Agenda of Shoalhaven Sports Board

Minutes of the Shoalhaven Sports Board

Meeting Date: Wednesday, 25 September 2019

Location: Jervis Bay Rooms, City Administrative Centre, Bridge Road, Nowra

Time: 5.05pm

The following members were present:

Mr David Goodman – Chairperson

Clr Nina Digiglio

Clr Patricia White

Mr Roger Walker

Mr Martin Aicken

Dr Phill Newlyn

Ms Elizabeth Tooley

Ms Lisa Kennedy

Mrs Jane Lewis - Recreation Community & Culture Manager

Others present:

Ms Susan Edwards – Manager, Community & Recreation (left 6.05pm)

Mr Kevin Norwood – Manager, Swim Sport & Fitness

Apologies / Leave of Absence

Apologies were received from Clr Wells, Clr Proudfoot, Stephen Dunshea and Elaine Caswell.

Confirmation of the Minutes

RESOLVED (Martin Aicken / David Goodman)

That the Minutes of the Shoalhaven Sports Board held on Wednesday 12 June 2019 be confirmed.

CARRIED

Declarations of Interest

Nil.

Reports

SB19.24 Acknowledgement of Resignation - Tony Hardman - Appointment of Membership

HPERM Ref: D19/220294

Recommendation

That:

1. The Sports Board acknowledge and endorse the resignation of Tony Hardman.

2. Craig Howsan be appointed as a community member representative to the Shoalhaven Sports Board for a four-year term, until March 2023.

RECOMMENDATION (Phill Newlyn / Clr White)

That:

1. The Sports Board acknowledge and endorse the resignation of Tony Hardman.

2. Craig Howsan be appointed as a community member representative to the Shoalhaven Sports Board for a four-year term, until March 2023.

CARRIED

SB19.25 Shoalhaven Sports Board - Current Projects Update

HPERM Ref: D19/283569

The Board discussed the report and commented on the following items. The Chair acknowledged it was an informative report and thanked the staff.

The Chair asked about the use of the old North Nowra tip site for cycling. Staff and members noted the challenges with the site.

The Chair asked about the new online booking system. Staff noted that it is 85% functional and close to being complete for Stage 1, Council managed facilities.

It was noted that work to the value of $2 million was being done at Nowra Showground, comprised of Government grant funding in addition to Council funding.

Staff noted that sporting groups can apply for Club Grants directly. Council can assist with letters of support to clubs applying for grants. If works are on Council land a letter of owner’s consent is usually required with the funding application.

Members raised the issue of dog excrement on fields, particularly at Nowra Showground. Staff acknowledged the problem and that a number of complaints had been raised by sporting groups about the condition of the field. Stickers have been put on bins and Rangers are undertaking additional patrols. There are plans to provide bags for waste at the Showground.

Council has made grant applications to seal the Shoalhaven Heads Pump Track. The track is open and being used.

Members asked how many people play baseball due to the amount of funds invested in facility. Members and staff noted that it is a growing sport. Staff noted that the funds were from grant funding and Council have only contributed funds towards amenities.

Grant funding for lighting for Huskisson Football Association has been applied for. Members asked for the amount applied for to be circulated. The grant amount is $111,000.

Staff noted that the Special Rate Variation funding for sportsgrounds has been allocated.

The Chair asked members to email ideas to staff for a Sports Board banner and brochure.

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the Shoalhaven Sports Board accept the Current Projects Update report for information.

RESOLVED (Phill Newlyn / Martin Aicken)

That the Shoalhaven Sports Board accept the Current Projects Update report for information.

CARRIED

SB19.26 Sports Grants Program 2019/2020 - Funding

HPERM Ref: D19/288758

Members noted the difficulty for clubs applying for funds to raise funds for matching funds for grants. Staff advised that clubs can provide resources in kind as an alternative to cash and that Council can assist clubs with their applications. Clr Wells suggested re-consideration of the guidelines for the grants prior to re-advertising the program, such as not requiring matching funding up to an amount of $3,000. Susan Edwards noted that the community grants have recently been reviewed too.

The Board discussed whether to make changes to grants guidelines prior to re-advertising the program to seek grants to allocate unspent funds. It was proposed to incorporate a change to the criteria to accept applications for smaller applications without requiring matching funding where insufficient applications are received. Members suggested that Council approves a change to the Guidelines to allow applications for grants up to an amount of $3,000 for equipment without requiring matching funding.

