Regional Active Sport and Recreation Facilities Planning ... Agendas/2020...Regional Active Sport and Recreation Facilities Planning Study (Stage 2) –Technical Background Report

REGIONAL ACTIVE SPORT AND RECREATION FACILITIES PLANNING STUDY (STAGE 2) –TECHNICAL BACKGROUND REPORT

FINAL Prepared for

FEBUARY 2020 Inner Melbourne Action Plan

170556 - IMAP technical report 200203

© SGS Economics and Planning Pty Ltd 2018

This report has been prepared for Inner Melbourne Action Plan. SGS Economics and Planning has taken all due care in the preparation of this report. However, SGS and its associated consultants are not liable to any person or entity for any damage or loss that has occurred, or may occur, in relation to that person or entity taking or not taking action in respect of any representation, statement, opinion or advice referred to herein.

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Regional Active Sport and Recreation Facilities Planning Study (Stage 2) –Technical Background Report 1

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION 3

1.1 Project context and background 3 1.2 Project objectives and approach 3 1.3 Project scope and definitions 4 1.4 Purpose and structure of background technical report 6

2. BACKGROUND REVIEW 7

2.1 Overview 7 2.2 Local and state policy review 8 2.3 Trends impacting sport and recreation 9

3. CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES 12

3.1 Summary of challenges and opportunities for IMAP Councils 12 3.2 Council responses to demand 15 3.3 Case studies 16

4. FACILITY ASSESSMENT 23

4.1 Approach 23 4.2 Considerations 23 4.3 Facilities supply overview 24 4.4 Asset assessment 27 4.5 Local opportunities 28

5. DEMAND FOR SPORT AND RECREATION FACILITIES 33

5.1 Understanding demand for sport and recreation facilities 33 5.2 Approach overview 34 5.3 Data inputs and assumptions 36 5.4 Demand for sport and recreation facilities 43 5.5 Council demand overview 45 5.6 Other factors influencing facility demand 46

6. ALIGNMENT 47

6.1 Gaps in meeting demand at the regional level 47 6.2 Gaps in meeting demand at the LGA level 48 6.3 Spatial gaps 49 6.4 The challenge 51

APPENDIX A: STAKEHOLDER INTERVIEWS 52

APPENDIX B: POLICY AND LITERATURE REVIEW 57


B1.2 – Sport and recreation strategies 64 B1.3 – Other planning strategies 76 B1.4 – Participation trends in sport and recreation activities 81 B1.5 – Sport and recreation participation in Australia (2016 data) 82 B1.6 – Sport and recreation participation in Victoria (2017 data) 84 B1.7 – Strategic Framework for Sport and Recreation in Victoria 2017-2021 89 B1.8 – Trends and drivers 94

APPENDIX C: EXISTING FACILITIES DATA TABLES 99


1. INTRODUCTION

. This section provides an overview of the IMAP sport and recreation facilities planning study stage 2, and the role of the technical background report in supporting the planning study.

1.1 Project context and background The Inner Melbourne Action Plan (IMAP) Councils face continuing growth pressures, with the population of Port Phillip, Stonnington, Yarra, Maribyrnong and Melbourne forecast to exceed 825,000 people by 2036. Employment is also expected to grow strongly, with the IMAP councils accommodating more than 1.2 million jobs by 2036.

This continued strong population and employment growth places significant pressure on existing services and infrastructure across the IMAP Councils. In particular, existing sports grounds and related assets are currently highly utilised and, in their current states, have a lack of capacity to absorb further demand. A further challenge is the central location and established history of many of these assets means they are utilised by a broader catchment.

Sporting and recreational needs are also evolving due to social, cultural and other reasons. For example, recent rapid growth in female participation in ALF, and other sports, results in increased aggregate demand for Ovals but also the need for female friendly facilities.

Additional active sports and recreation opportunities need to be provided to service the growing population and workforce. However, land in the IMAP area is expensive and simply identifying new facilities on new land is an unfeasible solution to meeting this growing demand. A more innovative and holistic solution is required which takes a regional approach and considers opportunities to upgrade or better utilise existing assets in combination with targeted new infrastructure investments. Solutions also need to balance the entire communities needs including the role of new/informal sports and passive open space.

The IMAP Regional Active Sports and Recreation Facilities Planning Study Stage One involved an extensive data collection and facilities audit. This project relates to Stage Two.

1.2 Project objectives and approach Stage Two seeks to identify opportunities for the planning, provision, development and operation of sporting and recreation assets within the inner region of Melbourne that will respond to the evolving community needs.

The study is being conducted over 5 stages (see Figure 1). The first two stages involve a detailed policy, literature and data review, along with stakeholder consultation. Stages 3 and 4 include the core analysis stages. Finally, Stage 5 brings together the analysis to understand gaps, priority investments along with a strategic action plan for IMAP. The study will be split into two reports a technical background report (this report) and a Strategic Action Plan.

FIGURE 1 OVERVIEW OF METHODOLOGY

Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Stage 4 Stage 5

Background review and data collection

Context review and case studies

Demand forecasting

Supply assessment

Alignment and strategic action plan


1.3 Project scope and definitions The project study area is the Inner Region (see Figure 2) that incorporates the combined municipal areas of the Cities of Melbourne, Port Phillip, Stonnington, Yarra, and Maribyrnong.

FIGURE 2 INNER MELBOURNE COUNCILS

The Inner Region currently includes over 500 sporting assets.

What sports and facilities are included? The project specifically focuses on 23 sports (see Table 1) including outdoor, indoor and aquatic activities. New/alternative formats (which share these sports facilities) are also considered where possible and appropriate. Sport activities not included are water-based sports (e.g. boating, fishing, paddle sports, equestrian sports, and sports that are traditionally provided by the private sector and for which a fee or admittance charge is payable to play (e.g. ten pin bowling, go-kart racing, exercise studios, private gyms.).

Informal recreation types such as walking, cycling and jogging are also excluded from the plan, however it is understood that many sport and recreation facilities also support and promote these forms of recreation

The facilities include all Council owned assets associated with the 23 sports along with non-council owned sporting assets and open space that is publicly accessible or has the potential to be (i.e. schools ovals). Sport facilities not included are Port Phillip bay, bicycle and walking paths along with Metropolitan level facilities, such as the MCG.

The analysis has also grouped sports and sporting assets into 8 broad categories based on similar size and use requirements. While it is recognised various sports and assets may have specialist requirements or attributes this helps provide a strategic level understanding of the network Pavilions that provide supportive infrastructure to facilities were also considered.


TABLE 1: SPORTS AND FACILITY CATEGORIES

Sport Category

Australian Rules Football Large Field

Cricket Large Field

Soccer Small Field

Softball Small Field

Baseball Small Field

Touch Football Small Field

Hockey Small Field

Rugby League Small Field

Rugby Union Small Field

Lacrosse Small Field

Badminton Indoor Facility

Volleyball Indoor Facility

Gymnastics Indoor Facility

Table Tennis Indoor Facility

Basketball Indoor Facility

Lawn Bowls Outdoor Court

Netball Outdoor Court

Tennis Outdoor Court

Rowing Pavilion – rowing

Skateboarding Skatepark

Inline Skating Skatepark

Swimming Swimming Pool

Athletics Athletics Facility


1.4 Purpose and structure of background technical report This document provides the technical background for the IMAP Sport and Recreation Facilities Study. It documents the research and data that was used to inform the Planning Study and is considered a reference document which provides more detail on research and data analysis that underpins the planning study. To this effect it includes

Background overview: Analysis of why people participate in sport, local and state government policy relevant to the study and a discussion in trends impacting sport and recreation.

Challenges and opportunities: Summary of key challenges and opportunities for local councils as identified in workshops and interviews with Council Staff, and presentation of Case studies that illustrate how Councils are responding to increasing demand for sport and recreation facilities

Facilities assessment: Assessment of supply of facilities including identification of local opportunities for strategically improving assets.

Demand assessment: Assessment of demand for sport and recreation facilities by IMAP community.

Alignment: Assessment of the relationship between supply and demand and identification of sports facilities types where demand exceeds supply.

Appendix A: Summary of stakeholder interviews

Appendix B: Detailed policy and literature review

Appendix C: Existing facilities list


2. BACKGROUND REVIEW

This section summarises key policies that influence sports and recreation planning. It also provides an overview of key trends impacting sports and recreation.1

2.1 Overview

Why do people engage in sport and recreation? Research undertaken by the Australian Sports Commission identified that the majority of Australians are motivated by physical health or fitness when participating in sport-related physical activity. Fun and enjoyment and social reasons are also seen as high motives for a large proportion of the Australian.

This reinforces the importance of adequately planning for sport and recreation to best meet the needs of local communities.

Key Issues and Implications Across all Councils there were a number of common elements included in sport and recreation strategies. These were:

Promoting participation to a diverse range of community members. Improving co-ordination of recreation and support providers. Improving access to sports and recreation facilities, particularly by active and public

transport. The City of Melbourne was the only Council that included the acquisition of new sporting

infrastructure in their sport and recreation strategy. Upgrading and improving facilities: this included upgrading turf to synthetic surfaces to

increase use, as well as improving the natural turf composition to extend use, and improving lighting.

Repurposing of underutilised facilities such as conversion of tennis courts into Netball courts.

There is broad recognition that acquisition of new facilities will not be an option for addressing the shortfall in supply to meet the demand for sports and recreation facilities.

Therefore, existing facilities need to be more efficiently utilised. This can be through increasing the capacity of the facility through: upgrades, ensuring that existing facilities are easier for people to use, or repurposing existing facilities to better match demand.

1 The background review was undertaken in June 2018. Any polices or strategic documents or sports trend analyses that have been prepared since June 2018 are not reflected in this document.


2.2 Local and state policy review Below is a list of the relevant local government policies that influence sports and recreation planning. These policies are discussed in detail in Appendix B.

TABLE 2: LOCAL POLICY OVERVIEW

Policy Document Summary Relevance

Victorian State Government

Active Victoria 2017-2021

Strategic framework for sports and recreation in Victoria. The strategy provides a blueprint to strengthen the sector across the state and increase participation rates.

Articulates the need for facility capacity expansion across the state and investment in high performance infrastructure.

Advocates for collaborative, innovative and flexible sports and recreation delivery and facility renewal to meet changing demographics.

Home Ground Advantage – Victoria’s Major Stadia Strategy

Guides development of major sports and entertainment venues, particularly ovals, field and arena facilities that host national and international events in Victoria.

Identifies opportunities for major redevelopment at Ethihad Stadium, MCG and precinct and major venues generally.

Supports major facility renewal and expansions to maintain Victoria’s status as a premier state for sporting events.

City of Melbourne

Melbourne Open Space Strategy 2012

Guides strategic direction for public open space planning in the CoM. The strategy identifies gaps in the existing network to be improved and provides an overarching framework to plan for this.

Supports the need for upgrading existing open spaces, and the provision of new open spaces to meet the needs of a growing population.

Identifies upgrade projects to existing sites and an improvement to the existing open space corridor along Moonee Ponds Creek.

Melbourne Sports Facility Provision Analysis 2012 (2017 revision)

Provides an assessment of the likely future needs of City of Melbourne residents with regards to sports. Analysis has revealed that there will be a shortfall in facilities across City of Melbourne to meet the needs of the growing population.

Identifies opportunities for surface upgrades, and new sporting infrastructure, including a synthetic oval, natural turf oval and indoor sports centre.

Identifies opportunities for converting existing facilities to increase capacity.

City of Stonnington

Stonnington Public Realm Strategy 2010

Provides strategic guidance and coordinates council actions to deliver a high quality public realm across the City of Stonnington.

Recommendations include: investigation of synthetic surfaces, managing spaces in high demand, partner with adjacent councils to meet demand for formal sports facilities.

Strategies for creating Open Space Stonnington 2013

Implementation plan to deliver increased public and accessible open space across the municipality through identification of suitable land purchasing opportunities.

Proposes investigating at grade car park conversions and street transformation to provide recreational spaces.

Articulates the need to negotiate with State government and land owners to acquire land for more open space.

Stonnington Recreation Strategy 2014-2024

Provides strategic direction to encourage sport and recreation throughout Stonnington.

Identifies opportunities to improve quality of facilities and improve accessibility of facilities, and to increase participation.

City of Yarra

Yarra Open Space Strategy 2006

Overarching guide to the provision, planning, design and management of public open space within the City of Yarra.

Identifies major infrastructure upgrade requirements for sports and recreation facilities, shared cycling and pedestrian trails, and sporting infrastructure.

Draft Yarra Sports and Physical Activity Strategy 2015-2019

Provides strategic guidance on sport and physical activity planning, participation, promotion, capacity building and facilities.

Identifies opportunities to upgrade pavilions, lighting and sports grounds, including improving turf cover mix.

Fee and charges revisions

City of Port Phillip

Port Phillip Open Space Strategy 2009

Provides strategic guidance for open space planning across the City of Port Phillip. Recommendations are driven by several factors, including population growth, high land values, and strong demand for open space.

Identifies key issues in planning for open space including: changing residential areas, low carrying capacity at existing sporting facilities, equity and access for people with disability, and management of high visitation areas.

Port Philip Sport and Recreation Plan 2015-2024

Establishes a vision for sports and recreation and identifies strategic direction to encourage greater participation and better facility & service provision.

Identifies key issues including limited land and facilities at capacity.

Advocates for service and facility diversification and flexibility and identifies opportunities in existing facility upgrades and better governance.


Getting Our Community Ready - Port Phillip Sport and Recreation Implementation Plan

Implementation Plan to deliver sports and recreation objectives established in the strategy through identifying specific actions and Council deliverables.

Proposes stronger relationships between stakeholders for provision and reducing participation barriers.

Advocates for investigating potential surface and facility upgrades to improve assets and to develop innovative uses of space to accommodate non-traditional activates

City of Maribyrnong

Draft Maribyrnong Open Space Strategy 2014

Provides strategic direction for the future of all publicly owned land set aside primarily for recreation, nature conservation and passive outdoor use across the City of Maribyrnong.

Advocates for upgrades and expansions to the existing public open space network to encourage greater use.

New sporting facilities must be integrated multi-use facilities.

Maribyrnong Recreation Strategy 2009

Guides current and future planning for recreation opportunities, services, programs and facilities throughout the municipality.

Identifies 3 action areas for Maribyrnong including: increasing participation in sport & recreation, management of recreation services, and exploring alternative uses of facilities and spaces.

Other Strategies

Draft Albert Park Masterplan 2017

Sets a 25-year vision for Albert Park, identifying interventions to be implemented across the precinct.

Investigates adaptability of spaces to improve carrying capacity, through more efficient programming, sharing of facilities and new technologies.

Proposed actions include the relocation of the golf course to provide space for playing fields, new event space to free up sports grounds, and new informal activity space.

Draft Fishermans Bend Framework Plan 2018

Guides long term future development and investment into Fishermans Bend Urban renewal area

Proposes new sports and recreation hubs and open space within each precinct

Identifies expansions/upgrades to existing facilities

Fishermans Bend Community Infrastructure Plan 2017

Provides guidance on the long-term provision of community infrastructure that is used to inform the Fishermans Bend Framework Plan.

Supports upgrading of existing facilities to increase access and capacity

Advocates for sports and recreation hubs at each precinct with multipurpose courts, community rooms and large multipurpose rooms

Fishermans Bend Public Space Plan 2017

Guides the provision of publicly owned and privately owned public space and informs the Fishermans Bend Framework Plan.

Proposes and identifies potential sports ovals/pitches at various precincts

Arden-Macaulay Structure Plan 2012

Provides strategic direction for the urban infill and redevelopment precinct across six themes

Proposes 5 new local parks – 1 with potential for sports courts Identifies an investigation area for community sports and active

recreation near Clayton reserve.

2.3 Trends impacting sport and recreation

Demographic trends There are several key trends impacting sport and recreation participation in Australia, and across Victoria and Greater Melbourne. Overall, 87% (over 15 million) of adults aged 15 years or over in Australia participated in sport or physical activity (2015-16). Sporting participation is highest among young children, with 69% of children aged 0 to 14 years participating in formal sport outside of school hours. Sport related activity declines with age, however non-sport related activity remains relatively constant in older age groups. This indicates the switch to less physically demanding activities as the population ages. Figure 15 shows average sport participation rates by age across Australia in 2015-16.


FIGURE 3:ADULT AND CHILD PARTICIPATION IN SPORT & RECREATION BY AGE IN AUSTRALIA

Source: Australian Sports Commission, AusPlay Participation data for the sport sector, 2016

Across Victoria, Males (20.4%) are twice as likely to participate in sport activities than females (10.5%). This may be due to entrenched cultural norms, practices and stereotypes, however recent trends suggest this is slowly changing. Females have a higher participation rate in non-competitive recreational activities compared to males, particularly across the 25 to 54 year age groups. Understanding the differences in male and female participation is important in planning for sports and recreation facilities, to ensure the different requirements of existing active members of the community are catered for.

Groups that are less likely to participate in sport and recreation include indigenous people, people with a disability, people with poor health, recently arrived migrants and those living in areas of relative socio-economic disadvantage. It is important to understand the barriers to participating in sport and recreation for these groups, in order to provide facilities that meet their needs and provide equitable access for all residents.

Geographic trends Participation rates in sport are higher in regional Victoria (20%) compared to metropolitan Melbourne (14%). There are lower participation rates in sport in metropolitan growth areas compared to established metropolitan areas across all age groups.

Residents in the City of Melbourne had the lowest sport participation rate2 (5.5%) and was the lowest rate across all LGAs in Victoria. The city of Port Phillip and Stonnington have sport participation rates of 11.9% and 16.1% respectively. The City of Yarra and Maribyrnong have low sport participation rates of 9.0% and 8.3% respectively.

However, residents in these inner areas participated in non-organised physical activity at a higher rate compared to the Victorian average. This includes walking, jogging/running and cycling.

Facility and venue types The majority of sport participation was conducted through some level of organisational/ venue use. Gyms, fitness clubs, sports or leisure centres were the primary venues for sports participation across Australia. Sports clubs or associations were also popular venues for sports participation, with higher male participation rates than female. Recreation clubs or associations had the lowest participation rates.

Understanding the level of sport participation at each of these venues is important in estimating future demand for sport and recreation facilities. It also provides insight into how current levels of demand for sport and recreation are being met with existing facilities, with gyms, fitness clubs and sport/leisure centres being the most popular location for sport activities.

2 Sport participation rate in this instance is measured as the number of player registrations per 100 residents


Activity types In 2017 the highest activity participation rates based on once per year participation were for walking (recreational), with a total participation rate of 44%. This was followed by fitness/gym, athletics, track and field, swimming and cycling. Women were more likely to participate in walking, cycling and fitness/gym activities, whereas males had higher participation rates in athletics, track and field and cycling.

In terms of organised activities for children, swimming was the most popular activity nationwide, followed by Australian football and basketball. For adults, the most popular organised activities were swimming, golf, yoga and tennis.

The table below outlines key trends over the last 3 to 4 years in major sporting activities across Victoria. AFL, cricket and tennis have seen the largest increases in participation in recent years. Female participation has increased across a number of sports, particularly in AFL, cricket and soccer.

TABLE 3: ORGANISED SPORT ACTIVITIES – VICTORIAN TRENDS 2014-16

Sport Key Trends

AFL 10.3% increase in club footballers from 2014 to 2016 42.2% increase in school footballers from 2014 to 2016 41.1% increase in female football club players from 2015 to 2016

Cricket 17% increase in participation from 2012 to 2015 24% increase in female participation between 2014 to 2015

Basketball 18.5% increase in number of basketballers from 2012 to 2015

Netball Total number of participants increased by 8.1% from 2010 to 2016 NetSetGo program increased by 47.7% of children participants from 2012 to 2016

Lawn Bowls 45% decline in participation between 2010 and 2015 at traditional bowls clubs In 2015, 63% of participants were over 60 years of age

Soccer 13.5% increase in competition soccer participation from 2013 to 2016 21% increase in female participation from 2013 to 2016

Tennis 68% increase of players from 2012 to 2017 Participation in HotShots saw an increase in children participants from 2016 to 2017

Source: Australian Government, AusPlay Participation data for the sport sector, 2018

Key trends Menare twice as likely to participate in competitive sport than women, although this

trend is slowly changing with increasing participation by women in football, soccer and cricket.

Female participation is higher in non-competitive recreational activities (including walking, jogging, fitness classes/gym)

Groups that are less likely to participate include indigenous people, people with a disability, people with poor health, recently arrived migrants and those living in areas of relative socio-economic disadvantage


3. CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

This section identifies key issues and opportunities that are shared by the IMAP Councils. These were identified through the policy analysis and through ongoing workshops and interviews with key sport and recreation staff at IMAP Councils. Preliminary case studies highlighting different approaches to responding to demand are also provided.3

3.1 Summary of challenges and opportunities for IMAP Councils There is high demand for sport and recreation facilities in the region, and Councils share a number of challenges and opportunities in meeting this demand, and these were identified in Interviews conducted with Council staff. Detailed summaries of interviews are included in the Appendix A.

Historic patterns of use

Local Councils often rely on sporting clubs for scheduling and management of facilities which can create inequitable outcomes.

Sporting groups often make limited contribution to capital improvements yet enjoy the majority of benefits.

There are perceptions of facility ownership by small local communities and sporting clubs which means that shifting use or scheduling is met with resistance.

The capacity of local sporting clubs to influence and lobby differs across Councils as do their expectations around what Council should deliver. Actively lobbying clubs have seen facilities upgraded, whereas others with high memberships have not.

Some facilities attract use from across Melbourne, while the local community is only able to enjoy limited use. Eg Albert Park Fawkner Park.

Traditional sports dominate the use of many existing facilities, and this reinforces patterns of demand. Eg.. When certain sports are accessible and available, then people will tend to be more likely to participate than in sports that are not. Many existing facilities can be reprogrammed to engage with new and emerging sports that are rising in popularity.

Evolving needs

There has been an increase in women’s participation in organised sport particularly in sports such as cricket and AFL which use large fields. Facilities often do not cater for women’s participation, with change rooms designed for men.

New and emerging sports are rising in popularity. There is increasing participation in some sports. The community increasingly expects high quality and flexible facilities to be provided. Traditional sports dominate the use of existing facilities, and this reinforces patterns

of demand. Eg. When certain sports are accessible and available, then people will tend to be more likely to participate than in sports that are scarce. Many existing

3 These were identified during consultation with local Councils during 2018 and 2019. They were further refined in the strategic document but have not been updated in this document.


facilities can be reprogrammed to engage with new and emerging sports that are rising in popularity.

