needs

Ararat Rural City Council will prepare for evolving community needs with the development of a new sport and recreation strategy.

Councillors unanimously endorsed the plan’s development, including applying to the State Government for funding worth $40,000 to support the work. If the application is successful, the council would provide $15,000 to enable the project to occur in the 2024-25 financial year, including community and stakeholder consultation and engagement.

The strategy will analyse participation trends, community expectations and needs; assess existing infrastructure and open spaces; and identify possible future works and developments that address gaps and opportunities.

“The strategy will aim to ensure we have quality facilities that are well utilised, are adaptable to future needs, and are welcoming and accessible for everyone,” a report to the council read.

“It will help inform the treatment of open spaces in the planning framework and set out a road map for future infrastructure that is well connected to active transport links, are designed to be environmentally and financially sustainable, and cost effective to maintain and operate.

“It will lead to the delivery of modern infrastructure and sport and recreation programs that will cater to a growing population and increase the liveability of the Ararat region.”

Chief executive Dr Tim Harrison said the council’s current recreation and open space strategy was 20 years old and while there had been site-specific master plans, facility studies and activity-specific strategies since, they may not represent the community’s ongoing needs.

“We have very strong interest in a number of sports, in a number of parts of the municipality, that we haven’t seen before,” he said.

Councillor Gwenda Allgood said the plan would be important to identify sport and recreation opportunities with potential for growth, and those that were in decline or less support.