Members asked about clubs applying more than once. Staff acknowledged repeat applicants and noted that for other grants programs there are guidelines to prevent applicants in successive years.

The Board discussed communication and promotion with clubs. Jane Lewis noted that communication is better than ever and welcomed feedback on how it can be improved further. It was acknowledged that turnover with club executives make it difficult. However, clubs now normally have a generic email address and a website or Facebook page, making things better. Jane advised that there is now a marketing and digital media position within team which is anticipated will improve communication with clubs. The new website has been launched for Shoalhaven Swim & Fitness. Jane encouraged Board members to spread the word.

Kevin Norwood spoke about the benefits of the Zipporah online booking system. Jane Lewis suggested that the Board consider a Survey Monkey survey for feedback from Sports Workshops to improve our communication and seek feedback to assist with future planning and content of workshops.

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That:

1. The Shoalhaven Sports Board approve the following three (3) applicants for the 2019/2020 Sports Grants Program:

a. Berry Riding Club Inc. – Construction of Storage Shed: $8,066

b. Shoalhaven United Football Club – Upgrade Floodlights Fields 3 and 4 Lyrebird Park: $50,000

c. Shoalhaven District Football Association – Top Dress Fields 2 and 3 Ison Park: $16,720

2. Council re-advertise the $83,314 unspent funds from this round to our sporting groups; if there are still unspent funds Council will proceed with identified sporting capital works projects.

RECOMMENDATION (Roger Walker / Clr White)

That:

1. The Shoalhaven Sports Board approve the following three (3) applicants for the 2019/2020 Sports Grants Program:

a. Berry Riding Club Inc. – Construction of Storage Shed: $8,066

b. Shoalhaven United Football Club – Upgrade Floodlights Fields 3 and 4 Lyrebird Park: $50,000

c. Shoalhaven District Football Association – Top Dress Fields 2 and 3 Ison Park: $16,720

2. Council re-advertise the $83,314 unspent funds from this round to our sporting groups; if there are still unspent funds Council will proceed with identified sporting capital works projects.

3. Council amends the Sports Grants Program (Capital Works) Policy (attached) for this round only to allow applications for grants up to an amount of $3,000 for equipment, without requiring matching funding.

CARRIED

Addendum Reports

SB19.27 Sports Grants Program (Capital Works) Policy Update

HPERM Ref: D19/284672

Recommendation

That Shoalhaven Sports Board recommend that Council adopt the following changes to the Sports Grants program (Capital Works) Policy Provision 3.3:

1. That three (3) representatives of the Shoalhaven Sports Board be present during the assessment of applications.

2. That a member of Shoalhaven City Council Inclusion and Access Advisory Group be present during the assessment of applications.

3. That two (2) Council staff representatives be present during the assessment of applications.

RECOMMENDATION (Clr White / Lisa Kennedy)

That Shoalhaven Sports Board recommend that Council adopt the following changes to the Sports Grants program (Capital Works) Policy Provision 3.3:

1. That three (3) representatives of the Shoalhaven Sports Board be present during the assessment of applications.

2. That a member of Shoalhaven City Council Inclusion and Access Advisory Group be present during the assessment of applications.

3. That two (2) Council staff representatives be present during the assessment of applications.

CARRIED

GENERAL BUSINESS

SB19.28 Additional Item - Member questions and updates

The Chair asked whether clubs are required to provide evidence of their public liability insurance when using the online booking system and whether that is checked by staff. Staff advised that evidence of public liability insurance is required and bookings are not confirmed unless that is received. Staff check the certificate of insurance to make sure it is current.

The Chair asked what is happening with Archery and was advised that it was not at Bernie Reagan Oval and that the club may have found some private land.

The Chair asked about floodlight globes. Susan Edwards advised that Council stocks bulbs for majority of lights and that Clubs need to contact Council for replacement globes when necessary.

The vandalism to Sussex Inlet and St Georges Basin and Vincentia fields and theft of copper wires was discussed. Police and Rangers are aware of the issue. Jane Lewis thanked Clr White for doing the interview with ABC.