Active recreation

Many people do not participate in organised sports. Sports facilities and their typically generous land areas can encourage physical activity outside of organised sports. This can include informal recreation facilities including outdoor gyms, tennis hit up walls, half courts.

Sports facilities, particularly outdoor fields offer great opportunities for walking and cycling in the interstitial spaces. Well connected walking and cycling trails that utilise the ‘left over’ spaces within outdoor fields encourage the broader community to participate in recreation. This represents an overall net gain to the community, as it means more people are physically active.

Strong competition for land

High land prices and a lack of opportunities/funding to acquire new sites for sport and recreation provision restrict Council’s ability to deliver new facilities.

There is increasing pressure on local councils to provide new sporting facilities by converting passive open space into active open space and this creates local land use conflicts.

Urban renewal precincts such as Fisherman’s Bend, E-gate, the Bradmill Site and Maribyrnong Defence site provide a critical opportunity to realise new sporting facilities. These areas can service the needs of existing IMAP residents as well as the new residents who will be accommodated in the renewal precincts.

There are also opportunities to provide facilities on rooftops of new developments and to deliver multi-level facilities. This could occur through the redevelopment of existing sporting facilities or be included in new developments.

Funding constraints

Decreased funding is available for councils to maintain/upgrade facilities due to rate capping and a reluctance to charge user fees that reflect at least some of the cost of service delivery.

The community and sporting clubs often expect Council to finance upgrades of facilities to meet competition standards.

Open Space contribution plans, development contribution plans and Section 173 Agreements with developers do not consistently incorporate sport and recreation projects and could be better utilised.

Scheduling and Programming

Current use of facilities is not always fair or representative of the local community Schedules for use are not always adhered to with some sporting groups arriving early

and staying far longer than their scheduled time. This means that other groups do not get their allocated time.

Indoor facilities often close at 10pm which limits the number of training sessions and matches that can occur.

Club programming on multiple nights is often unrealistic as it depends on volunteer organisers who are unlikely to be able to commit to a mid week match schedule.

Club and meeting rooms in sporting pavilions are regularly used for scouts, guides, seniors youth, mens’ sheds etc while the carparks may service farmers markets, skate


derbies, car shows. This is frequently facilitated by the different times of the day and the week that these activities occur.

Underutilised and poor quality facilities

Under-utilised facilities, which may cater to sports that are already well supplied, or may provide for only one sport, or may be of low quality – can be better utilised to increase capacity in IMAP.

Participation in some sports has declined over the last 10 years, but there are still dedicated single use facilities for these sports that are underutilised facilities.

Poorly lit facilities reduce the number of hours that people can play sport and create public safety concerns. Introducing lighting to facilities would extend the amount of time they can be used each day by up to 5 hours.

Upgrades to lighting must consider the amount of additional use that will occur and whether it warrants the investment. For example, games will need to be played late into the evening, and junior competitions are not suited to winter evenings.

Some assets are aging and are no longer fit for purpose. Maintaining the quality of grass fields for formal sports can be difficult due to

increased informal sports use, community use such as dog walking and soil contamination.

Surfaces

Synthetic surfaces allow a playing field to sustain almost unlimited use. With support in scheduling, a synthetic surface small field can be used for multiple training sessions and matches every day.

The extended use facilitated by a synthetic surface must be considered alongside the high costs of implementation and a limited lifespan (7 – 10 years on average).

The quality of the surface of outdoor sporting fields has a direct relationship to the amount of wear it can sustain. Upgrading the surface to high wearing grass species and improving drainage and irrigation increases the amount of play possible up to 30 hours a week. This means that a surface upgrade can at times double the amount of play supported.

There are huge differences in the quality of grass surfaces in outdoor sporting fields, as high wearing natural fields with good drainage can support almost twice as much play as poor quality ones.

State Government Departments and Agencies

Support from the state government often concentrates on needs of elite sport (state level competition) rather than the needs of local communities.

Parks Victoria own substantial assets in Port Phillip and Yarra however these are not always accessible for the local community to use eg.,Albert Park can not be used prior to or during the Grand Prix. Councils also have limited ability to influence the management of these assets.

The local community is not always able to use facilities owned by other non-local government entities. For example Whitten Oval in Maribyrnong.

A number of joint use agreements with the Department of Education already exist across IMAP, however these have not been consistently prepared. They have typically been onerous to prepare and are judged on a case by case basis.

The State Government has a number of surplus government land assets that require repurposing, within IMAP and beyond. These assets are a unique opportunity to secure significant land holdings for sport and recreation purposes in good locations.


APS Schools and Universities

High quality facilities exist on the grounds of private schools and universities. The local community is unable to use these, however, these organisations frequently use Council provided facilities at very low cost.

The use of local sport and recreation facilities by schools (both formally and informally) have an impact on the condition of outdoor natural grass fields.

3.2 Council responses to demand The sport and recreation strategies and interviews with council staff indicated there were some consistent themes in terms of how Councils responded to demand for sport and recreation facilities. These were:

Joint use agreements: Establishing a common practice around joint use agreements was suggested as a key opportunity for local councils. The City of Yarra & Maribyrnong have been exploring these. Stakeholders suggested that the Education department process can be very cumbersome and would work better if they were more responsive to joint use of facilities.

Surface upgrades to traditional turf facilities: These actions considerably expand capacity of existing facilities. As an example, Stonnington replaced an oval with synthetic grass which greatly extended the use of an existing asset.

‘Leaving the lights on’: extending hours that lighting is used and techniques to maximise capacity on existing facilities. This also includes ‘tear down fences’ where access to ovals is freed up for non-club play.

Upgrades to multi-purpose space and provide facilities for women: Designing in flexibility to allow for a range of sports to be played on the same site considerably increases capacity, particularly for sports that are alternatively winter and summer sports.

Changing patterns of play: growth in lunch sport activities, indoor soccer and alternate programming creates variation in usage of sports and recreation facilities, making demand more difficult for councils to manage.


3.3 Case studies A series of case studies were provided by Council which illustrate some of the ways that Councils are responding to increasing local demand for sports and recreation facilities.4

Loss of sports fields Land use pressures and competing needs has led to a reduction of sports fields and some facilities in the City of Melbourne’s portfolio since at least the mid 1980’s. Changes to the functions and management structure of the part of Yarra Park that is currently managed by the Melbourne & Olympic Park Trust has seen sporting ovals and other sporting facilities removed, e.g. Old Scotch and Old Xavier Ovals, and other areas reallocated primarily as training venues for elite sporting teams, e.g. 2 ovals at the area known as Gosch’s Paddock. These areas are no longer available for community sports and recreation and no replacement facilities have been provided.

Similarly in Royal Park, other developments has also led to the loss of several ovals: an oval off Manningham Street due to the Wetlands project, one Flemington Rd Oval due to the new Royal Children’s Hospital, LC Mills Field & a turf cricket ground as a result of the State Netball and Hockey Facility. Other facilities have also been lost over time, for example a turf cricket facility adjacent to Macarthur Road, and many synthetic cricket pitches in Royal Park, Princes Park and Fawkner Park; these largely due to risk management issues and the requirement to meet the relevant sport guidelines for the provision of playing facilities. The cumulative impact of the loss of sports playing spaces, with no alternate spaces created, has made it increasingly difficult for Council to meet the growing demands for organised sport and recreation and places increased pressure on other ovals to meet this demand.

Maribyrnong Secondary College Joint Use Agreements Maribyrnong Secondary College has 2 indoor courts which are currently used after school hours mostly by sporting clubs from other municipalities. The City of Maribyrnong in partnership with MSC is currently working on a joint use agreement to ensure access to these courts for local uses. While the initial beneficiary of the joint use agreements will be local basketball clubs the College also has facilities for hockey, soccer (synthetic pitch), tennis, netball and a gymnasium. Council owned land adjacent to the College is being redeveloped to create a high quality oval. The joint use agreement will optimize shared use between the College and Council with regards to sports fields, indoor courts, and an aquatic and wellbeing centre creating a sports hub within the municipality.

4 The case studies were prepared in 2018. They were further refined in the strategic document but have not been updated in this document.

Maribyrnong Secondary College


Yarra Primary School Joint Use Agreement The play area at Yarra Primary School was ready for an upgrade and the school was barely able to maintain the ageing facility when Council approached them with a view to entering into a joint use agreement (JUA) with the Department of Education and Training and the School Council.

The JUA led to a $380,000 improvement to the school’s play area, with Council contributing $290,000 and the school, $90,000.

In return for Council’s investment, the JUA guarantees community access to the facility outside school hours for an initial term of 25 years, with an option for a further 10 year term.

Upon completing the landscape works at the school which included additional play features, BBQ and picnic facilities, a turf playing area and table tennis table, Council accepted selected maintenance services at the site, while the school continues to carry other services.

While no capital works occurred on the basketball court, the playing area is covered by the JUA and the facility is well used by the broader community.

The JUA also identifies asset replacement responsibilities over the life of the agreement.

Having previously investigated the acquisition of new land in Richmond at approximately $5M (plus improvements) the investment at Yarra Primary adds to the local network of recreational facilities at a fraction of the cost.

Yarra Primary 2016 Yarra Primary 2018


South Melbourne Primary School Joint Use Agreements

The City of Port Phillip (CoPP) and Department of Education and Training delivered a new primary school and intergraded community facilities at the Ferrars Street Education and Community Facility. This is a catalyst project in the Fishermans Bend urban renewal area and Council is committed to support the emerging community as a family-friendly precinct. Councils aim is to create an environment that provides excellent, wide-ranging services for both the school and surrounding local community.

The sports facilities at the School include two multipurpose sports courts (one indoor and one outdoor). The school uses these facilities during school hours with CoPP being responsible for managing / booking the courts outside of school hours via a joint use agreement with the School.

City of Port Phillip also manage two community multipurpose rooms, a Kindergarten and Maternal Child Health and Allied health consulting rooms at the school.

FC Birrarung Junior Soccer Club The establishment and growth of FC Birrarung Soccer Club provides an example of the kinds of growth the City of Melbourne is facing in terms of participation in organised sport. Formed in 2007, first trained and played with one team in 2008. This grew to 5 teams in 2011, 11 teams in 2012 and by 2018 the club was fielding 27 teams. These 27 teams represent 375 junior soccer players (300 male, 75 female). Training at in Princes Park in Parkville, the club runs training sessions 4 nights a week with games also played on Sundays. The Upgrade of the facilities in Princess Park, including the lighting which allows for training in the evening during the week, have supported this growth.


The Albert Park Hockey and Tennis Centre The Albert Park Hockey and Tennis Centre in Melbourne operates as a tennis club during the summer months and as a hockey pitch, available for hire, during the winter season. The venue is a purpose-built, premium artificial grass facility, jointly operated by the City of Port Phillip and Wesley College. The APTHC is the only hockey facility in Port Phillip and is optimised by it becoming casual tennis courts which are publicly accessible (in that hirers are not required to become members of a club) during the summer season. The tennis operator offers casual court hire and professional tennis lessons. During the summer season Wesley College uses the facility during school hours, with community access available before and after school hours and throughout the school holidays. During the winter season the usage made up of club hockey and Wesley College with the balance being casual hire or the facility not being used. The management arrangements for the facility have proven to be an effective and efficient means of providing community sport opportunities that Council could not otherwise offer


Alma Park Upgrade Alma Park is a valued outdoor space for schools, sporting groups and the community that the City of Port Phillip has improved through a suite of upgrades. Stage 1 of these upgrades included a new sports pavilion, playground, turf and garden works which were complete in 2017.

Stage 2 of the Alma Park upgrade commenced at the end of February 2018, and is now nearing completion, the works include a new fitness station, multipurpose cricket nets and a stormwater harvesting scheme.

Saving valuable drinking water is a high priority for the City of Port Phillip as we look to a sustainable future. The scheme will capture and treat stormwater from the Alma Stormwater drain, store it under the Alma Park sports field and then use it to irrigate the sports field and adjacent park areas. Up to 18 megalitres of stormwater will be captured and reused by the scheme each year. This will significantly reduce the need to irrigate the park area with drinking water. It will also provide an alternative source of water for our open spaces and will increase our water security, particularly in drier times, and improve the quality of water entering the bay.


Scovell Reserve Upgrade

When the 3 existing buildings at Scovell Reserve in Maidstone were listed for replacement it was initially expected that they would be replaced by a new pavilion in the same location on the site. The reserve had 1 compliant soccer pitch and 1 non-compliant senior cricket oval. By combining the club needs into a single building and locating that building on a different part of the reserve (the north of the site) Council was able to deliver a compliant senior cricket oval by repositioning the turf wicket to the centre of the open space along with 2 full size senior soccer pitches either side of the turf wicket area. Council investment of approximately $2.5M

Scovell Reserve (above existing surface, below, proposed changes)


Fairfield Park Oval Upgrade Originally designed as an Australian Rules Football oval, Fairfield Park had been used as a soccer facility for many years and was in poor condition.

Though the playing surface measured 15,176m2 for cricket, the oval shape, the available lighting and the slope away from the oval meant that only one soccer pitch (7,500m2) was usable in winter, reflecting an underutilised facility.

During the renovation of the oval in 2013 the playing surface was regraded to 13,000m2 to accommodate one full size (7,500m2) and one junior soccer pitch (5,500m2), effectively doubling the hours of use.

Both ovals are fully floodlit and the cricket net facility was moved off the playing field to minimise the impact on the oval. The oval continues to be used for cricket in summer.

A pavilion upgrade followed in 2015 when the 1960s building was demolished and a new building was constructed with four change rooms, a kitchen and social area to ensure the facility is fit for purpose for decades to come.

Costs to Council: oval and lights: $780,000, pavilion and parking: $1.7M

Fairfield Park Oval 2011 Fairfield Park Oval 2018


4. FACILITY ASSESSMENT

This section describes the existing provision of sport and recreation facilities across the IMAP Region.

4.1 Approach Stage 1 of the IMAP sport and recreation plan (which preceeded this project) included a detailed assessment of all the sport and recreation facilities within IMAP. Facilities data collected during Stage 1 has been audited and updated with extensive input from each of the IMAP Councils. Additional information was provided for each facility to determine its condition and suitability for an upgrade/redevelopment.

4.2 Considerations Facilities associated with unstructured/informal sports such as walking, cycling and bike riding are not considered in the analysis. Eg. walking and cycling trails.

There are currently almost 500 sport and recreation facilities across IMAP. Assessing the supply of sport and recreation facilities that the local community can use is complex. Some of the reasons for this are:

It is difficult to assess facilities that are not managed by Council. Councils often have limited or no control over these, and limited data about the existence and characteristics of facilities. Eg. Facilities located on private schools or owned by private clubs.

Each facility has unique site characteristics which means that how much and what type of use they can sustain varies. Eg. Two games of soccer are able to be played on some AFL fields but not all. High wearing natural fields with good drainage can support almost twice as much play as poor quality ones.

Many facilities are used by a number of different sports, who use the facility in different ways.

Junior leagues often use smaller fields, and so several junior matches can occur concurrently on one large field, however only one senior match can be played.

Sporting codes have varying requirements for facilities, including change room facilities and field size.

Pavilions (change rooms) are often co-located with several facilities and it is not possible to identify which facility they are used by, or, whether they are shared.

Specific details of supportive infrastructure not available. Eg. gender accessible change room facilities.

Categorisation of facilities Given that different sports often require similar facilities for play, sports were grouped by facility type for analytical purposes. All sports facilities were categorised as one of 9 facility types. This was to assist in comparing facility supply data with demand and to emphasise the multi-use potential for facilities. The relationship between sports facilities and the 9 facility types is described in Table 4.


TABLE 4:FACILITY ASSUMPTIONS

Sport Facility type

Australian Rules Football Large Field

Cricket Large Field

Soccer Small Field

Softball Small Field

Baseball Small Field

Touch Football Small Field

Hockey Small Field

Rugby League Small Field

Rugby Union Small Field

Lacrosse Small Field

Badminton Indoor Facility

Volleyball Indoor Facility

Gymnastics Indoor Facility

Table Tennis Indoor Facility

Basketball Indoor Facility

Lawn Bowls Outdoor Court

Netball Outdoor Court

Tennis Outdoor Court

Rowing Pavilion – Rowing

Skateboarding Skatepark

Inline Skating Skatepark

Swimming Swimming Pool

Athletics Athletics Facility

Pavilion Pavilion – Supporting infrastructure

Source: SGS Economics and Planning, 2019

4.3 Facilities supply overview

Interactive Map All facilities were incorporated into an online map with embedded information about each facility to assist Council’s in facility planning and management. Each facility type can be looked at in isolation, and compared against population and employment densities.

https://www.sgsep.com.au/maps/2020/melbourne-imap-sporting-facilities/



FIGURE 4: DISTRIBUTION OF FACILITY TYPES

Source: SGS Economics and Planning 2020

The distribution of facilities across the 5 IMAP region local government areas is also shown in Table 5. Each of the LGAs has a different suite of facilities. The City of Melbourne has a greater number of outdoor courts and large fields and rowing pavilions than any other LGA. Large sporting precincts such as Melbourne Park, Royal Park, Fawkner Park and Princes Park accommodate many of these facilities. City of Port Phillip also has a lot of large fields and a number of these are found in the extensive sport offering at Albert Park.

It is acknowledged that individual outdoor facilities have the capacity to sustain different levels of use. This is a result of their surface, and the presence or absence of lighting.

TABLE 5:FACILITIES SUPPLY

Facility City of Melbourne

City of Yarra City of Port Phillip

City of Stonnington

City of Maribyrnong

Total

Large Field 33 15 29 15 25 117

Small Field 16 10 14 9 10 59

Indoor Facility 15 9 19 4 5 52

Outdoor Court 96 39 53 53 39 280

Pavilion - rowing 8 0 2 2 1 13

Skatepark 3 2 2 3 3 13

Swimming Pool 9 3 9 10 2 33

Athletics Facility 0 1 1 1 0 3

Pavilion (supportive infrastructure)

27 29 31 15 27 129


Most facilities are owned and managed by local Councils, however there are a number of facilities located on Parks Victoria owned and managed land, land owned by the State Government and land owned by the Department of Education. The ownership of facilities across IMAP is summarised in Table 6.


TABLE 6:FACILITY OWNERSHIP

Council Parks Vic Private State Govt Dept Education Total

Large Field 88 28 0 1 0 117

Small Field 59 0 0 0 0 59


Outdoor Court 251 4 12 3 10 280


Skatepark 12 0 1 0 0 13



Pavilion (supportive infrastructure

114 13 1 1 0 129


Facilities on Parks Victoria owned land

The City of Yarra and City of Port Phillip have substantial tracts of Parks Victoria owned land that include sporting facilities. The distribution of these are shown

TABLE 7:PARKS VICTORIA OWNED FACILITIES


Large Field 6 22

Small Field 0 0

Indoor Facility 0 0

Outdoor Court 0 4

Pavilion - rowing 0 1

Skatepark 0 0

Swimming Pool 0 0

Athletics Facility 0 0

Pavilion (supportive infrastructure

3 10



4.4 Asset assessment Each of the sports assets in the IMAP region were assessed to identify opportunities for upgrades and repurposing.

The asset is the reserve or centre where facilities are located. Some assets include only one facility, whereas others include multiple facilities. Eg. Chris Gawn Reserve in Stonnington has just one basketball court, while Fawkner Park has number of large fields, small fields and basketball courts.

The following information was recorded for each facility in consultation with Council. For facilities that are not Council managed, or not Council owned, lighting, capacity, condition and usage information could not always be recorded.

LGA Asset Facility Type Lighting Surface Capacity (low, moderate, high) Drainage Condition (poor, moderate or good) Usage (low, medium or high) Sport use 1, 2,3 and 4 (as required) Non Council owner (as required)

The accompanying spreadsheet to this document includes on each facility in the region, and is also illustrated in the interactive map.

The information was used to give each asset a series of ratings for condition, level of use, lighting and capacity, based on the composite qualities of of its facilities. The ratings allowed for assets to be identified which were suitable for a lighting upgrade, pavilion upgrade, a facilities upgrade or if there was an opportunity for repurposing.

Lighting upgrade: Where at least one of the facilities within the asset has no lighting

Pavilion upgrade: Where the pavilion in the asset is in poor condition

Facilities upgrade: Where the condition and or capacity rating is poor and use rating is medium to high.

Opportunity for repurposing: Where the facility is use rating is poor and condition rating is poor to moderate.

For each facility with a facility upgrade opportunity based only on the capacity rating, this was individually checked against lighting requirements. Some facilities have a low capacity due to a lack of lighting rather than due to the condition of the facility. For these facilities, a lighting upgrade is more appropriate. Each of the facility opportunities was confirmed with Council staff.


4.5 Local opportunities The supply analysis, which looked at the condition of each facility, led to a series of opportunities for existing local facilities. These are listed by local government area.

TABLE 8:STONNINGTON EXISTING FACILITY OPPORTUNITIES

Asset Opportunities

Central Park lighting upgrade to extend hours of use. Consider surface upgrade to support extended hours of use. Upgrade pavilion to fit for purpose- needs to cater for four teams

Chadstone Recreation & Civic Club Upgrade lighting to ensure all tennis courts have lighting and at least one of the lawn bowls.

Chapel off Chapel Tennis Courts Repurposing of site through masterplanning as courts are currently non compliant.

Chris Gahn Reserve lighting upgrade to extend hours of use

Como Park lighting upgrades to small fields. Formalise small fields for use for formal sports use

Orrong Park Repurpose existing pavilion and provide new ppavilion for sports field users (4 teams)

Percy Treyvaud Memorial Park Upgrade lighting for training purposes. Pavilion upgrade to fit for purpose - needs to cater to four teams playing at once.

Phoenix Park lighting upgrade to extend hours of use for skatepark

Princes Gardens lighting upgrade to extend hours of use

Sir Robert Menzies Reserve lighting upgrade to extend hours of use. Consider improving surface to allow extended hours of play

Sir Zelman Cowen Park lighting upgrade to extend hours of use on 3 unlit fields

Windsor Siding lighting upgrade to extend hours of use



TABLE 9:YARRA EXISTING FACILITY OPPORTUNITIES

Asset Opportunities

Alphington Park repurposing/upgrade of underutilised bowls facility

Atherton Reserve lighting uprade to extend hours of use

Atherton Reserve upgrade to support greater levels of use.

Burnley Park Grounds and lighting require upgrade to extend hours of use. Upgrade pavilion to fit for purpose

Citizens Park Opportunity to upgrade surfaces and pavilions

Coulson Reserve Recommended lighting upgrade to extend hours of use . Repurpose to cater for broader range of sports at junior level

Edinburgh Gardens Recommend new lighting at Alfred Crescent small field. Review pavilions for upgrades

Fairfield Park Upgrade canoe club rooms to be fit for purpose

Fairlea Reserve Upgrade Poor condition soccer fields - Subject to negotiation with Parks Vic. New pavilion is currently in planning/design. Repurpose asset to increase use. Note. 8 new netball courts being created on existing open space.

Kevin Bartlett Reserve review entire site for masterplanning- significant regional opportunity

Quarries Reserve lighting upgrade to extend hours of use

Ramsden Street Reserve lighting upgrade to extend hours of use - currently only partially lit

Ryan's Reserve Upgrade pavilions to be fit for purpose, and upgrade surfaces to meet required sports standards.

Victoria Park Upgrade pavilions to be fit for purpose. Sherrin Stand upgrade (currently partially funded) and Ryder Pavilion require upgrade.

Walker Street Reserve Create new pavilion to support greater use

Walker Street Reserve lighting upgrade to extend hours of use

Yambla Reserve Opportunity to repurpose to encourage greater summertime use.

Yarra Bend Park Hockey field (not listed) currently leased to private school. This is an opportunity for sharing with community in evenings. Other opportunities for new small fields to be located on Yarra Bend Park, subject to negotiations with Pars Vic



TABLE 10: MARIBYRNONG EXISTING FACILITY OPPORTUNITIES

g Asset Opportunities

RecWest Footscray repurposing to increase hours of play and increase multi-sport use. Masterplan in place.

Dobson Reserve repurposing through master-planning . Recommended lighting upgrade to extend hours of use and pavilion upgrade to fit for purpose (gender/age accessible)

Johnson Reserve repurposing through master-planning. Pavilion review in master-planning to be fit for purpose (gender/age accessible)

Robert Barrett Reserve lighting upgrade and surface upgrade to extend hours of use

Angliss Reserve lighting upgrade and surface upgrade to extend hours of use

Footscray Boat Club pavilion upgrade

Hansen Reserve pavilion upgrade to be fit for purpose (gender/age accessible)

Cruickshank Park repurposing to allow for multi sport use. Recommended lighting to extend hours of use

Greelish Oval lighting upgrade to extend hours of use

Sunshine VRI Bowling Club lighting upgrade to extend hours of use

Yarraville Footscray Bowling Club lighting upgrade to extend hours of use

Yarraville Oval lighting upgrade to extend hours of use

Skinner Reserve/ Braybrook Park lighting and surface upgrade to outdoor courts to extend hours of use and increase use. Opportunity to repurpose the field to better allow for multi-sport use.

Cruickshank Park lighting to extend hours of use

Hanks Reserve - this is within McIver Reserve lighting to extend hours of use.

Hansen Reserve lighting upgrade for entire site.

Johnson Reserve lighting upgrade to extend hours of use

Maidstone Free to Public Tennis Courts lighting upgrade to extend hours of use

Pennell Reserve pavilion upgrade to be fit for purpose (gender/age accessible).

Shorten Reserve pavilion upgrade to be fit for purpose (gender/age accessible). Recommended surface and drainage upgrade.

Maribyrnong Reserve repurposing of the field to allow for multi-sport use. Recommended lighting upgrade to extend hours of play. Requires upgrade to pavilions used by youth club and Maribyrnong Reserve

Rosamond Bowling Club repurposing to allow for multi-sport use.

McIvor Reserve surface upgrade to support greater levels of play which has been facilitated by recent lighting upgrade.


Footscray Park repurposing small and large fields and upgrade to extend hours of use. Surface upgrade to support extended hours of use and pavilion upgrade to be fit for purpose (gender/age accessible) . Opportunity to repurpose the field to better allow for multi-sport use. range of sports, and meeting demand.

Greelish Oval repurposing to allow for a greater range of sports to use. Repurposing to include pavilion and other amenities


TABLE 11:PORT PHILLIP EXISTING FACILITY OPPORTUNITIES

Asset Opportunities

Port Melbourne Bowling Club Consider multiple uses of pavilion

Elwood Primary School lighting upgrade to extend hours of use

R.F. Julier Reserve In conjunction with repurposing, lighting and pavilion upgrade would extend hours of use

T.T. Buckingham Reserve In conjunction with repurposing, lighting upgrade would extend hours of use

R.F. Julier Reserve Opportunity to repurpose for other sports due to its undersize nature for senior sports (AFL and Cricket)

T.T. Buckingham Reserve Opportunity to repurpose for other sports due to its undersize nature for senior sports (AFL and Cricket)

Peanut Farm lighting upgrade to extend hours of use

Beach Volleyball Courts (12) lighting upgrade to extend hours of use

Elwood Park lighting upgrade to extend hours of use, Investigate opportunity for new sports oval

Elwood Croquet Club lighting upgrade to extend hours of use. Review single use - multiuse opportunity

Port Melbourne Trugo Club lighting upgrade to extend hours of use. Review single use - multiuse opportunity

Sandridge Trugo Club lighting upgrade to extend hours of use. Review single use - multiuse opportunity

South Melbourne Trugo Club lighting upgrade to extend hours of use. Review single use - multiuse opportunity

J.L Murphy Reserve lighting upgrade to extend hours of use. Review single use - multiuse opportunity

St Kilda Skate Park lighting upgrade to extend hours of use

Graham St Skate Park Upgrade facility to multi-use and incorporate lighting upgrade

Lagoon Reserve Upgrade pavilion, surface and lighting to extend hours of play, add informal sport and recreation elements to park



TABLE 12: MELBOURNE EXISTING FACILITY OPPORTUNITIES

Asset Opportunities

Alexandra Gardens lighting to extend hours of use in Skate park. TBC

Fawkner Park repurposing single use facilities to multi-use. Recommended lighting upgrade on some facilities to extend hours of use. Pavilion upgrade required subject to further investigation

Flagstaff Gardens Investigate repurposing lawn bowls facility to multi-use facility

Herring Oval Pavilion upgrade to fit for purpose. Recommend repurposing of asset ( field currently unusable due to Melbourne Metro and will require repurposing). Surface upgrade to a synthetic surface

Holland Park lighting upgrade to extend hours of use for one unlit large field. This will compliment surface upgrade currently occurring.

Kensington Community Recreation Centre facility upgrade for entire asset (currently proposed)

Manningham Street Reserve lighting upgrade to extend hours of use

Newmarket Reserve pavilion upgrade to fit for purpose

Newmarket Reserve lighting upgrade to extend hours of use

North Melbourne Community Centre facility upgrade or repurposing subject to community infrastructure planning relative to Arden MacCauley. Lighting upgrade as part of overall upgrade

Powlett Reserve pavilion upgrade to fit for purpose

Princess Park Repurposing of lawn bowls and associated pavilion to multi-sport use. Recommended upgrade of Crawford oval to synthetic. In the longer term, consider pavilion upgrades where appropriate.

Ron Barassi Senior Park opportunity to upgrade. Use is low as community has not grown/developed yet. In a process of community engagement to start a local sporting club. Upgrade opportunity is around stage 2- a three court indoor stadium

Royal Park Pavilion upgrade where appropriate. 3 pavilions currently not fit for purpose

Royal Park Lighting upgrade to extend hours of use. This may also require a surface upgrade to support extended hours of use, subject to further investigation. Also investigate opportunity for a synthetic upgrade of one of the small fields, or introducing new synthetic field in existing open space.



5. DEMAND FOR SPORT AND RECREATION FACILITIES

This section presents projected demand for sport and recreation facilities across IMAP. The analysis focuses on resident demand based on court time and sport. Broader demand elements such as external demand, alternative or specialist needs are also discussed and considered in other parts of the broader project.

5.1 Understanding demand for sport and recreation facilities Demand for IMAP’s sport and recreation facilities requires consideration of numerous drivers. Local residents and workers as well as people living outside of the IMAP region place demand on facilities. Facilities also meet demand created by different types of uses. This includes demand from established formal sports (those that have competition and training schedules) and also by people playing informally. For example, a group of friends using a basketball court in a park for a game of 4 on 4 basketball. These complexities are discussed in Chapter 2 and conceptually presented in Figure 5below.

FIGURE 5 FACTORS AFFECTING SPORT AND RECREACTION FACILITY DEMAND

Demand is further influenced by the requirements of sporting clubs, rules and regulations, the presence or absence of supportive infrastructure, whether there are private facilities meeting demand and whether facilities are suitably located.

Future demand for sport and recreation facilities is uncertain. It was estimated based on the demand generated by the residential population of the IMAP region5. It uses AusPlay data to estimate children’s demand for sports facilities and Exercise, Recreation Survey Results (ERASS) from 2010 for adults. These datasets include participation rates for sports in Victoria.

The forecasts outlined are intentionally simple and are useful for understanding demand at the aggregate IMAP region level. It is acknowledged that it is impossible to accurately forecast demand for facilities as it is both complex and uncertain. Taking current trends and projecting

5 The assessment does not account for anticipated growth in participation in certain sports, such as women and girls participation in traditionally male dominated field sports, nor does it account for decline in participation rates, such as lawn bowls. It also does not account for local variation in participation rates, eg. whether a greater percentage of the population participate in basketball in the City of Melbourne than the Victorian average.


them into the future provides a useful benchmark for understanding the scale of growth in demand that is likely to occur in the region.

Demand for facilities

TABLE 13:FACILITIES DEMAND 2016



City of Stonnington

City of Maribyrnong

Total

Large Field 35 25 29 30 24 117

Small Field 27 20 23 25 20 59


Outdoor Court 60 41 49 49 38 280



Swimming Pool 17 12 14 14 12 33



TABLE 14:FACILITIES DEMAND 2036



City of Stonnington

City of Maribyrnong

Total

Large Field 67 35 42 39 40 117

Small Field 53 29 34 32 34 59


Outdoor Court 114 58 70 64 64 280



Swimming Pool 32 17 20 19 19 33



5.2 Approach overview The demand assessment simplifies this demand landscape to focus on projecting local resident demand across the 23 sports and eight facility groups. This provides a robust strategic level understanding of core users and uses. Other demand elements will then be considered during the alignment and strategy stages.

The methodology used to estimate local sport and recreation demand includes two key steps based on a series of inputs.

An estimation of the number of hours of play demanded by the community, and Conversion of demand into facilities These two steps and the associated inputs are described below.


Step 1: Estimating demand for hours of play Population forecasts by age are identified for each IMAP Council using SGS small area land use forecasts6

Participation metrics:

a. Participation rates: Rates of participation for adults and children are identified from a range of sources for each of the 23 sports included in this study.

b. Duration of Play: Average duration of play sessions (eg match time) c. Frequency of play (eg how often people participate in the sport) are identified

from a range of sources for each of the 23 sports included in this study.

Demand for Playing hours estimation: Population forecasts are applied to participation metrics to assess how much demand there is currently, and, how much demand there is expected to be in the future for each of the 23 sports. This generates a figure for the total playing hours that are demanded for each sport.

The method for estimating demand for hours of play is summarised in the diagram below, using the example of basketball.

FIGURE 6 ESTIMATING DEMAND FOR HOURS OF PLAY

Step 2: Estimating demand for facilities Demand for playing hours is converted into demand for facilities, using a series of assumptions related to patterns of use and supportable hours across each facility group. This includes

d. Number of individuals using facility at the same time: how many people can play at once? (Eg. team size)

e. Facility utilisation rates: how many hours can a facility be used each week? f. Number of facilities within sports category

Demand is then aggregated and reported by eight broad sport facility categories.

6 SGS small area land use forecasts which include age break downs have been benchmarked to .id forecast used by each of the IMAP Councils.


The method for converting demand into facilities is summarised in the diagram below, using the example of basketball.

FIGURE 7 ESTIMATING DEMAND FOR FACILITIES

5.3 Data inputs and assumptions Estimating demand for sport and recreation facilities relies on a series of data inputs and assumptions, including population forecasts, sports participation rates, frequency of participation, duration of play, and the hours of use and capacity for use of individual facilities. These inputs and assumptions are described in detail below.

Population and demographic forecasts After a period of stagnation, the inner city of Melbourne has experienced a significant and prolonged period of growth starting from the mid 1980s. This growth has been in the form of both jobs and residents and is a result of fundamental structural changes in the broader economy toward more employment services and cosmopolitan living. These structural (rather than cyclical) changes means strong growth is projected to continue.

In 2016, the IMAP councils accommodated over 530,000 residents. Over the next 20 years, this resident population is expected to increase rapidly across all five councils, approaching 830,000 residents. As shown in Table 15, the growth rates across IMAP councils, excluding Stonnington, are expected to exceed that of Greater Melbourne.


FIGURE 8 POPULATION GROWTH ACROSS IMAP COUNCILS

Source: 2016 Victoria in Future- DELWP

TABLE 15: POPULATION GROWTH, IMAP COUNCILS, 2016 TO 2036

Council 2016 Population 2036 Population 2016-36

Change Annual growth rate

Maribyrnong 85,500 142,100 56,600 2.6%

Melbourne 135,700 257,400 121,700 3.3%

Port Phillip 109,100 156,900 47,800 1.8%

Stonnington 110,600 143,200 32,600 1.3%

Yarra 92,700 130,100 37,400 1.7%

IMAP Total 533,600 829,800 296,200 2.2%

Greater Melbourne 4,628,200 6,533,000 1,904,800 1.7%


The composition of residents is also changing. Given the inner city is well established, and demand for land is high, new dwelling stock has primarily been higher density apartments. This has traditionally led to high growth in student and young professionals. However, residents are becoming more diverse due to a range of factors including; more diverse housing products; affordability pressures; centralisation of job opportunities; and preferences shifting toward a more connected and cosmopolitan lifestyle. This is leading to more kids and families along with older residents moving into the IMAP councils.

Table 16 presents the forecast growth in population, disaggregated by age. This shows relatively high growth rates among the younger (under 18) and older (over 65) age groups. This trend is pronounced in the councils of Maribyrnong and Melbourne.


TABLE 16: POPULATION GROWTH BY AGE, 2016-36

Population growth Annual Growth Rate

Council 0-4 5-17 18-64 64 Plus Total 0-4 5-17 18-64 64 Plus Total

Maribyrnong 2,400 9,700 34,700 9,900 56,700 1.6% 3.3% 2.3% 4.2% 2.6%

Melbourne 4,100 12,600 84,500 20,500 121,700 3.0% 4.6% 2.9% 5.5% 3.3%

Port Phillip 1,500 6,700 28,600 11,000 47,800 1.2% 2.8% 1.5% 3.4% 1.8%

Stonnington 1,300 5,100 18,700 7,600 32,700 1.1% 1.8% 1.1% 1.9% 1.3%

Yarra 1,000 5,500 20,800 10,100 37,400 0.9% 2.5% 1.3% 3.5% 1.7%

IMAP Total 10,300 39,600 187,300 59,100 296,300 1.6% 3.0% 1.9% 3.6% 2.2%

Greater Melbourne 82,400 300,200 978,000 544,100 1,904,700 1.2% 1.8% 1.4% 3.1% 1.7%


These and other demographic trends will influence the amount and type of sport and recreation facilities demanded within IMAP Councils.

Worker population The IMAP councils, and in particular the City of Melbourne, are unique in that they hold a significant share of Melbourne’s employment. These workers represent the majority of the ‘daytime population’ and significantly influence infrastructure and service demands.

This strong growth in jobs is a result of structural changes in the economy toward more knowledge intensive services sectors. Importantly, this new ‘knowledge economy’ gains strong benefits from highly connected and high amenity locations. Significant urban renewal precincts (e.g. Fisherman’s Bend, Arden Macaulay) and transport infrastructure (i.e. CityLink, Melbourne Metro) have also supported continued employment growth.

Table 17 and Figure 9 present the expected growth in employment between 2016 and 2036. These workers will influence the amount and type of sport and recreation facilities demanded within IMAP Councils. They are not considered in the demand assessment but are considered in the alignment and strategy development.

TABLE 17: EMPLOYMENT GROWTH WITHIN THE IMAP COUNCILS, 2016-36

Council 2016 Employment 2036 Employment 2016-36

Change Annual growth rate

Maribyrnong 41,200 60,300 19,100 1.9%

Melbourne 492,600 753,200 260,600 2.1%

Port Phillip 87,000 149,200 62,200 2.7%

Stonnington 65,800 103,700 37,900 2.3%

Yarra 91,000 147,900 56,900 2.5%

IMAP TOTAL 777,700 1,214,200 436,500 2.3%

Greater Melbourne 2,358,700 3,509,400 1,150,700 2.0%

Source: SGS Economics & Planning, 2018


FIGURE 9 EMPLOYMENT GROWTH ACROSS IMAP COUNCILS


Sport participation rates Participation rates in sport are influenced by a variety of factors, such as age, income, and location. However, detailed data which links individuals’ characteristics to participation is scare, and sources are often inconsistent. Baseline participation rates were collated from a variety of sources (see Table 18). The primary sources considered were:

Victorian data published by the Australian Sport Commission (ASC) – known as AusPlay data7. This covers participation from January to December 2017

AusPlay report of Children’s Organised Out-of-school Participation (2017) Exercise, Recreation and Sport Survey (ERASS) Victorian reports published by the ASC.

Although ERASS was last conducted in 2010, it has been used to inform participation in selected sports for which information is not available from AusPlay

Participation in Sport and Physical Recreation, Australia, 2013-14 (ABS cat. 4177.0). This data represents national participation rates, with no age disaggregation, in 2013-14, and is used in cases where participation data is unavailable from either AusPlay or ERASS data

TABLE 18: PARTICIPATION RATE ASSUMPTIONS

Adults Children

Sport Rate Source Rate Source

Australian Rules Football 3.90% Ausplay data (VIC) 8.80% AusPlay Children report

Cricket 2.70% Ausplay data (VIC) 5.40% AusPlay Children report

Soccer 4.40% Ausplay data (VIC) 14.10% AusPlay Children report

Softball 0.20% ERASS 2010 report (VIC) 0.20% ERASS 2010 report (VIC)

7 Note that time series analysis of participation rates was not possible, due to the AusPlay survey being established only in 2016. For further detail, see https://www.clearinghouseforsport.gov.au/research/smi/ausplay/results/state

https://www.clearinghouseforsport.gov.au/research/smi/ausplay/results/state


Adults Children

Sport Rate Source Rate Source

Baseball 0.20%

ERASS 2010 report (VIC) 0.70% Participation in Baseball by Australian Children

(ASC, 2012)

Touch Football 1.70% Ausplay data (AUS) 2.60% AusPlay Children report

Hockey 0.70% ERASS 2010 report (VIC) 2.40% AusPlay Children report

Rugby League 0.30% ERASS 2010 report (VIC) 3.10% AusPlay Children report

Rugby Union 0.10% ERASS 2010 report (VIC) 1.70% AusPlay Children report

Lacrosse 0.02% Lacross Victoria Annual Report 2016 0.06% Lacross Victoria Annual Report 2016

Badminton 1.40% ERASS 2010 report (VIC) 1.40% ERASS 2010 report (VIC)

Volleyball 1.20% ERASS 2010 report (VIC) 1.40% ERASS 2010 report (VIC)

Gymnastics 0.20% ERASS 2010 report (VIC) 7.60% AusPlay Children report

Table Tennis 0.80% ERASS 2010 report (VIC) 1.40% ERASS 2010 report (VIC)

Basketball 4.60% Ausplay data (VIC) 7.30% AusPlay Children report

Lawn Bowls 1.00% ABS 2014 (AUS) 0.00% SGS Assumption

Netball 3.00% Ausplay data (VIC) 6.60% AusPlay Children report

Tennis 5.40% Ausplay data (VIC) 6.00% AusPlay Children report

Rowing 0.40% ERASS 2010 report (VIC) 0.40% ERASS 2010 report (VIC)

Skateboarding 0.15% ABS 2014 (AUS) 0.15% ABS 2014 (AUS)

Inline Skating 0.15% ABS 2014 (AUS) 0.15% ABS 2014 (AUS)

Swimming 14.20% Ausplay data (VIC) 31.80% AusPlay Children report

Athletics 0.50% Ausplay data (VIC) 5.50% AusPlay Children report

Baseline participation rates have been combined with demographic forecasts to estimate the number of Inner Region residents who participated in each sport at least once a year.

Sport frequency and duration of play The estimated number of local participants in each sport is converted into a number of playing ‘sessions’. Data from ERASS (2010) was used to estimate the average annual number of sessions for each sport (see Table 19). This accounts for varying rates of engagement in each sport, and controls for seasonal effects for summer/winter sports.

The average duration of a session (which varies by sport), is used to estimate the total demand for playing hours.

These rates were based on broad assumptions regarding time spent on competitive matches/training and casual sessions.

TABLE 19: FREQUENCY AND DURATION OF PLAY

Sport Average sessions per participant per year

Average duration per session (hours)

Australian Rules Football 66 2.00

Cricket 48 4.00

Soccer 63 1.50


Sport Average sessions per participant per year

Average duration per session (hours)

Softball 46 2.00

Baseball 54 2.00

Touch Football 42 0.75

Hockey 61 1.50

Rugby League 60 1.50

Rugby Union 64 1.50

Lacrosse 50 1.00

Badminton 45 1.00

Volleyball 33 1.00

Gymnastics 111 2.00

Table Tennis 63 0.17

Basketball 66 1.00

Lawn Bowls 94 2.00

Netball 58 1.00

Tennis 45 1.50

Rowing 112 2.00

Skateboarding 124 2.00

Inline Skating 41 2.00

Swimming 58 1.00

Athletics 60 2.00



Facility utilisation and capacity To translate demand for playing time to demand for facilities, several factors must be considered. This includes how many weeks of the year a facility is used for, how many hours a week it can be used for, and, the average number of players who can use a facility at the same time. The assumptions for facilities are outlined in Table 20.

The demand for total playable hours is compared with facility utilisation and capacity to identify the number of facilities that are demanded.