SB19.29 Additional Item - Illawarra Academy of Sport Award - Asha Phillips

The Chair noted the achievement of Shoalhaven basketballer Asha Phillips, who was awarded the prestigious IAS Tobin Family Award at the Illawarra Academy of Sport Athlete of the Year awards.

The Chair tabled extracts from Council’s communications (attached).

RESOLVED (David Goodman / Phill Newlyn)

That the Shoalhaven Sports Board provide a letter of congratulations to Asha Philips who has been awarded the prestigious IAS Tobin Family Award.

CARRIED

SB19.30 Additional Item - Presentation - Concussion in Sport

Phill Newlyn gave a presentation on concussion in sport and the Concussion Recognition Tool 5 (CRT5) (attached).

RESOLVED (By consent)

That the Sports Board circulate information to all clubs about the Concussion Recognition Tool 5 and offer training by Phill Newlyn.

CARRIED

There being no further business, the meeting concluded, the time being 6.25pm.

Mr David Goodman

CHAIRPERSON

Shoalhaven Sports Board – Wednesday 11 December 2019

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SB19.31 Notification - Council Resolution - Re-establishment of Shoalhaven Sports Board

HPERM Ref: D19/355468

Group: Finance Corporate & Community Services Group

Section: Human Resources, Governance & Risk

Attachments: 1. Terms of Reference ⇩

Purpose / Summary

To advise the Board of Council’s resolution in relation to the re-establishment of the Shoalhaven Sports Board.

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the Board receive the report on the Council Resolution – Re-establishment of Shoalhaven Sports Board for information.

Options

1. As recommended.

Implications: The membership structure as specified in the Council Resolution is adopted for the period to 30 September 2020.

2. Propose a different membership arrangement.

Implications: Should the Board wish to make the recommendation in option 2, this is required to go to Council for approval.

Background

Each year in September Council reaffirms all its committees for the next 12 months. At that meeting Council has the option to: reaffirm its committees; make any change to membership, purpose, delegation, quorum, and the number of meetings required for those committees; or disband committees.

At the Extra Ordinary meeting on 20 September 2019 Council resolved as follows:

CL19.250 Shoalhaven Sports Board (12623E)

RESOLVED MIN19.682

That Council continue the operation of Shoalhaven Sports Board for the period to 30 September 2020 as outlined below:

Meetings per year – Four (4) – Quarterly

Commencement time – 5.00pm

Quorum – Seven (7)

Terms of Reference: POL19/29

Amended: 30 April 2019

Purpose:

To provide advocacy for the sporting community on policy, direction and strategic planning related to Council’s objectives. To achieve this policy and strategic objective, the Board will be strategic in nature and focus on appointments to achieve this outcome.

Role:

· Represent the whole Shoalhaven Sporting Community (all sports)

· Provide ongoing, high level policy and planning advice to Council.

· Make recommendations to the Council on all relevant business presented before it

· Advocate and maintain specific sports related portfolios.

· Advocate and promote Board recommendations.

Delegation – NIL

Chairperson – Appointed by Board

2019-2020 Councillor/Staff Membership

All Councillors

CEO or Nominee

Community / Organisational Representatives

Eleven (11) Local Community Members (includes 2 positions from disadvantaged sporting groups)

NSW Sport and Recreation

This report is provided to inform the Board members of the resolution of the Council. Should the Board wish to make any changes to the above, a recommendation to Council will be required to that effect.

Policy Implications

No amendments to the Terms of Reference have been made by this resolution.

Shoalhaven Sports Board – Wednesday 11 December 2019

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SB19.32 Shoalhaven Sports Board - Current Projects Update

HPERM Ref: D19/397699

Group: Finance Corporate & Community Services Group

Section: Recreation Community & Culture

Purpose / Summary

To provide a project update to the Sports Board on current projects under development by Council.

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the Shoalhaven Sports Board accept the Current Projects Update report for information.

Options

1. Adopt the Recommendation as written

Implications: This will enable the Sports Board to be kept informed of projects.

2. Provide an alternative direction.

Background

The following is an update of current projects under development.