TABLE 20: FACILITY CAPACITY ASSUMPTIONS

Sport Category Number of weeks utilised

Utilisation per week (hours)

Average players per session

Australian Rules Football

Large Field 26 25 40

Cricket Large Field 26 25 30

Soccer Small Field 26 25 30

Softball Small Field 26 25 35

Baseball Small Field 26 25 35

Touch Football Small Field 26 25 20

Hockey Small Field 26 25 26

Rugby League Small Field 26 25 40

Rugby Union Small Field 26 25 40

Lacrosse Small Field 26 25 25

Badminton Indoor Facility 52 48 3

Volleyball Indoor Facility 52 48 18

Gymnastics Indoor Facility 52 48 16

Table Tennis Indoor Facility 52 48 3

Basketball Indoor Facility 52 48 17

Lawn Bowls Outdoor Court 52 48 5

Netball Outdoor Court 52 48 17

Tennis Outdoor Court 52 48 3

Rowing Pavilion 52 48 35

Skateboarding Skatepark 52 48 11

Inline Skating Skatepark 52 48 11

Swimming Swimming Pool 52 48 30

Athletics Athletics Facility 52 48 40



5.4 Demand for sport and recreation facilities

Demand for Sport playing time forecasts Table 218 presents the demand for playing time (playing hours) for each sport, by residents within the IMAP councils. The highest demand for time, is observed for swimming, which is the only sport within its category. AFL and cricket, which fall within the large field category, have the second and third highest demands respectively.

TABLE 21: DEMAND FOR PLAYING TIME (THOUSANDS OF HOURS), 2016-36

Sport Category 2016 2021 2026 2031 2036 2016-36

Australian Rules Football

Large Field 3,244 3,833 4,323 4,694 5,097 1,852

Cricket Large Field 3,144 3,706 4,177 4,538 4,931 1,786

Soccer Small Field 2,899 3,452 3,902 4,229 4,580 1,681

Softball Small Field 97 113 127 139 151 54

Baseball Small Field 156 186 210 228 247 91

Touch Football Small Field 310 364 409 445 484 174

Hockey Small Field 461 550 622 674 729 268

Rugby League Small Field 334 409 466 502 539 205

Rugby Union Small Field 167 208 237 255 272 105

Lacrosse Small Field 6 7 8 9 9 3

Badminton Indoor Facility 333 388 436 475 518 185

Volleyball Indoor Facility 218 255 286 312 339 122

Gymnastics Indoor Facility 1,481 1,858 2,130 2,282 2,432 951

Table Tennis Indoor Facility 50 59 66 72 78 28

Basketball Indoor Facility 1,743 2,046 2,303 2,504 2,725 982

Lawn Bowls Outdoor Court 864 992 1,109 1,212 1,329 465

Netball Outdoor Court 1,086 1,282 1,446 1,570 1,705 619

Tennis Outdoor Court 1,972 2,301 2,586 2,816 3,070 1,098

Rowing Pavilion 479 558 627 683 745 266

Skateboarding Skatepark 199 232 261 284 310 111

Inline Skating Skatepark 66 77 86 94 103 37

Swimming Swimming Pool 5,133 6,065 6,839 7,426 8,063 2,930

Athletics Athletics Facility 772 948 1,080 1,162 1,247 475


Demand for facilities forecasts Table 229 summarises the demand for facilities by sport across the IMAP councils. Tennis has the greatest current and forecast demand for facilities. Despite having a moderate demand for playing hours, this result is driven by the relatively low number of players that can participate simultaneously. Strong growth in demand is also expected for AFL, cricket, soccer, and swimming facilities.

8 Note: Data tables presenting demand for playing time by each LGA are presented in Appendix D 9 Note: Data tables presenting demand for facilities by sport and LGA are presented in Appendix D


TABLE 22: DEMAND FOR FACILITIES

Sport Category 2016 2036 Growth

Australian Rules Football Large Field 62 98 36

Cricket Large Field 81 126 46

Soccer Small Field 74 117 43 Softball Small Field 2 3 1

Baseball Small Field 3 5 2

Touch Football Small Field 12 19 7

Hockey Small Field 14 22 8

Rugby League Small Field 6 10 4

Rugby Union Small Field 3 5 2

Lacrosse Small Field 0.2 0.3 0

Badminton Indoor Facility 44 69 25

Volleyball Indoor Facility 5 8 3 Gymnastics Indoor Facility 37 61 24

Table Tennis Indoor Facility 1 2 1

Basketball Indoor Facility 41 64 23

Lawn Bowls Outdoor Court 14 22 8

Netball Outdoor Court 26 40 15

Tennis Outdoor Court 197 307 110

Rowing Pavilion 5 9 3

Skateboarding Skatepark 8 12 4

Inline Skating Skatepark 3 4 1 Swimming Swimming Pool 69 108 39

Athletics Athletics Facility 8 12 5 Source: SGS Economics & Planning, 2018

Table 23, aggregates facilities by category, shows that demand for outdoor courts are expected to increase the most, followed by large fields and small fields.

TABLE 23: DEMAND FOR FACILITIES BY BROAD CATEGORY

Category 2016 2036 Growth

Large Field 143 224 81

Small Field 115 182 67

Indoor Facility 129 204 75

Outdoor Court 238 370 132 Pavilion 5 9 3

Skatepark 10 16 6

Swimming Pool 69 108 39

Athletics Facility 8 12 5 Source: SGS Economics & Planning, 2018


5.5 Council demand overview The spatial distribution of demand for facilities will be primarily driven by population growth trends, while demographic shifts will also have a limited influence (e.g. through varying participation rates between adults and children). The tables below present demand for each category of facilities by council, with the following key observations:

The greatest surge in demand is expected within the City of Melbourne, with demand for all facility categories increasing by almost 100% between 2016 and 2036. This results in demand for over 100 large fields and small fields, as well as over 100 outdoor courts

Low population growth, particularly within the 5-17 age group, means that Stonnington exhibits the smallest increase in demand among IMAP councils

By 2036, demand within Maribyrnong, Stonnington, and Port Phillip will have converged to a similar level

FIGURE 10 FACILTY DEMAND OVERVIEW BY COUNCIL

City of Maribyrnong

City of Melbourne


City of Stonnington

City of Yarra

IMAP



5.6 Other factors influencing facility demand Future demand for sport and recreation facilities is uncertain. It was estimated based on the demand generated by the residential population of the IMAP region10. It uses AusPlay data to estimate children’s demand for sports facilities and Exercise, Recreation Survey Results (ERASS) from 2010 for adults. These datasets include participation rates for sports in Victoria.

The forecasts outlined are intentionally simple and are useful for understanding demand at the aggregate IMAP region level. It is acknowledged that it is impossible to accurately forecast demand for facilities as it is both complex and uncertain. Taking current trends and projecting them into the future provides a useful benchmark for understanding the scale of growth in demand that is likely to occur in the region.

Other factors that influence demand for facilities include:

Analysis is primarily based on Victoria and Australia wide participation rates due to data availability. There are parts of Melbourne, and IMAP, that have quite different participation in specific sports, and this diversity is not currently captured.

Assumptions regarding usage of facilities is broad. For example, soccer pitches are used in summer for 7 a side competitions.

Demand for council provided facilities is difficult to segment. For example, there are private facilities such as those located in schools and private clubs which are meeting some of the demand – eg tennis clubs, swimming pools associated with schools/gyms.

A number of assumptions were required to determine participation hours per person, and the frequency of play. These standardised participation and frequency assumptions are defined across all individuals, differentiating only between children and adults.

Modelling does not take into consideration the growth or decline in participation rates that has occurred in some sports. For example, there is significant growth in womens participation in both cricket and AFL which is not captured within the modelling. The significant decline in lawn bowl participation has also not been captured.

Elite clubs draw on participants from metropolitan Melbourne. A number of these are located at facilities in IMAP Councils, but this external participation is not reflected in the modelling. At the same time, participation by IMAP residents in clubs located outside of IMAP is also not represented.

It is considered that for local, non elite sports, the balance of participants coming in from outside LGAs is equal to the number of residents participating in sport in outside LGAs.

10 The assessment does not account for anticipated growth in participation in certain sports, such as women and girls participation in traditionally male dominated field sports, nor does it account for decline in participation rates, such as lawn bowls. It also does not account for local variation in participation rates, eg. whether a greater percentage of the population participate in basketball in the City of Melbourne than the Victorian average.


6. ALIGNMENT

The gap analysis compares the supply of facilities in the region, with the demand generated by residents in the region11. It assumes that demand remains constant- the same assumptions are used for participation rates and, it is assumed that there is no modifications to participation frequency or playing time. It also assumes that facilities are not upgraded to have greater capacity.

6.1 Gaps in meeting demand at the regional level The gaps in sport and recreation facilities provision are identified by comparing the existing demand and supply for sport and recreation facilities. The existing and forecast gaps in provision at the regional level are shown in Table 24. It shows that there is currently a gap in the supply of large and small fields, and a large gap in the provision of swimming pools and indoor facilities.

The analysis indicates a surplus in outdoor courts, however, this is likely a result of the large number of outdoor courts concentrated in specific facilities (such as the Victorian State Hockey and Netball Centre and the national Tennis Centre) that are servicing the broader metropolitan area.

The analysis also indicates a surplus in rowing pavilions. This is also a result of external factors- the IMAP Councils are all situated on major river corridors, and rowing pavilions in the IMAP municipalities service the broader metropolitan area.

The gaps forecast at 2036 indicate that apart from rowing pavilions, there will be gaps in the supply of all facilities, and some of these gaps will be severe.

TABLE 24:GAPS IN SUPPLY AT THE REGIONAL LEVEL

Facility 2016 gap 2036 gap

Large Field 26 107

Small Field 56 123

Indoor Facility 77 152

Outdoor Court -42 90

Rowing Pavillion -8 -4

Skatepark -3 3

Swimming Pool 36 75

Athletics Facility 5 9

Total 26 107


11 It does not incorporate use of private facilities, such as those located in private schools, public schools or private clubs, nor does it account for people using other locations for participation. Eg. People who swim regularly may do so only in their private pools, or, in the ocean. It assumes that each facility is able to support average levels of play.


6.2 Gaps in meeting demand at the LGA level When individual LGAs are looked at variations in the distribution of facilities gaps are identified. The existing gaps are illustrated in Table 25 and forecast gaps at 2036 are identified in Table 26.

TABLE 25:GAPS IN SUPPLY AT THE LGAL LEVEL 2016



City of Stonnington

City of Maribyrnong

Total

Large Field 2 10 0 15 -1 26

Small Field 11 10 9 16 10 56


Outdoor Court -36 2 -4 -4 -1 -42

Rowing Pavilion -7 1 -1 -1 0 -8

Skatepark 0 0 0 -1 -1 -3




TABLE 26:GAPS IN SUPPLY AT THE LGAL LEVEL 2036



City of Stonnington

City of Maribyrnong

Total

Large Field 34 20 13 24 15 107

Small Field 37 19 20 23 24 123


Outdoor Court 18 19 17 11 25 90

Rowing Pavilion -5 1 0 -1 0 -4






6.3 Spatial gaps The gaps in the network are also looked at spatially. Ie, what parts of the IMAP region do not have access to a facility type within 2 kilometres. These can be explored using the online mapping platform: https://www.sgsep.com.au/maps/joseph/melbourne-imap-sporting-facilities

FIGURE 11 FACILITIES INFORMATION

SGS Economics and Planning

Figure 1 - Figure 4 illustrate the catchments for various types of facilities. There are gaps in the indoor facilities catchments in Kingsville, Maribyrnong and St Kilda. There are also a number of gaps in the swimming pool catchments, with the largest gaps in Maribyrnong and Port Melbourne where Fishermans Bend is located.

The coverage of large fields show no major gaps in the network, however the concentration of facilities in Albert Park Precinct, Fawkner Park and Royal Park is clear.

https://www.sgsep.com.au/maps/joseph/melbourne-imap-sporting-facilities

https://www.sgsep.com.au/maps/joseph/melbourne-imap-sporting-facilities


FIGURE 12 INDOOR FACILITY CATCHMENTS


FIGURE 13 SWIMMING POOL CATCHMENTS



FIGURE 14 LARGE FIELD CATCHMENTS


6.4 The challenge The size of the gaps between supply and demand coupled with the spatial gaps in the network mean that IMAP Councils are faced with a major challenge. Whether demand grows or contracts, the challenge for Councils to provide facilities is substantial.

The gaps between supply and demand may change due to a number of reasons. These are

participation rates increase or decline in sports, there is rapid growth in female participation, (as current trends suggest) New sports that are currently not catered for increase demand on existing facilities, or

require new facilities Alternative forms of play are adopted which reduce game times or competition

frequencies The capacity of facilities are improved which means that more games can be played

The gap analysis and spatial alignment confirms Council’s experience that there is already a shortage in sport and recreation facilities, and that they are not able to meet existing demand. By 2036 the gap between supply and demand is going to be far greater, and there is a critical need to start planning for this now. A new approach to sport and recreation is required to ensure the local community has enough opportunities to participate.


APPENDIX A: STAKEHOLDER INTERVIEWS

Overview City of Yarra

Key issues facing Council are those of space, there is no new land, and aging infrastructure.

Any open space acquisitions by Council will be small scale and will not include sports facility opportunities.

Council has received funding via the inner city Netball project. With no new land available this led to investment at schools and on Parks Victoria land, along with $3 million for Richmond netball at Ryan’s reserve. The facilities will be updated but will not result in extra capacity.

This highlights the need for sports clubs to be more flexible to create extra capacity. As an example netball could explore playing on non-compliant or modified courts and smaller for kids. Basketball is more flexible and kids play on smaller courts.

At the same time some clubs are active and have influence, such as the Richmond Bowls club which was able to have its committee of management switched from council to state government. The local Richmond football club are not active influencers in Yarra and never have been although membership and demographic changes are changing that. In the past this has meant they have not been particularly active in lobbying or fund raising to have the pavilion at their home oval upgraded.

Significant investment is required to bring existing facilities up to scratch. Council has identified required capital works in the Draft Yarra Sports and Physical Activity Strategy 2015-2019. The strategy is in draft form as Council can’t meet the funding needs required to deliver on all the actions identified in the Strategy however it does guide Council decision making.

Currently there is a focus on getting playing fields and tennis up to scratch and the running track getting upgrade this year. The challenge is that supporting facilities (pavilions) are not up to scratch.

In addition to Council owned land and facilities Council has Collingwood Football Park in its municipality which has funding but the scope is unclear.

Yarra Bend Park is within the municipality and run by Park Victoria. Access to Yarra Bend provides 6 additional sports grounds and 3 pavilions. There are challenges in working with Parks Victoria, facilities are not up to scratch, there is no investment or maintenance. The opportunity is there for Parks Victoria to put in capital costs and for Council to take responsibility for maintenance.

The new Richmond high school and Melbourne Girls College (MCG) both have a surplus of indoor sports facilities. MGC doesn’t welcome open use, only fee for use.

The netball program has highlighted challenges for join use but also potential. The Education department process for joint use agreements very cumbersome. They need help to be more responsive and especially with operating costs. Council has ability to put in operating costs as support rather than buying land. For Council this is strategically this is far more attractive than buying land and then getting it up to scratch. Maintenance is a council strength. Schools don’t have money for that. Council provide grass cutting, empty bins etc. A successful outcome was


the upgrade of the playground at Yarra Primary via a joint use agreement identifying which assets council will replace and maintain.

Facility type Yarra is short on is indoor courts as training facilities (MGC 2 indoor and Richmond High 1 indoor court). The Gas and Fuel site redevelopment in Fitzroy North has committed to 6 indoor courts. Collingwood College will have 3 indoor. Council is also working across council boundaries. At the same time Council recognizes that they can’t cater for everything, as an example there is no hockey field or volleyball court.

In addition to facility constraints there are also capacity constraints for clubs which often relay heavily on volunteers and may not be able to operate two locations at the same time. Clubs are able to generally meet the needs of their community.

Fee for play netball has increased significantly, partly reflection of that infrastructure provided. Lunch and after work activities are growing, basketball is one key area and has available courts. Indoor soccer is a big growth area. Anyone can play socially. Rather than a traditional club model this is fee for use and has no volunteer requirements. There is scope for councils to run the fee for use facilities. The challenge for Council is how to maximize use and capture the people they want using it.

For Council it is also about choices that go beyond facilities.

A challenge for Council is not wearing out their ovals in summer so that hey last over winter. Turf playing fields and access to Yarra Bend park help relieve the pressure on those ovals.

In addition to the meets of formal sports Council needs to manage the different uses of formal, informal sport and other users who often all there at the same time. One successful Council response has been to turn the lights on 7 days a week at Citizens Park and others 5 days a week at other ovals.

The Burnley Golf Course is a significant proportion of Council’s open space and presents a significant opportunity however for now the golf course is here to stay.

Council spends approximately a million a year supporting sports clubs. Council is working towards 20% cost recovery as it is over serviced to support clubs. Currently Council has no cost recovery. Fee structure discounts were put into place to encourage participation by disadvantaged groups but these are no longer required. They do need to ensure it is mandatory to have either seniors, juniors or women and the majority of sports are doing that. The only clubs now struggling to implement that are cricket. Is there scope across Councils for a unified approach to how they support and subsidize sports clubs.

There is a feeling that the State Government is focused on keeping elite sports clubs happy while Yarra as a Council would rather prioritise community access.

City of Stonnington

The main sports in Stonnington are very traditional: Australian Rules, cricket and they are over represented by tennis. There is a little bit of soccer (1 club as only 1 club), netball (eg. 2500 participants and less than 1000 locally), no local basketball, rugby union and lacrosse (2 clubs). 1 baseball club.

Stonnington residents are forced to look beyond their municipality. If other councils are more ruthless regarding local participation then Stonnington is in trouble. There is a need for more capacity. If you don’t already have a presence as a club then there is no opportunity. Traditional clubs are well resourced for their own needs but do not add to council capital works costs.

Tennis is still in high demand. Ovals for cricket and Aussie Rules football are able to sustain the current level of use. Female participation not as well catered for and supporting infrastructure is lacking for the non-traditional sports.


There are 2 indoor basketball courts. Melbourne High is the only secondary school (1 indoor court). Otherwise there are several private schools, largely female schools so without co-ed facilities. There are 4500 netball and basketball users.

Council recently upgraded Gardiners Park including use of high quality synthetic turf allowing for soccer and Aussie Rules where before it was underutilized, along with new supporting infrastructure.

Council has an 18 hole public golf course in East Malvern, despite the large amount of open space it is not up for reuse in anyway.

Increased participation in organized sport and the flow on increased use of ovals being used 4-5 nights is impacting on local residents. Proposals to upgrade existing facilities such as installing floodlights are being met with some push back from residents who don’t want the increased use. The challenge is that the sports facilities are also the open space.

Increased club flexibility could be a solution. Basketball is an example of being flexible to play when they can get court time. Aussie Rules football still plays at the traditional times, it’s see as Saturday sport. Rugby Union is not open to playing Saturday but may need to.

Cricket has been more flexible in when they play. The preference for turf cricket as opposed to synthetic pitch cricket is a significant cost to council with 1 full time employee to roll out the pitch at each of the 9 turf cricket pitches in the council. Where there is turf it creates a barrier to making a flexible oval.

Council also has two rowing sheds which it rents out at a peppercorn rate to a club. With demand for rowing facilities from private schools it can be highly lucrative for the rowing club to rent space to the private schools.

Open space distribution is uneven with no open space in westside of council.

Council is working towards increasing utilization. Treyvaund Memorial Park ugrade which is still in pre-masterplan stage provides an opportunity to reconfigure the site and provide an indoor court. The Gardiner Park upgrade included conversion of the existing natural turf sportsground to a high quality all weather synthetic turf sportsground.

Gymnastics is big in Stonnington but all facilities are private. There are similar sports that are not on the radar for Council.

In aquatics, the heritage listed dive tower at the Harold Holt pool is restricting ability to use that part of the pool for swimming.


Population growth is the biggest challenge. Requires alternate programming and changes to clubs. Single use facilities are no longer an option.

Where there is opportunity for regional approach? Residents utilize facilities regionally.

Ability to respond to increased female participation and the ability to cater for them in change rooms etc. Inclusivity is a great goal but places pressure on carrying capacity. Need to look to measure to improve capacity: turf quality, irrigation and facilities.

Providing sports ground lighting supports night time training. Grounds are close to capacity. There is opportunity for game time at non-traditional hours although that creates other issues around shared use outside of traditional hours.

Shift to personal exercise and desire for engagement to be more flexible in time and commitment.

Sports clubs/ associations need to shift their thinking - different times, different format, think differently. Traditional sports very set in their ways both surface demands and playing times. Changing this will require leadership.


Upgrades need to be done with some understanding of the local clubs. Example of Bayside which upgraded a sports ground with higher luxe level but their local association was not ready for night time use so they are now offering it to other councils.

Schools present an opportunities for shared joint use. Local schools want to access Council open space and Council wants to use their facilities. In the case of the new South Melbourne Primary School Council has worked with the State Government to ensure access. This includes ongoing access to the new the Ferrar Netball court, a single court with rebound ace. Private schools also provide an opportunity, such as the Melbourne Grammar ovals.

Joint use agreements – is it possible to have common practice coming out of IMAP.

Council is keen to be more transparent about what the cost of supporting local clubs is. Understanding the subsidy council gives by understanding the commercial rent value and the decision to give at peppercorn rent, to view it as a grant of sorts. What opportunities there are for alternative use during the times where clubs aren’t using the facilities (ovals or pavilions).

Providing for elite clubs is not a focus for Council. All ovals are already at capacity. Elite level competition creates access issues with grounds closed off for game day and open rest of the time.

As part of joint use there are management issues – is it council or an external entity? How to manage lockdown of the school but not the sports facilities. Fishermans bend community centre is only indoor facility.

Parks Victoria’s (PV) Albert Park ovals and indoor sports facilities are an important part of the provision of facilities but with challenges. The Grand Prix puts everyone out for significant period. This creates an opportunity for reciprocal arrangements with PV to use City of Port Phillip facility during the Grand Prix and in turn for Council to use PV fields during summer to use their fields while they maintain their own fields.

Currently council is not really catering to the middle and lower order sports such as rugby, hockey, lacrosse, volleyball.

Idea of an allocation policy for how to provide for clubs and manage over flow between council areas with some clubs bigger attractors. There are different elite level teams for each sport and these are spread across Melbourne. As an example Port Phillip is home to two of crickets elite teams which draw from outside their boundaries. Would there be benefit in understanding the flow of players between councils.

For Council the future Fishermans Bend development is a huge unknown. Question for Council is where is it reasonable to invest outside council area.

Council needs to balance sport versus passive recreation. Actions such as removing fencing around ovals to allow access when not being used for organised sport.

City of Maribyrnong

By word of mouth the Vietnamese community has expressed a strong need for table tennis. The Footscray stadium redevelopment will include more multipurpose space, to accommodate more niche sports such as table tennis rather than the traditional basketball etc.

Council’s indoor stadium strategy, currently in draft form, has identified a need more indoor courts (number of courts, what sports and where to locate). Council has two leisure centres, Footscray, which is ready for complete overhaul to accommodate lots of different uses, and Braybrook which has 4 stadiums. Whitten Oval is in the State Government’s portfolio and leased /managed by Victorian University of Technology (VUT) and has 4 indoor courts. If access to those courts goes then there will be a big gap to fill. Therefore a plan B has been included in the Stadium Strategy. There are challenges for Council around partnering.


Council’s aquatic strategy, in draft form, has identified unmet needs and demands. The strategy was triggered by the high cost of unexpected works required to maintain the Maribyrnong Aquatic Centre. The centre currently has no leisure facilities currently. Learn to swim is at capacity and the strategy has identified the need for more leisure and more learn to swim.

There are plenty of local clubs with most main stream sports clubs located within the municipality. If anything Maribyrnong provide for its resident base and more. Sunshine is not in the municipality but Sunshine cricket and football clubs are both in the City of Maribyrnong. Similarly while Melbourne knights soccer seniors are located in Brimbank the juniors in Maribyrnong.

The municipality is currently going through extreme change, different demographics. Gentrified alongside not yet gentrified.

Soccer is not particularly big although it is anticipated this will grow. Australian Rules clubs are strong and growing as is cricket. They have a higher number of turf wickets. At an elite level Melbourne Victory is moving to Footscray Park.

Basketball booming with new association started up a few years ago. Tennis is still strong and a lot of free public courts.

To accommodate growth there is a need for better use of existing ovals and this includes clearly identifying them as a sport reserve rather than as a leisure space. Sports are competing with other sports and leisure uses such as playgrounds etc.

There is a need for a sport first mentality where the reserve is designed for the sports use first and the 20 ovals need to be left for organized sport. There is an ongoing tension between organized sports and informal sports and leisure. There is opportunity to increase the capacity of existing reserves through actions such as adding lighting on ovals and better use of the physical space (e.g. move tree or playground).

Aging pavilions are an issue and Council is well behind in maintenance and new infrastructure.

Based on population growth there will be a need for more sporting reserves. Opportunities will come up in new development sites such as the Department of Defence site.

Sports associations have been quiet and historically community demand hasn’t been there. Standards have historically been low and that has been accepted. There is an internal challenge within council organized sport is a top need and first and foremost.


APPENDIX B: POLICY AND LITERATURE REVIEW

B1.1 – Open space strategies

Melbourne Open Space Strategy 2012

Purpose of the document City of Melbourne has prepared an Open Space Strategy to guide strategic direction for public open space planning within the municipality. The strategy came into effect in 2012 and is designed for implementation over a 15 year timeframe. The plan is informed by the Open Space Technical Report and provides a strategic foundation for open space contributions policy. City of Melbourne recognises the importance of open space for its role in liveability as well as for social and health benefits, biodiversity, cultural heritage, character, events, tourism and urban heat mitigation.

The population of the City of Melbourne is forecast to grow significantly over the next 15 years, with a projected two thirds more residents and one third more workers expected by 2026. Higher densities will place an increased demand on existing open space infrastructure. Careful management of existing spaces as well as the addition of more urban space will be required. The Open Space Strategy identifies gaps in the existing network to be improved and provides an overarching framework to direct planning for this.

Relevance to planning for sports and recreation facilities Ultimately, the document supports the need for upgrading existing open spaces as well as the provision of new open spaces to meet the needs of a growing population. Six overall directions are identified.

Maintain and expand a quality open space network. This direction seeks to ensure adequate open space is provided to meet a diverse range of needs and is maintained at high quality of design and function.

Provide distributed open space within easy walking distance. To achieve this direction, the plan aims to ensure all residents will have access to open space within 300 metres without crossing major barriers. Gap analysis is provided to identify where network improvements can be made.

Improve community health and wellbeing. This direction promotes facility upgrades, diversity of uses and attractive landscaping to encourage greater participation informal recreation activities.

Additional Capital City open space in urban renewal areas. This direction seeks to bridge the disproportionate provision of Capital City urban space, with the introduction of these spaces to urban renewal areas in the West.

Additional Municipal open space in urban renewal areas. Increased Municipal open spaces are required to meet the needs of organised and unstructured sports and recreation uses within the municipality.

Urban heat island effect mitigation and environmental improvements. This direction seeks to increase and enhance natural features and biodiversity in open spaces.

The strategy identifies key sites to provide new open space at various scales. These proposed sites are at an indicative level, with flexibility in terms of location and size subject to further investigation.


Capital City and State. These are iconic open spaces contributing to the identity of Melbourne to stage events of international, national, state and metropolitan importance. New Capital City open space is proposed in Flemington/Ascot Vale, Kensington, North Melbourne, Southbank/South Wharf and West Melbourne precincts.

Municipal. This scale of open space typically serves the population within City of Melbourne. A municipal open space corridor is proposed along the Maribyrnong river to provide environmental and recreational improvements. The plan indicates these sites should be a minimum of 3 hectares. Furthermore, sites are proposed in Docklands, Southbank/South Wharf and West Melbourne precincts.

Neighbourhood. This level functions to provide open space at a neighbourhood scale for the local community. These are proposed in Kensington and Southbank/South Wharf precincts.

Local and Small Scale. These provide a more intimate space for the local community and complements the larger network of spaces. A variety of new local open space is proposed in Carlton/Carlton North, Docklands, Flemington/Ascot Vale, Kensington, Melbourne 3000, North Melbourne, Port Melbourne, Southbank/South Wharf and West Melbourne precincts.

In addition to these proposed additions, the open space strategy identifies upgrade projects to existing sites across the municipality and an improvement to the existing open space corridor along Moonee Ponds Creek. Establishing symbolic linear open space links between Capital City and Municipal Open spaces is additionally identified as needed.

Yarra Open Space Strategy 2006

Purpose of the document The Yarra Open Space Strategy was adopted in 2006 and serves as an overarching guide to the provision, planning, design and management of public open space within the City of Yarra. The plan analyses the existing open space network and provides strategic guidance for open space planning of the following 10 year period for recreational use and nature conservation.

The strategy is designed to achieve council’s vision to respond to ‘Yarra’s unique landscape through the establishment of a quality open space system that meets the recreational and environmental needs of the local community and enhances cultural, social and ecological values’. The document seeks to provide a detailed analysis into the existing open space network and individual parks, gardens and reserves, determining their level of use and ability to meet the community’s needs.

Yarra Open Space Strategy analyses population growth forecasts to identify changing needs and where open space provision should be increased. This provides a strategic basis for open space contribution in new developments. Furthermore, the strategy aims to establish direction for the ongoing provision, design and management of built infrastructure in open space and provide direction for ecologically and economic sustainable management of public open space. The strategy has been developed according to the following six guiding principles: Accessible, Adaptable, Diverse, Environmentally Sustainable, Equitable and Value Cultural Heritage.

Relevance to planning for sports and recreation facilities The waterway system and significant low lying flood plain system are identified as important natural features of Yarra, contributing significant open space. Yarra River, Merri Creek and Darebin Creek are recognised for their linear reserves contributing to recreational use within the City. A household survey identified Yarra River reserves, local streets for exercise, and large non-sporting reserves were the highest used spaces with walking paths, informal open grassed areas and public seating the most used facilities.


In response to key challenges within Yarra, the Yarra Open Space Strategy provides three key outcomes to direct public open space networks. 1. Establishing a cohesive and linked municipal open space network. This direction seeks to fill in identified gaps in the open space network and identify future gaps due to anticipated residential growth. New open space is to be provided at a variety of scales with links to and between reserves through streetscape improvements and environmental corridors. This responds to the following identified issues: Inequity of Distribution 70% of open space located in North Fitzroy, Clifton Hill,

Alphington and Fairfield where only 25% of the population resides. Although the overall quantity of open space across the municipality is 34 square metres per capita, above the identified standard of 24 square metres per capita, areas such as Collingwood contain only 0.2 square metres per capita and Fitzroy contains 2.4 square metres per capita.

Gaps in existing network. Gaps in walkable distances for small local space are identified most significantly in Collingwood, Richmond, Cremorne and Fitzroy. Local open spaces are not present in West Richmond, Richmond or Cremorne. Neighbourhood open space was found to be distributed relatively evenly however gaps were identified in Fitzroy, Collingwood and Abbotsford.

Open space in adjoining municipalities and regional open space. A survey revealed that many residents were using open space in adjoining municipalities such as those in City of Melbourne. Therefore, liaison between councils is required to ensure needs are met across municipalities.

Provision, use and management of Local and Small Local Open space. Smaller scale open spaces are common and often the only option for open space provision due to the fine grain urban form of Yarra. Small open space needs to be thoughtfully designed to maximise use and appropriate within their local context.

Future development and change in land use. The plan identifies a predicted an additional 6,400 dwellings expected to be provided between 2001-2016, increasing demand on existing the open space network. Business and Industrial zoned land is expected to be rezoned to meet the demand for residential use, typically these areas do not possess existing open space.

2. Upgrade of existing and development of new open space reserves. All ability access to and within open space sites are to be implemented. This direction seeks to improve perceptions of personal safety in parks and provide high quality urban design outcomes. Open space design should cater to a diverse range of needs and uses and existing infrastructure needs upgrading with ageing and deterioration. Major built infrastructure is required at certain locations including public toilets, sports and recreation facilities, shared cycling and pedestrian trails, sporting infrastructure. Minor infrastructure is also required such as shade facilities, playgrounds, skate facilities, seating, car parking, bins and lighting. This direction advocates the improvement of environmental sustainability through the consideration of sustainable materials and design, vegetation selection, water usage, protection of flora and fauna and waterway management. Aboriginal cultural heritage and heritage values should be managed and properly understood. Events should be held at appropriate levels of open space with consideration on impacts, access and transport issues. Generally, open space design should be consistent with framework, meet all principles and guidelines, be integrated with public art and incorporate community consultation. This responds to the following issues: Diversity of needs. Open space should be designed to meet the varied needs within the

community, including consideration of socially disadvantaged groups. Balancing recreation and leisure use of open space. There is a need to manage conflicting

uses of open space such as organised recreation and informal activities. Furthermore, balancing facility provision with the loss of natural features.


Environmental sustainability. Design and maintenance of urban space should consider practices and outcomes that support positive and reduce negative impacts to the environment.

Cultural Values. Yarra contains open spaces with both indigenous and nonindigenous cultural heritage that needs to be respected and recognised.

3. Open Space contributions to meet future resident’s needs. This direction recommends a contribution for residential development in all open space precincts of 4.5%. The contribution amount is designed to reflect the degree to which a project is a response to the needs of new residents, 80% of costs is estimated to be provided by open space contributions in projects. This responds to the following identified issues: Open space funding. Development contribution is required to provide a fare portion of

funding to support the growing need for open space improvements. Inadequacies and challenges in the planning scheme. Public acquisition overlays may be

required to obtain land for open space.

Port Philip Public Open Space Strategy 2009

Purpose of this document The City of Port Philip Open Space Strategy 2009 and Implementation plan is a Council led update to the open space strategy adopted in 2006. The updated plan has been developed with community consultation, on-site assessment of public open space, review of the status of actions from previous plans and policy change recommendations. The document seeks to provide strategic guidance for open space planning across City of Port Phillip. Strategies are designed to achieve a vision of ‘a city where public open spaces define the city’s character and responds to its people’s need for places of rest, recreate and be inspired’. Demographic drivers for recommendations include high population density, high foreshore visitation, limited private space, high land values and projected residential growth. Social drivers for recommendations are high community value on public open space, high use of key open spaces and need for diversity of activity for all ages.

Relevance to planning for sports and recreation facilities Much of Port Philip is located within proximity to the beach and foreshore which provides significant recreation and leisure functions for the community. However, there are some areas of the municipality that lack adequate provision of private and public open spaces such as South Melbourne and East St Kilda. Port Philip open space is additionally unique as they provide significant event spaces, hosting events such as swimming, life saving carnivals, supervised playground events, arts programs, and the annual grand prix. Key issues in planning for open space include, changing residential areas, low carrying capacity at existing sporting facilities, meeting the demand for off-road trails, managing dog activity, equity and access for people with disability, management of high visitation areas such as the beach and foreshore as well as protecting biodiversity and natural environment.

Port Melbourne is identified as an area undergoing increasing ‘unit’ type developments who do not provide sufficient private open space for residents, therefore increasing demand for public open space. Demand for social family and dog exercising away from the foreshore is identified in Elwood, Ripponlea, Middle Park. Planning direction for South Melbourne, St Kilda Road and Queens Road neighbourhoods is to increase access and connection to open space such as Albert Park and foreshore. Redevelopment of South Melbourne Market creates an opportunity for new public spaces. St Kilda offers significant open space including the St Kilda Botanical Gardens, beach and foreshore as well as pocket parks. Linkages between these are identified as poor and require strengthening. Alma Park is a key open space for the East St Kilda and Balaclava precinct however due to high population densities, this area is considered underserved in public open space.


Stonnington Public Realm Strategy 2010

Purpose of this document The Public Realm Strategy was adopted in 2010 to provide strategic guidance and coordinates council actions to deliver a high quality public realm across the City of Stonnington. The document adopts a broader interpretation of open space to include all external spaces for public use. The Public Realm Strategy takes a wholistic approach to external space planning, instead of the traditional policy division between civic spaces, streetscapes and public open spaces. The vision and strategies provided in the plan seek to direct the planning, design and management of the public realm. Council recognises a high quality and integrated public realm for its importance in ensuring social, environmental, economic and cultural wellbeing across the municipality. The Public Realm Strategy seeks to develop a sense of place, community wellbeing and access for all people to Stonnington’s open space.

Relevance to planning for sports and recreation facilities Chapter 2.3 identifies and discusses green and urban open spaces. The capacity for open space to provide formal and informal recreation and outdoor activity as well as their contribution to amenity and urban liveability is emphasised in this section of the plan. Analysis findings revealed South East Prahran, South Armadale, Middle Glen Iris, West Malvern, East Malvern and East Toorak are underserved according to the distribution of open space, justifying additional spaces in these areas. Increased quantity of open space was identified as necessary across South Yarra and Malvern. A key issue for planning open space is that there is no capacity to provide more sports fields this is compounded by an increasing demand for facilities and space by sports clubs.

Municipal wide recommendations are given for open space:

4.4.3 Biodiversity. develop guidelines to discourage community from feeding species in open space. Continue planting indigenous species at appropriate open space locations.

4.5.1 Safety. Promote safe night routes through parks. Ensure night lighting is adequate. 4.5.2 Diverse groups in public space. Encourage cultural activities in public spaces. Ensure

spaces are designed to cater for diverse groups. Encourage play in public spaces. 4.5.4 Youth. Identify and implement designated youth parks or youth areas that have high

tolerance to youth activities. 4.5.5 Playgrounds. Develop a policy to ensure inventory, inspection and maintenance. 4.5.6 Sports and recreation. Assess use of sportsgrounds to identify opportunities to

maximise facilities. Investigate synthetic surfaces. Manage spaces with competing uses such as sports activities, clubs and more passive activities. Partner with adjacent councils as Stonnington lacks the physical capacity to match the demands for formal sports facilities. Undertake master planning for all sportsgrounds and pavilions to ensure the coexistence of passive and active recreation.

4.5.9 Commercial activities in open space. Commercial activities should be strictly controlled and compatible to public space values. Council-events in parks should not have commercial gain as their primary purpose. Avoid isolation or reduced quality of space.

4.5.10 Community use of open space. Encourage and support community groups and schools that have adopted and area of open space. Incorporate national events into planning for open space.

4.6 Demographic shifts and changing lifestyles. Review local open spaces and assess if changes or additional infrastructure are required.

4.8.1 Growing need for public open space. Increase the size of existing public open space. Strategically acquire new land as it becomes available. Increase and improve linkages along railways and waterways. Provide new open spaces in areas of projected population rises.

4.8.2 Acquisition of new public spaces. Identifying opportunities to maximise the application of public open space contribution funds. Considering contextual methods to establish clearer statistical need.


4.8.3 Alternative solutions to increase public space. Increase use of non-traditional public spaces, for example car parks, public building forecourts, railway land, to improve public open space. Encourage public authorities to improve the quality of their land that is publicly accessible. Better manage existing open spaces owned by council.

4.8.4 A balance between quality space and more public space. Negotiate with state agencies to facilitate infrastructure maintenance and upgrades for links connecting public areas.

Strategies for Creating Open Space Stonnington 2013

Purpose of this document The Strategies for creating Open Space Stonnington 2013 is a strategic implementation plan that uses the Stonnington Public Realm Strategy 2010 as a key base to identify suitable land for purchase across the municipality. The identification of land purchasing opportunities is of importance as Stonnington has the second lowest provision of open space of any Victorian municipality. With trends of population increases the per capita open space provision is declining. While the Public Realm Strategy 2010 expands its scope to all outdoor public space, the Strategies for creating Open Space 2013 looks specifically at urban and green open space. The objective of the implementation plan is to establish strategies to deliver increased public and accessible open space across the municipality.

Relevance to planning for sports and recreation facilities Stonnington is a well developed and established municipality with limited broad open space available for acquisition. The strategies emphasise the need to explore alternative forms of recreational space such as linear street open space. The document proposes the investigation of at grade car park conversions. Feasibility of transforming at grade car parks to underground or decking in activity centre areas is to be explored to provide additional open space. The plan advocates encouraging green roofs as both public and private open spaces as well as green walls across the municipality. The importance of streets as key recreational spaces is also identified for activities such as walking and bike riding, amenity improvements are encouraged to enhance these spaces.

The need to negotiate with State Government organisations and land owners to acquire land is also articulated in the review. Discussion with State Government, authorities and non-for-profit organisations to negotiate improved linkages and increase open space and recreation, such as schools, is highlighted. Objectives of land identification are to provide additional open space, improve accessibility to existing open space, improve safety and accessibility of bike and shared paths, adjoin council facilities and maximise potential of land with drainage and flooding issues.

Draft Maribyrnong Open Space Strategy 2014

Purpose of the document The Open Space Strategy 2014 articulates strategic direction for the future of all publicly owned land set aside primarily for recreation, nature conservation and passive outdoor use across the City of Maribyrnong. The strategy guides future planning, provision, design and management of open space over a 15 year timeframe. In this document, existing open spaces are quantified and described to support analysis and future direction. The plan builds upon a comprehensive community consultation program completed in 2013, which uncovered key issues including the need to provide additional facilities with improved use and access, more trees in open space, additional open spaces and to address the variability in quality of open spaces. Overall, the document provides an integrated framework to address the open space needs of the existing and forecast population.


Relevance to planning for sports and recreation facilities The open space network in City of Maribyrnong is significantly diverse, with large historical gardens, natural open space corridors along Maribyrnong River and Stony Creek and a series of sporting reserves. Open space has expanded over the past two decades large redevelopments of former defence sites. The plan advocates for upgrades and expansions to the existing network to encourage greater use. Personal safety was identified as a major barrier to use in community consultation.

Furthermore, steady increases in participation in sporting clubs is identified within the plan and existing major sporting precincts have been identified as at capacity. Significant population growth is forecast over the next 15 year period. This growth is predicted to place additional demand on existing sports and recreation facilities. Recent upgrades to unstructured recreation facilities such as circuit paths and play areas have been successful however certain areas of the municipality lack these facilities.

The plan articulates quantity and distribution of open space as a key issue, with poor open space provision in Tottenham, Seddon, Yarraville and Kingsville. Furthermore, the need to reduce barriers for easy and safe access to open space is identified. There is a lack of open space in industrial areas which are currently undergoing land use changes. The plan seeks to increase open space in central Footscray to meet large population increases and growing demand. The strategy advocates for gaps in municipal open space in Maribyrnong, Footscray and Tottenham to be addressed, particularly as Maribyrnong and Footscray are precincts with highest estimated population growth. Sporting facilities are typically provided in Municipal open space. Gaps in local neighbourhood open space to be filled across all precincts within Maribyrnong, particularly Kingsville, Seddon and Tottenham. The plan directs greater continuity in linear open spaces, particularly shared trails along Maribyrnong river around Port Melbourne, the defence site and Medway Golf Course.

Direction is provided for the quality of opens spaces. The need for future upgrades and open space design to incorporate and protect remnant indigenous vegetation is expressed. The design of all new sporting facilities must demonstrate its ability to be integrated and be a multiple-use facility. Future unstructured recreation facilities should meet best practice in sustainability, access and use. Informal use of open space should be integrated into the design and upgrade of existing open space.


B1.2 – Sport and recreation strategies

Active Victoria 2017-2021

Purpose of the document The Victorian Government adopted the Active Victoria plan in 2017 as a strategic framework for sport and recreation in Victoria. This blueprint document was created to strengthen the sports and recreation sector and increase participation in sports across the state over a four-year time frame. The plan was developed by the Department of Health and Human Services in collaboration with various stakeholders in the sports and recreation system including non profit groups, commercial providers, schools, local and federal government. The plan builds upon the Active Victoria Victorian Government investment in sports and recreation 2015-2017 that identifies key investment made into the sports and recreation. The strategy articulates a vision that sports and recreation in Victoria will be more active, more diverse and inclusive, more collaborative, more robust, flexible, sustainable and affordable and more broad-based and connected. Active Victoria provides the rationale for the prioritisation of sports and recreation that it leads to healthier Victorians, economic growth and jobs, community cohesion and liveability.

Relevance to planning for sport and recreation The strategy responds to state-wide challenges of increasing populations and demands on sport and active recreation facilities, changing lifestyles and lower rates of adequate physical activity. The plan identifies six strategic directions and subsequent areas of change to achieve the vision for sport and recreation in Victoria:

Direction one: meeting demand. The Victorian Government seeks to accommodate the needs of the projected doubling Victorian population from 2011 to 2051, particularly in already established areas.

Increasing capacity of facilities and infrastructure. This seeks to maximise existing spaces, ensuring new and existing infrastructure ‘works harder for longer’ to maximise the capacity of regional sport and active recreation facilities and infrastructure that complements local community facilities.

Increased participation opportunities. The strategy states the intention to support increased capacities in sporting clubs and create stronger connections with schools and health providers.

Flexible and innovative options. This area of changes reflects the changing way people are participating in sports and includes greater flexibility in terms of timing, types and facilities. This likewise supports the adoption of new sports such as those involving new technologies.

Finding new sources of investment. This seeks to strengthen and develop opportunities for commercial sponsorship and encourage the private sector to offer more sporting opportunities and provide non-membership type player payment options.

Direction two: broader and more inclusive participation. This direction is in response to the uneven spread of participation across the state.