Summary of Work Program Projects Being Undertaken or in Development FY 2019/20

Project	Comment
Frogs Holla Sewerage Works	Existing tanks will be replaced. Final design is completed. Currently seeking quotations to undertake works.
Milton Ulladulla Croquet Courts – Ulladulla Sports Park	Tender for Stage 1 (Courts 1 and 2) will be open in early 2020 for the delivery of 2 courts, landscaping, associated works and parking by September 2020 – this will give optimal growing time for the Croquet season in February. Council is currently working with the Milton Ulladulla Croquet Committee on a plan to deliver a clubhouse – which is currently unfunded. Council met with new President and Secretary of the club 11/11/2019 to discuss progress to date as per Minute 19.583.
Stronger Country Communities Fund (Grant Funding)	Update on project delivery · Drainage and/or irrigation at 6 locations – affected Clubs and Associations have been consulted with regarding delivery and availability of fields during delivery. · SRV money assisted this grant for irrigation at Bomaderry Sporting Complex, Ray Abood Oval, Nowra Showground Added Area, Bernie Regan and Sanctuary Point Oval o A contractor has been engaged to deliver Ray Abood Oval and Bomaderry Sporting Complex – Project is underway and completion by end of November o Bernie Regan completion end of October 2020 o Drainage at Ulladulla Sporting Complex and Sanctuary Point Oval. § Ulladulla Sports Park – Complete § Sanctuary Point Oval completion end of April 2020 · Floodlighting installation on the Nowra Showground Added Area – Complete. · Tennis Court resurfacing and fencing will occur across many sites. · Eight (8) Astro courts completed o 2 X Berry (1 funded by club) o 2 X Kioloa, o 2 X Lake Conjola, o 2 X Thompson Street · Four (4) hard courts completed o 2 X Shoalhaven Heads and o 2 X Manyana. · Further hardcourts to follow (Currarong and Wandandian) – completion by October 2020. · Stage 2 of the floodlight controller installations to include 17 locations – 16 of 17 sites completed so far.
Shoalhaven Netball – Park Road complex	Shoalhaven Netball are looking to upgrade their courts (7 replaced, 5 resurfaced) at Park Road, Nowra. Council provided a letter of support for them to apply for Government funding. Netball are currently sourcing Geotech report and awaiting the outcome of the grant.
Bomaderry Basketball Court	Council are undertaking studies to understand the structural integrity of the building and potential uses for the facility. Council will then undertake community engagement with potential uses to plan next steps for this building. Draft consultant report has been submitted, Council staff have made comment and final report should be available for Council staff by end of November.
Thurgate Oval Bomaderry	Council resolved at Strategy and Assets on 10 September. That Council · Implement a 12-month trial for a designated 24/7 off leash dog area at Thurgate Oval Bomaderry. · Provide the appropriate signage and information for the trial area. · A further report be provided to Council on the outcomes and community feedback following the trial or as required. · CEO provide a report back to Council on fencing options available and costing to enable grant applications. · Senior staff meet with Bomaderry Community Inc to discuss options and way forward for this project. Community currently looking to source funding for the fencing.
Covered tiered seating	Covered grandstand seating with capacity for 60 people has been installed at Lyrebird Park, Callala Sportsground, Finkernagel Oval & Vic Zealand Oval. SCC are funding four additional locations at Lighthouse Oval, Ulladulla Sporting Complex, Bill Andriske Oval & Huskisson Oval completion by the end of 2019.
New online bookings system	The project is progressing well, and the team are currently working with the Finance team to ensure a smooth integration with finance systems.
Nowra Showground – Restart NSW Grant Funding & Council Co-contribution. Project Total - $1,225,473	Update on project delivery: · Family café upgrade – Engineer designs have been provided. City Design Unit are finalising architectural drawings. Request for Tender will be advertised early 2020. · Judges Box/Office SCC City Design Unit are currently working on design in consultation with stakeholders Anticipated milestones to be met for the 2020 Nowra Show - cattle judging, ring fence, boundary fence, mesh – horse stables, cattle washdown drainage, cattle loading ramp improvements.