Operational structure of sport and active recreation. This seeks to increase inclusive participation for low participation population groups, through infrastructure design and deliver, affordable options, training for sports and recreation providers and prioritisation of programs and investments targeted at these groups.

Addressing racism, discrimination and harassment. Ensuring codes of conduct are in place and support organisations to address all forms of discrimination and harassment.

Increasing the participation of women in sport. This seeks to mandate gender balance and good governance and ensure facilities support female participation. Capacity of sports facilities are to be increased to support participation in women and girls.


Leadership. Leadership is to promote diversity and participation and increase diversity within management.

Direction three: additional focus on active recreation. The Victorian Government identifies the need to address the increasing participation in active recreation and the lack of consistent organisation structure to support this.

This includes a stronger focus on active recreation across all government levels, engagement with schools and health and mental health providers, support of outdoor play facilities, more encouragement of non-structures and non-organised recreation and connecting planning and development of outdoor recreation with nature-based tourism.

Direction four: build system resilience. This seeks to promote systemic and structural changes to increase research, data collection and evaluation for future planning and growth.

Strong evidence base. This includes the collection and sharing of system-wide data and evaluation, with priority of research into low participation levels and underrepresented communities.

Supporting volunteers, participants and the workforce. Supporting these people in their physical and mental health and developing appropriate training and facilities to encourage volunteers staying involved.

Governance. This includes clearly defined roles and responsibilities within leadership of organisations, well documented dispute resolution systems and financially sustainable organisations.

Addressing sport integrity. This seeks to address awareness of threats to integrity with supporting policies and procedures.

Direction five: connect investment in events, high performance and infrastructure. This direction aims to support Victoria as a major events capital.

Key areas of change includes supporting state-level, professional sporting teams and athlete development, planning and investing in state-level facilities that connects with existing and renewed infrastructure and ensuring a diverse and attractive sporting and events calendar.

Direction six: working together for shared outcomes. This aims to achieve a collaborative approach across non-profit, private and government stakeholders.

Key areas of change includes the alignment of agreed priorities, and planning, joint action investment, better connections between organisations, councils and State Government and the integration of community facilities in light with residential development and growth.

Home Ground Advantage Victoria’s Major Stadia Strategy

Purpose of the document The Major Stadia Strategy was published in the State Department of Health and Human Services in 2018 to identify the strategic direction to maintain Victoria’s status as a premier state in sport and major events. The plan concentrates on major oval and rectangular field-based stadia and indoor arenas that host major national and international sporting and entertainment events. The plan seeks to closely align with State Government policy priorities including gender equality, investing in regional Victoria, better venue access, transport integration, safety and security and visitor economy.

Relevance to planning for sport and recreation The strategy emphasises the significance of major sports venues for the state with a need to adapt to changing demands on these facilities as paramount to affirm Victoria’s position as the sport and entertainment capital. The strategy considers the following priorities to ensure this occurs:


Policy priorities:

Professional women’s sport: To ensure venues meet the needs of female athletes due to growing demand and popularity of women’s sporting competitions.

Regional event attraction: This includes infrastructure and event funding for regional sports venues.

Transport integration: This seeks to ensure venues are integrated with transport networks to improve accessibility.

Safety and security: To ensure best practice approaches are adopted to support risk mitigation.

Universal design: This includes supporting principles in Design for Everyone: a guide to Sport and Recreation Settings.

Major development and renewal priorities:

Etihad Stadium: At almost 20 years old, Etihad has been earmarked for internal and external improvements to meet contemporary requirements of players and spectators.

Professional women’s sport: Venues need to be appropriate to stage professional women’s sport. Major and minor venues across the state require capital upgrades to facilitate this and boost Victoria’s sporting reputation.

Eureka Stadium: This stadium in Ballarat provides Vitoria with a second major regional venue, despite recent redevelopment, there are still opportunities for upgrades.

Kardinia Park redevelopment: As a major regional sporting venue, development works will support a bigger events calendar and larger economic benefits for Geelong.

MCG and precinct works: increasing larger events puts pressure on the surrounding precinct therefore long term solutions are required. The venue requires continued upgrades to prolong its lifespan.

Venue renewals: smaller scale renewals are required to support major development priorities. This is needed across the sporting facility network.

Additionally, pipeline projects under investigation in to the long term, including:

Redeveloped and new arenas in metro and regional Victoria to host national and international competition;

Redeveloped and new rectangular stadiums.

Melbourne Sports Facility Provision Analysis 2012 (2017 revision)

Purpose of the document This document provides an assessment of the likely future needs of City of Melbourne residents with regards to sports. First released in 2012 and updated in 2017, the study was commissioned by City of Melbourne in the context of rapidly population growth and a lack of capacity in existing sports facilities to absorb this increasing demand.

Key objectives of the revised analysis are to update criteria and drivers of demand and determine any failure in meeting this demand. Sports of focus are Australian rules football, cricket, indoor sports, lawn bowls, netball, soccer and tennis. The scope of the analysis expands slightly beyond the Melbourne City boundary to include the following precincts:

City Central (Melbourne CBD, Docklands, Southbank, East Melbourne and Port Melbourne)

City South (Melbourne remainder and South Yarra) City North (Parkville and Carlton) City West (North Melbourne, West Melbourne residential, West Melbourne industrial

and Kensington)

Relevance to planning for sport and recreation


Sports facility provision ratios are used to determine the adequacy of the number of sporting facilities within an area to population. Analysis has revealed that there will be a shortfall in facilities across City of Melbourne to meet the needs of the growing population. These shortfalls occur primarily in city centre and city west precincts.

Analysis is provided for each major sporting groups:

Australian Rules Football Ovals: Since 2012 the Holden Centre has provided an additional oval to the municipality. However, there remains a shortfall in football oval provision. Analysis has determined a shortfall of 10 ovals to meet the needs of the population in 2036, 6 in the central city and 4 in the city west precinct. Suggested directions include: o Increase community usage on leased grounds and advocate for increased community

use. o Undertake a review of Royal Park to incorporate a new multipurpose synthetic sports

field. o Consider converting Edmund Herring Oval to synthetic surface.

Cricket Ovals: Synthetic pitches are recommended to increase carrying capacity of facilities. There is an estimated shortfall of 6 ovals across Melbourne city to meet the needs of the population in 2036. With a shortfall of 3 ovals in city central and 3 in city west. Recommended actions include: o Provide new full-size multipurpose synthetic oval (with cricket pitch) at the proposed

new Municipal parkland between North Melbourne Recreation Reserve and Clayton Reserve.

o Provide a full-size natural turf oval and a multipurpose synthetic sports field (both with cricket pitch) at the proposed new Municipal parkland at Dynon Railway Corridor.

o Consider a ‘village green’ cricket field with a synthetic surface at proposed municipal parkland planned for the air space above Burnley Tunnel entrance.

o Investigate capacity to increase the number of cricket ovals in Royal Park North along with the golf course reconfiguration.

Indoor Sports Courts: There will be an overall shortfall of 10 courts by 2036. 6 courts in city central, 1 court in city north and 3 courts in city west. Recommended directions include: o There are plans to build an indoor sports centre at Ron Barassi Senior park which will

provide 3 courts. o Potentially convert Kensington Community Recreation Centre into a 3 court centre. o Liaise with Carlton Football Club regarding the review of the master plan for Carlton

Recreation Ground to potentially include new indoor courts. o Integrate a 4 court stadium within the sports pavilion at proposed new Municipal

parkland at Dynon Railway Corridor. Bowling Greens: Due to demographic data, it has been identified that needs of City of

Melbourne for bowling greens will be less than that of Greater Melbourne. A shortfall of 1 green is identified in central city. Suggested directions include: o Investigate conversion of the surface of one or more grass greens to synthetic greens

to increase carrying capacity. Netball Courts: Participation in Melbourne is less than state averages. Calculations predict

a shortfall of 8 outdoor courts across Melbourne. 4 within central city and 4 within city west precincts. Recommended directions include: o Investigate converting 3 tennis courts at Riverside Park in Kensington Banks to 3-4

dual-use netball/tennis courts. o Consider opportunities for outdoor courts in the Dockland precinct. o Provide courts at the proposed new Municipal parkland for E-Gate site adjacent to

Moonee Ponds Creek. Soccer Pitches: 8 new soccer pitches have been introduced since 2012. Analysis revealed

a shortfall of 8 pitches by 2036. 4 pitches in central city and 4 pitches in city west. Recommendations include:


o Consider a surface conversion to synthetic surface at Buncle Street Reserve. o Investigate converting the Walker Oval precinct at Royal Park South into an in

integrated multipurpose synthetic sports field. o Install floodlights at Ryder Oval. o Provide a full-size natural turf oval and a multipurpose synthetic sports field (to

accommodate soccer) at the proposed new Municipal parkland at Dynon Railway Corridor.

o Consider a ‘village green’ soccer pitch at proposed municipal parkland planned for the air space above Burnley Tunnel entrance.

Tennis Courts. Analysis demonstrated that there is no shortfall for tennis courts in 2036 as significant facilities already exist.

Draft Yarra Sports and Physical Activity Strategy 2015-2019

Purpose of the document The Sports and Physical Activity Strategy serves as a framework to plan and respond to current and future demands for sport and physical activity. The scope of the document is to provide strategic guidance for the City of Yarra over a 4 year period. The strategy adopts a ‘whole of Council’ approach, building upon the Yarra Council Plan to meet objectives planning, participation, promotion, capacity building and facilities. The Sports and Physical Activity Strategy addresses core issues of population growth, increased demand, barriers to participation and infrastructure provision. Council emphasises the importance of an active healthy community and the need to offer a range of quality facilities, programs and opportunities for sport and physical activity. Likewise, the need for opportunities to be inclusive, flexible and adaptable to meet the diverse and changing needs of the Yarra community is highlighted.

Relevance to planning for sports and recreation Participation rates are relatively high in Yarra. Sports participation has increased in Yarra from 9,445 to 17,027 from 2006 and 70.8% of Yarra’s residents participate in the recommended levels of daily physical activity. Consultation with the community revealed a changing demand for sport, with growing demand for social sport amongst people aged 20-35 and growing demand for alternative sports (such as roller derby) in 15-30 age groups. Actions to address participation highlight the importance of working with sporting bodies and clubs, community members and local community agencies to enhance participation by people with disabilities and older people. The plan encourages the development of a community engagement strategy to work with sporting groups with lower than average participation rates, development of school group fitness programs and adult cycling classes.

Common barriers were also identified as lack of facilities, information and social connection. Several sports and recreation facilities require infrastructure upgrades due to ageing facilities. Improvements are required to maximise carrying capacity, functionality and to meet inclusion and environmental standards. Promotion strategies encourage the establishment of ‘free activities in the park program’, Yarra Sports Award Program and facilitation of sponsorships. Promotion is directed in the form of monthly activity guides, electronic newsletters, updates websites, maps and events such as Ride to Work Day.

The plan suggests that building capacity can be improved by working with sporting groups to promote inclusive cultures, prepare plans, policies and procedures and register with Good Sports Program. Facilities are to be improved through negotiation with local schools for joint community usage, long term tenure agreements with Parks Victoria, improved signage and improved community access in summer and winter. The council is directed to investigate instillation of synthetic cricket pitches, consult with community when capital works are being implemented and identify opportunities for a multi-purpose sports courts in open space locations to cater to social sports. Additionally, the strategy suggests the development of a master plan to guide future development of Yarra’s 3 leisure centres.


Several actions from the previous strategy, the Yarra Sport and Physical Activity Strategy 2008-2012, are to be rolled over, including:

Replace/Upgrade existing sports pavilions to ensure standards are met.

o Yambla Pavilion, Citizens Park Pavilion, Fairfield Canoe Club, Edinburgh Tennis Pavilion, Graham Pavilion, Gillon Pavilion.

Upgrade sports lighting to meet Australian standards. o Fletcher 1 & 2 Ovals, Alphington Oval, Loughnan Oval, Burnley Oval, Ramsden Street

Oval, Bastow 2. Upgrade and renovate sportsgrounds to maximise carrying capacity including drainage,

irrigation, and converting grass species to a mixture of warm and cold season grasses. o Burnley Oval, Loughnan Oval, WT Peterson Oval.

Implement a revised range of fees and charges and discount incentive system for Council’s sport facilities.

Encourage active transport options by providing a minimum of 5 bike hoops at each sport facility.

Investigate the feasibility of developing an indoor sports facility within the municipality. Continue to support walking and cycling in Yarra through the development of appropriate

infrastructure.

Policy issues were likewise identified such as a lack of policy regarding works contributions from sports clubs or formal policy regarding liquor licences at sports clubs, sponsorship or signage. Planning strategies are identified to deliver quality sports and physical activity programs. These include the hosting of forums for individual sports, working with sporting bodies to strengthen and expand opportunities, conducting online surveys, monitoring sports club usage agreements and collecting data on participation levels. The strategy identifies the need to investigate a potential community contribution policy towards capital works. Reviews are identified as required for fees and charges methodology, fee discounting and allocation criteria for sports grounds. And the need to develop missing policies, identified earlier.

Stonnington Recreation Strategy (and discussion paper) 2014-2024

Purpose of the document The City of Stonnington has developed the Stonnington Recreation Strategy as a 10 year plan to provide strategic direction to encourage sport and recreation throughout municipality. The strategy serves as a framework to plan, develop and implement initiatives to achieve the vision ‘to create the healthiest and most active community in Victoria by providing inclusive and sustainable sport and recreation opportunities and facilities where out community can achieve physical and mental wellbeing’. A comprehensive community consultation process underpins the development of this strategy. The plan seeks to set out priorities to meet the needs now and into the future and increase the level of health and wellbeing in the community. The plan supports the Council’s Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2013-2017.

Relevance to planning for sports and recreation 73% of Stonnington residents reported sufficient exercise for good health, a higher rate than the State average of 63.9%. Stonnington is a well development municipality which has resulted in the demand for use of sportsgrounds exceeding the capacity of these. Current sportsground allocation indicates hours of use 29% over recommended maximum levels. Recreation trends include a preference for casual, unstructured recreation activities, an ageing population, increased demand for diversity, quality and accessible facilities and changing patterns of work and play.

The plan articulates council priorities and directions to achieve these.


Priority 1. Quality Facilities. Increasing demand on existing infrastructure should be met with improved quality of facilities, this can improve the range of use and increase capacity. Many facilities have not had major works carried out since their construction.. Develop quality sport and recreation facilities: The plan articulates the need to develop a

plan to upgrade all council owned tennis courts and lawn bowls facilities as well as develop management plans for pavilion redevelopment.

Develop a framework to ensure existing infrastructure is renewed, upgraded, maintained and operated to support increased participation in sport and recreation. It suggests for diving to return to Harold Holt Swim Centre, the preparation of maintenance and development plans for all informal outdoor recreation facilities (for example skate parks and playgrounds), resource and develop ancillary sporting infrastructure (such as practice facilities) and review programs of scheduled maintenance of sports and recreation buildings.

Priority 2. Accessible Facilities. Many existing facilities are located in the Northern and Eastern regions, meaning the 31.6% of residents living in the West may travel to neighbouring municipalities to access facilities. Provide affordable, flexible and accessible sport and recreation opportunities for all ages.

This direction recommends the investigation into new development sites, review of Active Living Program to address any barriers, review cost structures for access to council facilities, investigation into innovative options to activate high density areas with low open space provision.

Provide facilities that support casual sport and recreation opportunities to enhance health, wellbeing and social inclusion. The strategy recommends development of walking trails, shared path links and points of access to sporting grounds and identification of opportunities to increase the use of existing sporting precincts.

Develop sport and recreation facilities in the western end of Stonnington to increase participation opportunities for residents within their local area. Prioritisation of development in the West is identified. Investigate feasibility of redevelopment of Prahran Aquatic Centre and recreation hub within Princess Park. Prepare Como Park Precinct development plan that builds upon existing plans. Improve foreshore area at Como Park Rowing precinct. Investigate sports and recreation possibilities around Chapel Street.

Priority 3. Equitable Provision. Council seeks to increase participation in females as well as other represented groups such as older adults. Promote local area participation in sport and recreation for females, juniors and older

adults through the development of policy, facility design and programs. This calls for a review of club allocations and pricing structures to maximise opportunities for females, juniors and older adults and the preparation of precinct plans for Toorak Park, Victory Square and Orrong Romanis Reserve for informal activities for these groups. Investigate feasibility into the construction of a new multi-court indoor stadium and work with schools to create partnership opportunities for utilising existing sporting facilities on school land.

Priority 4. Sustainable Sportsground Use. Current sportsground allocations are at unsustainable levels and demands for extra training and match allocations have placed pressure on existing facilities. Improve the quality of sportsgrounds and sportsground infrastructure. This direction

suggests to adopt a formal Sportsground Hierarchy to define the infrastructure standards and develop a maintenance plan that is consistent with this. To prioritise the upgrade of floodlighting on sportsgrounds and other sporting facilities.

Regulate the existing use of sportsgrounds to ensure sustainable levels of use for organised sport. Determine a sustainable level of sportsground use that will enable the provision of suitable surface conditions. Review the use of sportsgrounds out-of-season and for alternative forms of organised sport and use by schools. Collaborate with sporting organisations to accurately quantify local participation.


Investigate and implement opportunities to increase the overall sportsground capacity available to Stonnington user groups. The plan identifies the need to construct a synthetic sportsground suitable for Australian football and cricket and investigation into addition of synthetic soccer pitch. Commission study to investigate opportunities on land outside municipality. Advocate for underused facilities to increase capacity.

Priority 5. Policy & Procedure Development. Relevance of policies should be ensured to remain contemporary and maintain good governance. Develop a framework to guide and support fair and consistent decision making that

enhances the provision of sport and recreation opportunities for all sections of the community. Review and update existing relevant policies to support current trends. Implement a booking management system at recreation and sport facilities. Review tenancy agreement processes for seasonal sport and review pricing policy for lease and licence agreements. Introduce a policy for commercial operators in open space.

Priority 6. Education & Information. Council seeks to improve local education in opportunities and benefits of a physical lifestyle. Develop, enhance and expand a range of methods to communicate with the community

and actively promote the sport and recreation opportunities within Stonnington. This strategy calls for the development of a marketing plan to inform resident so of opportunities. Develop an enhanced electronic presence that captures all the sport and recreation options. Undertake regular surveys to understand local participation. Improve signage at sportsgrounds.

Support and enhance the capacity of sporting clubs to provide diverse and sustainable sport and recreation opportunities. This includes undertaking sport competency surveys, engaging in information sessions and forums to discuss issues and partner with sports and recreation bodies.

Maribyrnong Recreation Strategy 2009

Purpose of the document The Municipal Recreation Strategy was adopted in 2009 to promote members of the Maribyrnong community to be more active, get to know each other, enjoy the outdoors and participate in fun activities. The plan guides the current and future planning for recreation opportunities, services, programs and facilities throughout the municipality. The strategy articulates the responsibility of Council to provide facilities and spaces, connect people to recreation opportunities, provide information about opportunities and encourage participation. The strategy seeks to provide a diverse range of needs for all groups in Maribyrnong and was developed to guide Council’s decision making over the next five to ten years.

Relevance to planning for sports and recreation An analysis of demand and supply of services revealed a range of implications for recreation provision in Maribyrnong. The strategy identifies Maribyrnong’s cultural diversity as an opportunity. People with low proficiency in English have significantly lower participation rates, therefore the need to address language and cultural barriers is advocated for. With regards to activities, walking is the highest participation sport followed by swimming, the strategy recommends exploring sports such as volleyball, badminton and some martial arts to respond to the ethnic makeup of residents. Facility improvement opportunities are identified with an emphasis on multi-purpose, flexible design facilities. Community use of school facilities and demand for upgrades to shared trails are highlighted as opportunities.

Trends within the municipality reveal that residents are less likely to dedicate large amounts of time to one activity and instead prefer informal, casual style participation. The importance of planning for recreation to cater for people who wish to participate in many different ways


is emphasised. Opportunities are identified to increase design for safety and health. Additionally, information and education are highlighted as key themes to promote recreational activities. Provision of quality facilities is a key opportunity as some population groups do not have easy access to programs and facilities. Disadvantage is a major characteristic of the Maribyrnong population. Many factors contribute to this including language, cost, social access and physical access to facilities and need to be carefully planned around to ensure that equitable access is provided to all participants. Many of these can be resolved through provision of infrastructure that will accommodate diverse activities, incentives and information for the community.

The plan specifies three action areas for Maribyrnong:

Participation in recreation, increasing people’s involvement in the diverse range of recreation activities and opportunities that are on offer. This action seeks to promote pathways for participation in recreation that encourages

long term participation. This is to be achieved though services and information provided by council recreation centers and through the provision of translated information, engagement with stakeholders at recreation centers, community centres, neighbourhood houses, libraries and other relevant facilities.

This action advocated to improve access to a range of recreation. This is to be achieved through encouraging providers to cater to the diverse community through rewards and initiatives, assisting providers to overcome barriers (such as language), providing safe programs with consideration of gender, age, times and cultural focus, considering cross-generational programs and encouraging walking through groups and promotion.

This action promotes affordable recreation activities. This is to be achieved through promotion of concession card acceptance, encouraging providers to explore joint partnerships to create more affordable options and working with the community to support development of a community garden.

This action seeks to provide outreach programs to those who have not previously participated. Programs should be based outside of recreation facilities to attract new users. Community centres, libraries and neighbourhood houses should offer programs outside of their facilities.

Management of the recreation services and coordination between the large number of providers of various activities and programs. This action promotes coordination of recreation services across the range of internal and

external providers. This is to be achieved though all other council plans to work towards increased participation, the development of internal partnerships and professional network regarding delivery of initiatives and the support of local clubs and organizations with cross-promotion.

This action advocates the regular updates of information about services, programs and facilities. This includes regular updates of facility inventory, regular updates of the programs to maintain accurate records and requesting regular participation records and demographic information.

This action seeks to maximise funding assistance delivered from grants programs for recreation programs and initiatives. Funding may be sought from a range of government programs and ensure recreation services plays a significant role in the implementation of programs. These should be accessible and addressed as part of the Neighbourhood Renewal Programs for communities such as Braybrook and Maidstone.

This action serves to maximise health and wellbeing outcomes for the community. This is to be achieved through seeking opportunities for older adults and people with disabilities, conducting research into the health and wellbeing needs of Maribyrnong and the role recreation plays in meeting those and promoting the health benefits of recreation across facilities and services.


This action emphasizes educating the community about a wide range of opportunities. This can be achieved through updating council websites, preparation of a home recreation kit, prepare information on facilities in various languages, preparation of an on-line recreation initiative, consider creation of a branding or logo for recreation in Maribyrnong.