Top Dressing Program 2019-2020	Proposed Sites are: Minor Improvement Top Dress Program: · Huskisson Sportsground Main Field · Lighthouse Oval (lower field) · St Georges Basin Sportsground (main field – post drainage works) · Ray Abood Village Green (post irrigation installation) SRV Funded Top Dress Program: · Rugby Park (top fields – deferred from 2018/19 programme) · Francis Ryan Reserve (western field) · Crookhaven Park (southern field) · Bomaderry Sporting Complex (West) Tender closed 11^th November 2019. Evaluation Panel currently reviewing submissions. Program to be complete by mid-January 2020. MIN 19.134 Trial of organic soil nourishment (top dress) to be carried out 25^th & 26^th November 2019 on the Huskisson Carnival and junior sport site. The main (top) soccer field of Huskisson Sportsground has been included in Council’s wider top-dressing programme for 2019/2020. The change is due to feedback received from SDFA and Council stakeholders addressing concerns of a trial being carried out on a top-level football field. Pending successful results, the organic top dress may be expanded to higher profile sportsgrounds across the Shoalhaven in future programs.
Soil Testing and Fertilising	Proposed soil testing and fertilising sites are: Northern Area – · SEC lawns · Nowra Showground · Added Area · Ray Abood Village Green · Bomaderry Sporting Complex (western field) · Vic Zealand Oval Central Area – · Huskisson Sportsground (top field – test only, organic top dress will provide nutrients. Follow up test to occur to determine effectiveness of organic top dress trial) · Huskisson Sportsground (lower field) · St Georges Basin Sportsground (all fields) · Vincentia Sportsground · Francis Ryan Reserve · Crookhaven Park (northern field) · Callala Corso Reserve Southern Area – · Lighthouse Oval (lower field) · Ulladulla Sports Park (all fields) · Thomson St (all fields) · Bill Andriske Oval 2019 program completed 30^th October 2019
Sports field Broadleaf Herbicide Programme	Winter broadleaf herbicide program has been carried out at the following 35 locations: Northern Area – · Ray Abood Village Green · Artie Smith Oval · Bomaderry Oval · Bomaderry Sporting Complex Velodrome · Bomaderry Sporting Complex Rugby League · Berry Sporting Complex · Kangaroo Valley Showground · Jerry Bailey Oval · Vic Zealand Oval · Rugby Park · Ison Park · Nowra Recreation Ground · West Street Oval · Lyrebird Park · Nowra Showground · Nowra Showground Added Area · Bernie Reagan Sporting Complex · Sharman Park · Drexel Park Central Area – · St Georges Basin Sportsground · Wool Lane Sporting Complex · Francis Ryan Reserve · Sanctuary Point Oval · Vincentia Sportsground · Huskisson Sportsground · Crookhaven Park · Gordon Ravell Oval Southern Area – · Frogs Holla Sporting Complex · West Ulladulla Sports Park (AFL/Cricket) · West Ulladulla Sports Park (Rugby League) · Lighthouse Oval · Bill Andriske Oval · Finkernagel Oval · Thompson St Sporting Complex · Kioloa Sporting Complex 2019 program completed.
Bill Andriske Oval	Landscaping around the existing seating area on the hill for safety compliance is completed. A (temporary storage) shipping container has been placed at Bill Andriske Oval for their mower. The management committee are investigating new fencing options and seeking grant funding for this project.
New Indoor Sports Centre	Official opening was on 15 November 2019. The centre is running well with most evenings booked.
Shoalhaven Heads Tennis Courts 3 & 4 Resurfacing	Council has approved the works, Shoalhaven Heads Chamber of Commerce and Tourism are project managing the work and works are expected to commence on Monday 9 December. The works will be synthetic resurfacing with tennis line marking for courts 3 and 4 Management committee are considering what multipurpose use infrastructure they will recommend installing.
Berry Tennis Club	Council have isolated the power supply to the Tennis courts and club for separate metering to enable lease negotiations to proceed.
Rugby Park South Nowra – Grandstand replacement	After tree fell and destroyed grandstand, Council have engaged a designer to draw new plans for submission to the insurer.
Thompson Street Sporting Complex	SES is applying for a licence for a (temporary storage) shipping container for use in flood emergency to be installed at the site.
Worrigee Equestrian Common	Development Application submitted for camping on site during events.
Nowra Communal Youth Hall	After a fire at the site, the hall has been closed. Council have a scope of works for replacement and rectification works due to asbestos. Council has obtained quotations which have been submitted to the insurer for approval, prior to works commencing.
Shoalhaven Community & Recreation Precinct (SCaRP	A report for Strategy and Assets is being prepared for adoption of the detail design plans for Artie Smith Oval for Cricket, AFL and Croquet and to endorse the revised masterplan for the SCaRP project, to include the 50m pool.
Bay & Basin Leisure Centre – Recreational Hub	A report is being prepared for Strategy and Assets requesting way forward for detail design of the revised master plan which excludes the library.
Paringa Park – Non Motorised Water Sports Precinct	Council has recently concluded hydrological works and flooding studies for the project, with remaining funds a traffic study will be undertaken in the new year.
Nowra Sailing Club	Council is repairing the Nowra Sailing Club site with a timber deck and open structure this is currently out for tender and closes end of November.