Facilities and spaces, which are critically important in providing the basis from which many different activities and programs can be conducted. This action advocates for flexibility of design and presentation of facilities to cater to a

diverse range of activities and enhance attractiveness. This can be achieved through encouraging design that addresses barriers (such as access for people with disabilities), supporting community hub concepts, supporting the implementation of Sports Development Strategy, promotion of connectedness to public transport when facilities are constructed or redeveloped and ensuring maintenance of facilities considers safety, inclusiveness and accessibility.

This action seeks to diversify the opportunities and activities offered to maximise utilisation and value of facilities. This can be achieved by exploring alternative uses of pavilions, maximise use of sports stadiums through seeking other uses, encourage libraries to increase recreation opportunities, seek opportunities to increase arts programs offered, continue promoting casual community access to local facilities.

This action seeks to work on partnerships with non-council facilities such as education and private sector to enhance recreation opportunities. This includes working with Victoria University in the delivery of aquatic and recreation activities to the community, seeking partnerships with relevant direct and indirect providers and seeking partnerships with schools to increase community access to school facilities.

This action aims to achieve greater opportunities for recreation in the public realm. This includes infrastructure improvements to paths, seating, public art, etc to encourage informal activity and the provision of suitable facilities and spaces in new development areas such as the Defence Site, Bradmill Precinct and Joseph’s Road precinct.

This action seeks to establish a public open space system that provides effectively for both formalised and structured uses as well as casual and unstructured recreation. This includes the completion of the Northern Maribyrnong Regional Trail and implementation of priority pathways for walking and cycling as per the councils Open Space Strategy.

Port Phillip Sport and Recreation Strategy 2015-2024

Purpose of the document The Port Philip Sports and Recreation Strategy 2015-2024 provides a vision for sports and recreation in the municipality to meet the needs of the community over the decade. Along with the vision, the document identifies strategies for council to encourage greater participation in sports and recreation and better facilitate opportunities. This plan guides both investment and development of sports and recreation facilities and services that is responsive to the changing needs and participation trends within the community. The document centres around a vision of ‘an engaged and connected community that utilise the large and diverse network of local sport and recreation opportunities’.

Relevance to planning for sports and recreation Key challenges to sport and recreation within the municipality are identified within this strategy as significant population growth within Port Philip which is compounded by the limited supply of publicly owned land to develop sports and recreation facilities to support this growth. Additionally, existing facilities are at capacity and high expectations and competing interests for budgets. Changes in the way the community are participating in sports and shifting demographics are likewise identified as a challenge in the provision of facilities and services.


Opportunities for the delivery of sports and recreation services are articulated in the plan. Council seeks to maximise innovative design solutions to overcome challenges, overcome changing demands and participation by flexible, novel, unique and innovative service delivery options and prioritise the use of multipurpose facilities.

The plan sets out three areas of focus to guide sport and recreation provision. Specific actions for achieving these outcomes are identified in the Getting Our Community Ready – Port Phillip Sport and Recreation Implementation Plan.

Focus area 1: People

The goal of this focus area is to provide and facilitate a diverse range of sport and recreation programs and services to the Port Phillip community.

Focus area 2: Places

The goal of this focus area is to plan, provide and maintain quality sport and recreation spaces for the Port Phillip community.

Focus area 3: Process

The goal of this focus area is to ensure good governance in the management of sport and recreation in Port Phillip.

Getting Our Community Ready - Port Phillip Sport and Recreation Implementation Plan

Purpose of the document This document follows on from the Port Phillip Sport and Recreation Strategy 2015-2024 and provides specific actions to achieve the vision and goals set out in the strategy. City of Port Phillip released this document in conjunction with the aforementioned strategy to provide a framework to guide the provision of sports and recreation services and facilities over the next decade. This plan informs the implementation of actions for People, Places and Process focus areas in the municipality.

Relevance to planning for sports and recreation The following actions dictate the delivery, changes and improvements to sports and recreation provision in the municipality.

Focus area 1 - People

Provide training and support to build the capacity of sport and recreation clubs and community groups to enhance sport and recreation opportunities to the wider community.

Increase awareness of the sport and recreation opportunities and services that are available in the City of Port Phillip.

Strengthen existing relationships with external organisations to enhance the range of sport and recreation opportunities available to the Port Phillip community.

Work to overcome existing barriers to participation in sport and recreation and identify opportunities to increase informal participation.

Key deliverables: o Sport and recreation brand and an enhanced online presence o Sport and recreation in Port Phillip guide o Sport and recreation development plan o Annual sport and recreation training and development calendar o Annual sports club survey and report o Management of commercial recreation operators o Hosting of participation programs


Focus area 2 – Places

Ensure that all sporting surfaces and associated facilities are fit for purpose while meeting environmentally sustainable objectives.

Ensure sport and recreation infrastructure is developed and utilised as community assets that fosters the connection of people to each other.

Explore innovative and unconditional uses of spaces and support non-traditional, unique or under-represented sport and recreation opportunities.

Ensure that the Fisherman’s Bend Urban Renewal Area is appropriately planned for the future community’s sport and recreation needs.

Key deliverables: o Annual sport and recreation infrastructure review o Sporting infrastructure forward works plan o Annual sports club survey o Outdoor exercise equipment needs assessment o Sport and recreation facility needs assessment o Installation and upgrade of recreation infrastructure o Installation and upgrade of public space signage o Regional sport and recreation planning network for Fishermans Bend

Focus area 3 - process

Achieve a reputation of excellence in the management and provision of sport and recreation services to the Port Phillip community.

Ensure that a policy and/or strategic document exists to guide all decision making in the management and provision of sport and recreation services to the Port Phillip community.

Deliver cross-council initiatives that directly enhance sport and recreation opportunities in Port Phillip.

Key deliverables: o Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Plan developed o Annual infrastructure audit o Maintenance schedules developed and implemented o Sports Club User Manual updated and published o Implementation of council-wide initiatives and plans/strategies


B1.3 – Other planning strategies

Draft Albert Park Masterplan

Purpose of the document This document was released in November of 2017 by Parks Victoria and State Government Victoria with the purpose of setting a 25 year vision for Albert Park and to guide it through the ‘next stage of its history and to maximise its contribution to the health and wellbeing of the Victorian community’. The draft master plan identifies a series of interventions to be implemented across the precinct. It was developed through a process of consultation with the local community, park visitors, sports clubs and key stakeholders. The master plan seeks to achieve a vision whereby ‘Albert Park will offer a diverse range of high quality visitor experiences within an urban parkland setting. It will be valued as an opportunity to connect with nature in the city, contributing to the health and wellbeing of the community of Melbourne and its visitors.’

Relevance to planning for sports and recreation The draft master plan responds trends of population and sports participation increases through the emphasis on adaptable spaces with investigation into where layouts and carrying capacity can be improved. Carrying capacity will be improved through more efficient programming and sharing of facilities and new technologies such as the use of synthetic surfaces and hybrid grasses will be adopted. The draft considers opportunities to increase availability of sports grounds.

A relocation and consolidation of the 18 hole golf course to a 9 hole course is proposed to free up space on the western side of the park to provide additional playing fields. South Melbourne Primary School is suggested to incorporate flexible courts providing space for soccer games, volleyball, netball, basketball and badminton.

The management of events is additionally highlighted as an opportunity. Current events are frequently held on sports grounds, placing pressure on playing surfaces. New event spaces are proposed with easier access to public transport, with greater capacity to accommodate participants and at various scales.

Informal activities will likewise be accommodated for with the introduction of play spaces, picnic areas, youth and community social hubs, outdoor fitness nodes and cycling opportunities. Albert Park Lake will contribute recreation value through picnic and play spaces, fitness points around the lake, boardwalks, event areas, boat harbouring and rigging areas and platforms for fishing or model boar launching.

Draft Fishermans Bend Framework

Purpose of the document The draft Fishermans Bend Framework was released by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) in 2018 with the intention to guide development and investment into Fishermans Bend by the State Government, local government and the private sector. The draft Framework Plan is prepared to provide a long-term strategy out to 2050, guide planning permit applications, outline strategic planning directions to guide public and private investment and inform community, businesses and investors of decisions that will realise the vision. The document plans for community facilities, schools, roads, transport and parks over the next 30 years as the precinct transforms as a major urban renewal site. The final Framework Plan will seek to guide development of Fishermans Bend to realise the vision of ‘a thriving place that is a leading example for environmental sustainability, liveability, connectivity, diversity and innovation’.

Relevance to planning for sports and recreation


The draft framework identifies the significance of Fishermans Bend in terms of its proximity to Melbourne CBD and the Melbourne sports precinct. Sustainability Goal 3 – an inclusive and healthy community, specifies objectives and strategies that directly relate to sports and recreation facility planning in the precinct:

Objective 3.1 Provide community facilities and services to meet the needs of people of all ages, cultures and backgrounds, which create a focal point for social connections.

3.1.3 Consider the needs of workers and residents in the planning of service provision in library services, long day-care, sports facilities (e.g. gyms) and health services to meet their needs.

3.1.6 Design sports grounds and community facilities as multipurpose and integrated facilities.

o The first government vertical school is a catalyst project that will incorporate indoor/outdoor sports courts within an urban school model.

3.1.7 Explore opportunities to utilise non-traditional spaces for sport and recreational purposes, e.g. rooftops and bridge under crofts.

Objective 3.6 Reconsider existing public open spaces within Fishermans Bend in the context of a changing urban environment

3.6.1 Redesign and/or expand Westgate Park, JL Murphy Reserve and North Port Oval to incorporate more active uses, multi-functional spaces and improved interface design

3.6.2 Consider ways to use open spaces associated with schools as public assets during weekend and evening hours

3.6.3 Increase access for public use to areas of privately owned and leased open space 3.6.4 Increase utilisation of encumbered public land for active uses and recreational links,

such as under the West Gate Freeway and Bolte Bridge 3.6.5 Increase the degree of use and range of activities held to provide public access to

existing sports fields 3.6.6 Use innovative design, temporary and permanent installations to protect, enhance

and activate vacant and unused spaces.

Sports and recreation facility delivery is identified for each of the precincts at Fisherman’s Bend. This is informed by the Fishermans Bend Community Infrastructure Plan and outlined in table 1.

TABLE 1. SPORTS AND RECREATION INFRASTRUCTURE DELIVERY

Infrastructure name Delivery type Timeframe

Montague

Montague recreation hub Proposed Medium term (2020-2025)

Montague north park Proposed Long term (2025+)

Montague park Proposed Short term (2018-2020)

Ferras street vertical school– incorporating sports courts

Proposed Short term

Lorimer

Lorimer central open space Proposed Medium term

Lorimer sport and recreation hub (also serving the employment precinct)

Proposed Long term

Lorimer West open space Proposed Long term

Sandridge

North Port Oval parkland Expansion Medium term

Johnson Street road closure/open space Proposed Medium term


White Street open space Proposed Long term

Sandridge Sport and Recreational Hub Proposed Long term

Wirraway

Deliver JL Murphy Reserve Upgrades Medium term

6 Prohasky South open space Proposed Long term

Prohasky North open space Proposed Long term

Wirraway East open space Proposed Long term

Wirraway Sport and Recreation Hub Proposed Long term

Wirraway Sport and Recreation Hub Proposed Long term

Wirraway North open space Proposed Long term

Fishermans Bend Community Infrastructure Plan

Purpose of the document The Fishermans Bend Community Infrastructure Plan serves as a long-term evidence-based guideline that seeks to inform strategic directions and inform the planning and development of community infrastructure projects in the area. The plan created by the Fishermans Bend Taskforce in collaboration with City of Melbourne, City of Port Philip, Department of Education and Training, Sports and Recreation Victoria and DEWLP. The plan identifies the need for a flexible approach to community infrastructure with an emphasis of co-locating facilities to form integrated hubs, in terms of education and community, health and well-being, arts and culture and sports and recreation.

Relevance to planning for sports and recreation Key recommendations are identified by Sports and Recreation Victoria that govern the approach for sports and recreation infrastructure delivery:

Prioritisation of multiuse facilities Synthetic and/or hybrid surfaces Increasing the duration of use by light sport facilities Non-traditional sites such as roof tops, car parks, sewer mines, under bridges, private

land areas within commercial or residential complexes Adopt a multi-sport application, replacing single-sport facilities Establish joint use or more intensive use of Crown Land Encourage developer provision of from community access to assets such as gyms, tennis

courts or pools Apply universal design principle to ensure facilities cater to all abilities.

This plan likewise identifies the proposed sports, recreation and open space infrastructure that are incorporated and discussed in the draft Fishermans Bend Framework Plan (as expressed in the previous section). Potential activities in each of the sports hubs are identified in table 2.

TABLE 2. PROPOSED SPORTS AND RECREATION HUB IN FISHERMANS BEND.

Sports and recreation hub Potential facilities

Lorimer sport and recreation hub Indoor multipurpose stadium (3-4 courts)

Netball, basketball, futsal

Multipurpose community room Youth services


The plan articulates the projected sports and infrastructure to 2051 for each precinct:

Montague: 6000 sqm Lorimer: 4000 sqm Sandridge: 28,000 sqm Wirraway: 4000 sqm

Fishermans Bend Public Space Strategy

Purpose of the document The Fishermans Bend Public Space Strategy serves to inform the creation of the Fishermans Bend Framework and guides the development of both publicly and privately owned public space in the urban renewal area. The development of the plan was led by DELWP and the Fishermans Bend Taskforce in conjunction with investigations into housing, infrastructure, transport, built form, community infrastructure, cultural heritage and sustainability in Fishermans Bend and was released in 2017. The strategy seeks to achieve a vision that ‘Fishermans Bend will demonstrate how to live well in a high-density environment with considered, resilient, robust and delightful public spaces within a few minutes walk of every resident and worker.

Relevance to planning for sports and recreation

Multipurpose community room Sport and wellbeing services

Large multipurpose room Gymnastics, dance, table tennis, fitness classes

Montague sport and recreation hub

Indoor multipurpose stadium (3-4 courts)




Large Multipurpose room Gymnastics, dance, table tennis, fitness classes

Sandridge sport and recreation hub






Wirraway sport and recreation hub






Fishermans Bend aquatic and leisure centre

Indoor multipurpose stadium (8 courts)

Indoor swimming pool

Outdoor swimming pool

Large multipurpose room

Health and fitness


The strategy seeks to overcome issues of fragmented land ownership and high land prices to deliver a network of open space at various scales. For sports and recreation, a series of potential/proposed ovals/pitches are identified including, four in the employment precinct, two in Sandridge and four in Wirraway. These are proposed to be connected within a network of open space by a series of linear parks and linking streets.

Arden Macaulay Precinct Structure Plan

Purpose of the document The Arden-Macaulay Structure Plan guides the staged and coordinated transition of the urban renewal precinct. Released in 2012, the strategy is prepared for the City of Melbourne provides strategies and actions to successfully transition the inner-city precinct from a traditionally industrial area to a mixed-use knowledge-based economy. The City of Melbourne has identified the Arden-Macaulay precinct as a key location for infill and redevelopment to accommodate the expected significant population growth in inner Melbourne. The document structures around six key themes- activities and land use, urban structure and built form, transport and access, public realm, community infrastructure and sustainable infrastructure.

Relevance to planning for sports and recreation The strategy identifies limited high quality open space in the precinct that support community sports and active recreation. The North Melbourne Recreation Reserve has been recently renewed however this facility is at capacity. The plan recognises the need for additional spaces for ovals, fields and courts to support population growth in Arden-Macaulay. The following strategies are relevant to delivering opportunities for sports and recreation in the future.

Public Realm - Strategy 3. Create 5 new local parks

Alfred Street Sutton Street – to be collocated with Melbourne Community Centre Langford Street – to include flexible spaces for indoor and outdoor sports courts Fink Street Robertson Street Park Public Realm - Strategy 5. Transform Clayton Reserve and the Canning Street and Macaulay Road Reserve into a space that is the focus of community activity within the new Macaulay local activity centre Public Realm - Strategy 6. Creation of a larger open space for a growing population Create expansive parkland between North Melbourne Recreation Reserve and Clayton

Reserve This space is to be investigated for community sports and recreation needs Opportunity for space to accommodate facilities such as an oval or field. Community infrastructure – Strategy 1. Establish a Macaulay community centre Potentially including recreation spaces for community sports and recreation.


B1.4 – Participation trends in sport and recreation activities General State trends

Males (20.4%) are twice as likely to participate than females (10.5%).

Young children (aged 5–14 years) have the highest sport participation of any other age cohort (67%).

Sport participation rates drop significantly during adolescence: participation rates of 15–19 year olds are less than half that of children aged 5–14 years (29% compared with 67%).

Females

Males have double the participation rates across the state. This is due to entrenched cultural norms, practices and stereotypes

Selected Sports

AFL

10.3% increase in no. of club footballers in Victoria from 2014-2016. 42.2% increase in no. of school footballers from 2014-2016. 41.1% increase in no. of female football club players from 2015-2016.

Cricket

Decrease in total players in VIC. From 112,000 to less than 100,000 in 2010 to 2013.

17% increase in participation in cricket from 2012 to 2015. 24% increase in female participation in Vic between 2014-2015.

Indoor Sport (basketball)

18.5% increase in no. of basketballers in Vic from 2012-2015.

Lawn Bowls

45% decline between 2010 and 2015 in participation in traditional bowls club. Playing members decline by 27% from 2010 and 2014. However, if you include total bowls participation (schools, social and club) there

was in increase by 42.5% (2010-2015). In 2015, 63% of participants were over 60 years of age.

Netball

Total no. of Victorian netballers increased by 8.1% from 2010 to 2016. NetSetGo program increased by 47.7% of children participants from 2012 to

2016.

Soccer

13.5% increase in competition soccer participation from 2013. 21% increase in female participation from 2013-2016.

Tennis

68% increase of players from 2012 to 2017 in Vic.

Participation in HotShots saw in increase in children participants from 2016-2017.


General Melbourne City trends

Melbourne city residents participate at a lower rate in physical activity organised by a club or association compared to state participation rates (6.2% to 9.8%).

Residents participate in any organised sport at a lower rate compared to state participation rates (21.4% to 28.7%). Melbourne City is ranked last in all Metropolitan Melbourne LGAs.

Residents participate in non-organised physical activity at a higher rate compared to state rates (79.4% to 70.5%). This includes walking, jogging/running and cycling.

B1.5 – Sport and recreation participation in Australia (2016 data) The Australian Sports Commission’s AusPlay research body reports participation in sport and recreation data. A recent AusPlay report has documented participation trends nationally over a 12-month period between October 2015 and September 2016.

Adults (aged 15 years and over) Overall, 87% (over 15 million) of adults aged 15 years or over in Australia participated in sport or physical activity over a 12-month period to September 2016.

Figure 15 identifies the sport and recreation (non-sport) related participation rate nationally. The national trend shows sport is an important form of activity for young adults, however as the population ages, non-sport related physical activity becomes more important.

FIGURE 15 ADULT PARTICIPATION BY AGE IN AUSTRALIA


Australia’s Physical activity and sedentary behaviour guidelines recommend that adults do 2.5 to 5 hours of moderate, or 1.2 to 2.5 hours of vigorous, physical activity per week. Figure 16 shows the frequency of adult participation in sport and recreation activity across Australia.

Nationally, the frequency rate for adult participation in sport and recreation is quite low. Overall, the frequency of participation greater for recreation activity. The AusPlay data reports that 11.6 million Australians (59%) aged 15 years or over are participating in sport or non-sport related physical activity three or more times per week.


FIGURE 16 ADULT PARTICPATION BY FREQUENCY


Children (aged 0-14) Sporting participation is highest among young children. Figure 17 shows the participation rate in sport and recreation activity for children aged between 0 and 14 years. Approximately 3.2 million children (69%) participated in a form of formal sport or physical recreation outside of school hours over the same 12-month period.

FIGURE 17 CHILDREN PARTICIPATION BY AGE IN AUSTRALIA



Duration of sport and recreation activity In terms of the duration of participation in sport and recreation, adults (aged 15 years and over) participate in sport for greater periods of time than non-sport related physical activities. Notably, the Australian Spots Commission has found that adults participate in non-sport related physical activity more frequently than sport (see Figure 16).

Young adults between the ages of 18 and 34 are more likely to partake in sport-related activity for greater periods of time. As the population ages, the duration of physical exercise declines and then increases again for the population entering retirement stage.

The Australian Sports Commission identified that 54% of Australian children are active at least once a week through organised sport outside of school hours. Only 19% of Australian children are active at least three times a week. With reference to Figure 18, children aged 12-14 partake in organised sport for approximately 75 minutes.

FIGURE 18 DURATION OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY BY AGE IN AUSTRALIA


B1.6 – Sport and recreation participation in Victoria (2017 data) The most recent AusPlay survey results were released in April 2018 and articulate sports participation information between period of January 2017 and December 2017.

Participation in sports From January to December 2017, 90.4% of respondents of the Ausplay study participated in sport at least once per year, this figure remains relatively stable across age groups with slightly higher participation in 15-17 years at 95.7% and lower in the 65+ age group at 88.1%. 83.6% participated in sports at least once a week. Similarly, those in the 15-17% age group had the highest weekly participation rate at 89%, this decreased to 84% from 18 to 24 years and then remains at 83% until a drop to 82% at 65+ years. 63.1% of respondents participated in sports at least three times per week. In contrast to previous age trends, at this level of participation the lowest rates were in people aged 15-17 years at 06.8% followed by 25-44 years at 61.4%. The highest participation rates were in people aged 45-54 years at 65.2%. Across at least yearly, weekly and three times per week, females showed higher participation rates than males. Figure X shows that this gab between genders widens with reported frequency of participation.


FIGURE 19 POPULAR RATES IN SPORT


Participation by region Demographic information in the 2017 AusPlan study revealed an overall higher participation rate frequency in people living in major cities as opposed to inner regional, outer regional and remote or very remote locations. In major cities the frequency of participation was the highest, with 91.2% participating at least once per year, 85% participating at least once a week and 64% participating at least 3 times per week. This was followed by people in inner regional areas with 88.8% participating at lest oncer per year, 80.1% participating at least once per week and 57.4% participating at least three times per week. Outer regional areas experienced 84.9% participation rates of at least once per year, 76.8% participation rates at least once per week participation and 53% participation rates of at least three times per week participation. In all regions, females contributed a higher percentage of participation than males.

FIGURE 20 DEMOGRAPHIC OF PARTICIPANTS


0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

At least once per year At least once per week At least three times

Male Female

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

At least once per year At least once per week At least 3 times per week

Major cities Inner regions Outer regions


Organisation/venue use and types In 2017, the majority of sport participation was conducted through some level of organisational/venue use at 39.3% however, total non-organisation/venue-based participation is the highest at 69.5%. Here, age groups are of significance regarding organisation/venue use. Younger age groups were more likely undertake all sports participation through an organisation/venue at 44.6% (15-17 years of age) and with 84.1% total participation rates organised/venue-based sports (15-17 years of age). Data demonstrates that this rate decreases with age and participation in non-organisation/venue-based sports increase with age. Young women participated more in all organisation/venue use compared to their male counterparts however, males overtake females 25 years old and beyond. Women of all ages were more likely to undertake some through an organisation/venue and were overall less likely to undertake all through an organisation/venue compared to men.

FIGURE 21 ORGANISATION/VENUE USE


With regards to venue types, gym/fitness club/sports/leisure centres were the primary organisation/venues in total with 32.4% participating in activities there in 2017. Highest age groups using these were 18-24 years at 48.1% and 25-34 years at 44.1% and women were slightly more likely to participate in this type of organisation/venue at 34.4% than men at 30.3%. Sports clubs or associations had the second highest participation rates at 23.4% total. Here there was a significant difference between genders. Males were more likely to participate in sports clubs or associations at a rate of 30.1% compared to females at 17%. Furthermore, younger demographics participated at a higher rate with the top 3 age groups being 15-17 years, 18-24 years and 25-34 years at 57.2%, 31.7% and 25.1% respectively in this organisation/venue type. The lowest rate of participation was in recreation clubs and associations with less than 6% across ages and genders.

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35%

40%

45%

All through anorganisation/venue

Some through anorganisation/venue

None through an organisationvenue

Males Females


FIGURE 22 TYPE OF ORGANISATION/VENUES USED


Top activities and organisation/venue activity participation In 2017 the highest activity participation rates based on once per year participation was found to be walking (recreational) with a total participation rate of 44%. This is followed by Fitness/Gym at 35.7%, Athletics, track and field at 15.2%, Swimming at 14.2% and Cycling at 12.6%. Women were more likely to participate in walking, cycling and fitness/gym activities whereas males had higher participation rates in athletics, track and field and cycling.

In terms of organised activities, children participated in Swimming the most at 38%. Australian Football at 15.6% is ranked as the second highest organised sports however there is a large discrepancy between male and female participation rates of 28.2% and 3%. respectively. These activities are followed by Basketball 12/9%, dancing (recreational) at 9.2% and football/soccer at 7.6%. With adults, fitness/gym was significantly the highest organised/venue use activity with 30.2% of the population participating at least once per year. Following this came swimming at 9.2%, golf at 4.8%, yoga at 3.9 and tennis at 3.8%. Furthermore, data reveals an overall higher participation of females in indoor based organised activities such as fitness/gym, swimming, yoga and Pilates.

FIGURE 23 TOP ACTIVITIES (ADULTS)


0.0%10.0%20.0%30.0%40.0%50.0%60.0%70.0%80.0%90.0%

100.0%

15-17

18-24

25-34

35-44

45-54

55-64

65+ 15-17

18-24

25-34

35-44

45-54

55-64

65+

Female Male

Sports club or association Recreation club or association

Gym/fitness club/sports/leisure centre

0.0% 10.0% 20.0% 30.0% 40.0% 50.0% 60.0%

Walking (Recreational)

Fitness/Gym

Athletics, track and field (includes jogging andrunning)

Swimming

Cycling

Females Males


FIGURE 24 ORGANISED PARTICIPATION BY ACTIVITY (ADULTS)


FIGURE 25 ORGANISED PARTICIPATION BY ACTIVITY (CHILDREN)


0.0% 5.0% 10.0% 15.0% 20.0% 25.0% 30.0% 35.0% 40.0%

Fitness/Gym

Swimming

Golf

Yoga

Tennis

Female Male

0.0% 5.0% 10.0% 15.0% 20.0% 25.0% 30.0% 35.0% 40.0% 45.0%

Swimming

Australian football

Basketball

Dancing (recreational)

Football/soccer

Female Male


B1.7 – Strategic Framework for Sport and Recreation in Victoria 2017-2021 The Victorian Government published A Strategic Framework for Sport and Recreation in Victoria 2017-2021 with the aim of increasing the proportion of Victorians participating in sport and active recreation.

The document identifies that Victoria’s participation rate in sport and active recreation is higher than the national average. However, the Victorian Government identified that 21% of Victorians are not involved in any form of sport or active recreation.

Participation in sport Around 3.2 million Victorians (almost 60%) do not reach the recommended levels of physical activity of 2.5 to 5 hours of moderate, or 1.2 to 2.5 hours of vigorous, physical activity per week.

With reference to Figure 27, 68% of the 5-9 years age group participates in sport and 67% for 10-14 years age group. Participation in sport declines sharply for both males and females from the age of 15 years (29%). The overall sport participation rate for females (11%) is almost half of males (20%). Males consistency have a higher participation rate in sport across all age groups.

Children (aged below 15 years) are exposed to a number of modified sports programs such as Hot Shots (tennis), AusKick (Australian football), MiniRoos (soccer), in2Cricket (cricket) and NetSetGo (netball). These programs are designed to develop fundamental sport-specific skills for future participation in organised sport. Exposure to these programs benefits local sporting clubs as they provide an avenue for future players to participate locally.

FIGURE 26 PARTICPATION IN SPORT BY AGE AND GENDER IN VICTORIA



Participation in sport and recreation The trend changes for those participating in sport and recreation with a greater overall participation rate in non-competitive activities compared to competitive participation rate (see Figure 29).

Females have a higher participation rate in non-competitive activities compared to males, particularly across the 25-34, 35-44 and 45-54 age groups compared to males. This highlights the importance in understanding trends in female recreation and the type of place that is required. As expected, there is a drop in the participation rate as the population ages.

FIGURE 27 PARTICPATION IN SPORT AND RECREATION BY AGE AND GENDER IN VICTORIA


The Victorian Government has identified the population groups less likely to participate in sport and recreation including indigenous people, people with a disability, people with poor health, recently arrived migrants and those living in areas of relative socio-economic disadvantage. As illustrated in Figure 28, these population groups are well below the Victorian average for sport and recreation participation.

The Strategic Framework for Sport and Recreation in Victoria (2017) identifies the need to create opportunities to increase the participation rate of the population groups reported in Figure 28. The document highlights economic benefits of improving the participation rate such as growing Victoria’s sport and active recreation sector. It also recognises the social benefit of sport and recreation as a way of improving the overall wellbeing of these population groups and sense of connection to community.

FIGURE 28 LOWER LEVELS OF PARTICIPATION IN SPORT AND RECREATION IN VICTORIA

Source: Strategic Framework for Sport and Recreation in Victoria 2017-2021, Victorian Government, 2017


Participation by region Figure 29 illustrates the participation rate in sport by age and region in Victoria. Across all ages, participation rates in sport are higher in regional Victoria (20%) compared to metropolitan Melbourne (14%). There are lower participation rates in sport in metropolitan growth areas compared to established metropolitan areas across all age groups.

The most significant finding is the difference in participation rate for the 5-14 years age groups with regional Victoria (80%) having almost double the participation rate of Metropolitan growth area (45%).

The participation rate for age groups older than 24 years is much lower than the younger age groups, however the participation rate is consistent across the regions.

FIGURE 29 PARTICIPATION RATE IN SPORT IN VICTORIA BY REGION

Source: VicHealth, Sport Participation Rates, 2017

The participation rate in sport by LGA is presented in Figure 30 below. The data presents the participation rate based on player registrations per 100 residents. There is considerable variation in participation rates across LGA’s in Victoria.

From the LGA’s that make up the IMAP area, the City of Melbourne has the lowest participation rate (5.5%) and ranked 25 out of the Metropolitan-Other region. The city of Port Phillip has a participation rate of 11.9% and ranked slightly higher at 18. The city of Stonnington upholds a participation rate of 16.1% and is ranked 10. The City of Yarra has the highest participation rate of IMAP LGA’s at 9.0% and is ranked 20.


FIGURE 30 PARTICIPATION RATE IN SPORT IN VICTORIA BY LGA

Source: VicHealth, Sport Participation Rates, 2016


Top activities of participation Figure 31 shows the popular sport and recreation activities by gender in Victoria. Fitness/gym and walking for exercise are the most populous form of physical activity for both males and females in Victoria.

Female participation in non-competitive activities such as yoga and pilates is higher than males. Whereas competitive sports such as Australian rules football, basketball and soccer have much greater participation levels for males.

There are a variety of factors influencing female participation in sport as a physical activity. Cultural values and norms and broader society stereotypes play a major role in the type of sport or recreation females engage in. Addressing the gap between male and female participation in sport as a competitive form of physical activity is a critical factor in creating inclusive communities.

FIGURE 31 POPULAR ACTIVITIES BY GENDER IN VICTORIA

Source: Strategic Framework for Sport and Recreation in Victoria 2017-2021, Victorian Government, 2017


B1.8 – Trends and drivers

Why do people use open space? Literature documents various reasons why people use open space. In dense metropolitan areas such as local government areas in the IMAP area, access to vegetated areas such parks, open spaces and playgrounds are associated with better general health (Healthy Spaces and Places, 2009). A study found that people who use public open spaces are three times more likely to achieve recommended levels of physical activity than those who do not use the spaces (Wolf, 2008).

The benefits from participation in sport and recreation influence people’s decision to use open space. Benefits to the individual include improved physical health, improved wellbeing, enhanced social outcomes and reduced healthcare costs. Therefore, improving access to and quality of open space is considered a valuable focus for future planning.

Why do people engage in sport and recreation? Research undertaken by the Australian Sports Commission has identified motivations for participation in sport and recreation. As identified in Error! Reference source not found., the majority of Australians are motivated by physical health or fitness with 78% of those participating in non-sport related physical activity and 63% participation in sport-related physical activity. Fun and enjoyment and social reasons are also seen as high motives for a large proportion of the Australian population participating in sport and non-sport related physical activity.

FIGURE 32 ADULT TOP TEN MOTIVATIONS FOR PARTICIPATION



Physical health or fitness is the main driver influencing the participation rate of Australians in sport or non-sport related physical activity. Figure 33below highlights that this motive is particularly strong for females (81%).

Interestingly, participating in sport and recreation to lose weight is less of a motive for both genders compared to the social and enjoyment factors that participation provides.

More males (50%) are motived by the social component of sport and recreation as physical forms of activity. This finding suggests greater demand for open spaces that provide organised sport such as Australian football fields.

FIGURE 33 TOP FIVE MOTIVATIONS FOR PARTICIPATION BY GENDER


What are the barriers to participation? The Australian Sports Commission have found that young Australian adults are too time poor to participate in sport or recreation as a physical activity. This barrier is overtaken by an increasing presence of poor health or injury as a barrier for most of the population aged 55 years and over. Conversely, there are less people identifying the dislike of sport and recreation as a barrier to participation.

Importantly, the findings do not highlight planning factors such as accessibility, transport and quality of open space as barriers to participation.

This finding suggests that the main barriers to participation in sport and recreation (time pressure and poor health) are partly driven by factors in the built environment. The built environment plays a major factor in influencing participation in sport and non-sport related physical activity. Factors such as accessibly to open space, urban design of the streetscape, quality of open space and safety of open space each play a role in determining whether people are time sensitive to physical activity.


FIGURE 34 ADULT TOP FIVE BARRIERS TO PARTICIPATION


Figure 35 reports the barriers to participation for children. The greatest barrier to participation for children aged between 0 and 9 is age restrictions. Affordability across all age groups of children is not a significant barrier to participation. Time pressure is considered a greater barrier for children aged between 9 and 14.

FIGURE 35 CHILDREN TOP FIVE BARRIERS TO PARTICIPATION



Value of participation in sport and recreation The Australian Sports Commission found Australians participating in sport and recreation spent over $10.7 billion in fees over a 12-month period between October 2015 and September 2016. This included $8.4 billion for adults (56% of adult players) and $2.3 billion for children (95% of children players).

Figure 17 shows that most participants are spending income on gym or fitness centre fees. These facilities are often operated privately meaning planning for open space and increased participation is not entirely within the capacity of local government. Following this, sports clubs and associations account for a high amount of expenditure. The future of sporting clubs and associations in terms of supply and demand of facilities and open space is in the realm of local government strategic planning.

FIGURE 36 ADULT EXPENDITURE BY ORGANISATION



In terms of fees associated with children’s participation in sport, sports clubs and associations make up a high proportion (38%) of expenditure. Following this, private studios (19%) and gyms and leisure centres (13%) absorb expenditure for participation in physical activity. With an increasing population, there will be growing pressure on open space and facilities to accommodate future expansion of clubs. This highlights the importance of strategic planning in understanding demand for the types of open space and facilities.

FIGURE 37 CHILDREN EXPENDITURE BY ORGANISATION



APPENDIX C: EXISTING FACILITIES DATA TABLES

Table 27 to Table 31 list all the facilities that are present within each sport and recreation asset for each of the IMAP Councils. The interactive map provides detailed information regarding the use, condition, capacity and ownership of each individual facility, and this is also provided in a spreadsheet that is an addendum to this report. https://www.sgsep.com.au/maps/2020/melbourne-imap-sporting-facilities/

TABLE 27: COMPLETE LIST OF MARIBYRNONG FACILITIES

Asset Pavilion - rowing

Skatepark Indoor Facility

Swimming Pool

Outdoor Court

Pavilion Large Field Small Field Golf Course

Athletics Facility

Angliss Reserve 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 0 0 0

Braybrook Park 0 0 0 0 2 1 1 0 0 0

Cruickshank Park 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0

Dobson Reserve 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0

Footscray Boat Club 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Footscray Hockey Club 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 3 0 0

Footscray Park 0 0 0 0 4 1 0 1 0 0

Greelish Oval 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0

Hanks Reserve 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0

Hanmer Reserve 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0

Hansen Reserve 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 0 0 0

Henry Turner North Reserve 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0

Henry Turner South Reserve 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0

Johnson Reserve 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0





Swimming Pool

Outdoor Court


Athletics Facility

Johnson Reserve 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0

Kindersmith Reserve 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0

Kingsville Tennis Club 0 0 0 0 6 1 0 0 0 0

Maidstone Free to Public Tennis Courts 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 0

Maribyrnong Aquatic Centre 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0

Maribyrnong Reserve 0 0 0 0 0 3 1 0 0 0

McIvor Reserve 0 0 0 0 0 2 5 2 0 0

Pennell Reserve 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 0 0

RecWest Braybrook 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

RecWest Footscray 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Robert Barrett Reserve 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0

Rosamond Bowling Club 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 0

Rosamond Tennis Club 0 0 0 0 4 1 0 0 0 0

Scovell Reserve 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0

Shorten Reserve 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0

Sunshine VRI Bowling Club 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0

Whitten Oval 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0

Yarraville Footscray Bowling Club 0 0 0 0 3 1 0 0 0 0

Yarraville Oval 0 1 0 0 2 1 1 0 0 0

Yarraville Tennis Club 0 0 0 0 8 1 0 0 0 0


TABLE 28: LIST OF CITY OF MELBOURNE FACILITIES



Swimming Pool

Outdoor Court


Athletics Facility

Alexandra Gardens 7 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Boating hub 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Carlton Baths 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0

Carlton Garden 0 0 0 0 4 1 0 0 0 0

Carlton Gardens 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0

Docklands Sports Courts 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0

Fawkner Park 0 0 0 0 7 3 8 10 0 0

Flagstaff Gardens 0 0 0 0 4 2 0 0 0 0

Herring Oval 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0

Holland Park 0 2 0 0 1 1 2 1 0 0

Kensington Community Recreation Centre 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0

Kensington Flemington Bowls club 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0

Manningham Street Reserve 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 0 0 0

Melbourne City Baths 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0

National Tennis Centre 0 0 0 0 37 0 0 0 0 0

Neill Street Reserve 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0

Newmarket Reserve 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0

North Melbourne Community Centre 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 0

North Melbourne Recreation Centre 0 0 1 3 0 0 0 0 0 0

North Melbourne Recreation Reserve 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0

Powlett Reserve 0 0 0 0 6 1 0 0 0 0

Princes Park 0 0 0 0 6 4 6 1 0 0

Riverside Park 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 0

Ron Barassi Senior Park 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0




Swimming Pool

Outdoor Court


Athletics Facility

Royal park 0 0 11 0 20 10 11 3 9 0


TABLE 29: LIST OF CITY OF PORT PHILLIP FACILITIES



Swimming Pool

Outdoor Court


Athletics Facility

Albert Park 1 0 0 0 1 11 22 0 2 1

Albert Park Tennis - MCC Facility at Albert Reserve 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0

Albert Reserve Tennis Courts 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0

Albert Reserve Tennis World 0 0 0 0 9 0 0 0 0 0

Alma Park 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0

Ashworth Street Reserve 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0

Beach Volleyball Courts (12) 0 0 0 0 12 0 0 0 0 0

Carmalite Tennis Club 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0

Elwood Croquet Club 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0

Elwood Life Saving Club 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0

Elwood Park 0 0 0 0 5 1 1 4 0 0

Elwood Primary School 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0

Elwood Sailing Club 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0

Graham St Skate Park 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

J.L Murphy Reserve 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 4 0 0

Jim Duggan Reserve 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0

Lagoon Reserve 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0

Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre 0 0 18 9 0 0 0 0 0 0

Middle Park Bowls Club 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0

North Port Oval Pavilion 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0

Peanut Farm 0 0 0 0 2 1 1 0 0 0

Port Melbourne Bowling Club 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 0

Port Melbourne Cricket Ground 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0

Port Melbourne Life Saving Club 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0




Swimming Pool

Outdoor Court


Athletics Facility

Port Melbourne Tennis Club 0 0 0 0 3 1 0 0 0 0

Port Melbourne Trugo Club 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0

Port Melbourne Yacht Club 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0

Powerhouse & Lord Somers 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

R.F. Julier Reserve 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 0

Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0

Sandridge Life Saving Club 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0

Sandridge Trugo Club 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0

South Melbourne Life Saving Club 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0

South Melbourne Primary School Multipurpose Court (Indoor)

0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

South Melbourne Primary School Multipurpose Court (Outdoor)

0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0

South Melbourne Trugo Club 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0

St Kilda Lifesaving Club 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0

St Kilda Skate Park 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

St Kilda Sports Club 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0

T.T. Buckingham Reserve 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 1 0 0

Talbot Reserve 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0


TABLE 30: LIST OF STONNINGTON FACILITIES



Swimming Pool

Outdoor Court


Athletics Facility

Ardrie Park Tennis Courts 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 0

Basil Oval, Darling Park 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 0

Birrell Reserve, Sir Zelman Cowen Park 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0

Central Park 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 0

Chadstone Recreation & Civic Club 0 0 0 0 9 0 0 0 0 0

Chris Gahn Reserve 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0

Como Park 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0

Como Park North 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0

DW Lucas Oval, Darling Park 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0

Dye Works Park 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0

East Malvern Tennis Club 0 0 0 0 10 0 0 0 0 0

Ferrie Oval, Sir Zelman Cowen Park 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0

Gardiner Park 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0

Glendearg Malvern Tennis Centre 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0

Grosvenor Reserve 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0

Harold Holt Swim Centre 0 0 0 7 0 0 0 0 0 0

Malvern Cricket Ground 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0

Malvern Tennis Centre 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0

McAlpine Oval, Sir Zelman Cowen Park 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0

Milton Gray Reserve 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0

Orrong Park Tennis Centre 0 0 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 0

Orrong Romanis Recreation Centre 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Orrong Romanis Reserve 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0

Penpraze Park 0 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0




Swimming Pool

Outdoor Court


Athletics Facility

Percy Treyvaud Memorial Park 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 0 0

Peverill Park 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0

Phoenix Park 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Phoenix Park Community Centre 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

PowerHouse Rowing Club 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Prahran Aquatic Centre 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0

Princes Gardens 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0

Princes Gardens Skate Park 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Princes Gardens Tennis Courts 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0

Righetti Oval, Sir Zelman Cowen Park 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0

Sir Robert Menzies Reserve 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0

Sir Zelman Cowen Park 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1

St Andrews Gardiner Tennis Centre 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 0 0 0

Stanley Grose Oval, Darling Park 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0

TH King Reserve 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0

Thomas Oval, Como Park 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0

Toorak Park 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 0 0

Tooronga Park 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0

Union Street Gardens 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0

Wadsworth Field, Sir Zelman Cowen Park 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0

Waverley Park 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0

Wesley Rowing Shed 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Windsor Siding 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0


TABLE 31: LIST OF CITY OF YARRA FACILITIES



Swimming Pool

Outdoor Court


Athletics Facility

Alan Bain Reserve 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0

Alphington Park 0 0 0 0 2 3 1 0 0 0

Atherton Reserve 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0

Burnley Park 0 0 0 0 1 2 1 0 1 0

Citizens Park 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0

Collingwood High School 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Collingwood Leisure Centre 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

Coulson Reserve 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0

Curtin Square 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0

Edinburgh Gardens 0 1 0 0 10 4 2 0 0 0

Fairfield Park 0 0 0 0 0 3 1 0 0 0

Fairlea Reserve 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 0

Fitzroy High School 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Fitzroy Leisure Centre 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

Gahan's Reserve 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0

George Knott Reserve 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 1

Gleadell Street Courts 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0

Hardy Gallagher Reserve 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0

Kevin Bartlett Reserve 0 0 0 0 0 3 1 4 0 0

Langdon Reserve 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0

Latrobe Private Golf Course 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0

Linear Park 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0

Mayors Park 0 0 0 0 6 1 0 0 0 0

McConchie Park 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0




Swimming Pool

Outdoor Court


Athletics Facility

Melbourne Girls High 0 0 2 0 3 0 0 0 0 0

Princess Hill Secondary College 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Quarries Reserve 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Ramsden Street Reserve 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0

Richmond High School 0 0 1 0 3 0 0 0 0 0

Richmond Leisure Centre 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

Richmond Union Lawn Bowls Club 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0

Ryan's Reserve 0 0 0 0 4 1 0 0 0 0

Stanton Street Hall 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Victoria Park 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 0 0

Walker Street Reserve 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0

Yambla Reserve 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0

Yarra Bend Park 0 0 0 0 0 2 4 0 2 0

:

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Documents

Regional Active Sport and Recreation Facilities Planning ... Agendas/2020...Regional Active Sport and Recreation Facilities Planning Study (Stage 2) –Technical Background Report