External Grant Funding Applications:

Council has been informed we were unsuccessful for a grant through the Crown Reserves Improvement Fund for the replacement of the floodlighting at Berry Showground. Council are continuing to source other grants for this project.

Council were unsuccessful in the T20 Legacy Fund for new cricket nets at Berry Sporting Complex, but have applied under another grant process.

Grant Application Letters of Support

Council has provided the below letters of support to sporting user groups:

· Milton Ulladulla Dog Club - new shed

· Worrigee equestrian common – field aerator

· Nowra Showground - PA system

· Southern Branch Football – field drainage Ison Park

Special Rate Variation (SRV) Sportsgrounds funds 19/20

SRV money assisted Stronger Country Community Grant Funds for: -

· Irrigation at Bomaderry Sporting Complex, Ray Abood Oval, Nowra Showground Added Area and Sanctuary Point Oval

· Drainage at Ulladulla Sporting Complex and Sanctuary Point Oval.

SRV Funded Top Dress Program:

· Rugby Park (top fields – deferred from 2018/19 programme)

· Francis Ryan Reserve (western field)

· Crookhaven Park (southern field)

· Bomaderry Sporting complex

Review of Sporting Hall of Fame criteria

Council has commenced a review of the Sporting Hall of Fame criteria. An initial review of all associated documents has found that there is no information or processes documented regarding removal of persons from the Hall of Fame for misconduct.

Council has received preliminary advice from Council’s Legal Unit which staff is currently assessing, and a future report will be provided to the Sports Board.

Concussion in Sport workshop

Sports Board Member Dr Phil Newlyn ran a concussion in sport workshop at Councils Administration building on Wednesday 13 November there were 14 attendees. The workshop was very well received. Lots of questions asked and positive feedback afterwards. Council were thanked by all who attended for a great initiative by Council and the Sports Board.

There were also questions about “what’s the next topic you will host”.

All the attendees have been emailed to thank them for their attendance and sent them an electronic copy of the presentation.

A big thank you to Phil Newlyn for this very successful and informative presentation.

Letter of Congratulations Asha Phillips

A letter of congratulations was approved by the Chair of the Sports Board and sent to Asha Phillips regarding her Sport Award at the Illawarra Academy of Sport.

Sports Grants Program Update

Round 1 Sports Grants

From MIN19.794

1. The Shoalhaven Sports Board approve the following three (3) applicants for the 2019/2020 Sports Grants Program:

a. Berry Riding Club Inc. – Construction of Storage Shed: $8,066

b. Shoalhaven United Football Club – Upgrade Floodlights Fields 3 and 4 Lyrebird Park: $50,000

c. Shoalhaven District Football Association – Top Dress Fields 2 and 3 Ison Park: $16,720

Notification letters and invoices sent to successful applicants for 2019 Sports Grants programme.

Round 2 Sports Grants

From MIN19.794:

That:

2. Council re-advertise the $58,314 unspent funds from this round to our sporting groups; if there are still unspent funds Council will proceed with identified sporting capital works projects.

3. Council amends the Sports Grants Program (Capital Works) Policy for this round only to allow applications for grants up to an amount of $5,000 for equipment, without requiring matching funding.

4. Council allocate $25,000 of the Sports Grant Program 2019/2020 funding to a capital works upgrade to the Culburra Dolphins Football Ground.

Council staff are preparing documents to re-advertise unspent funds, including: Media release, social media advertising, notification letters to clubs, associations and stakeholders. The Sports Board will be informed when this is open and availability for Sports Board members for evaluation of applications will be requested at this time.

Shoalhaven Sports Board – Wednesday 11 December 2019

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SB19.33 Community Consultation for Sportsgrounds Identified Projects

HPERM Ref: D19/408651

Section: Recreation Community & Culture

Approver: Jane Lewis, Acting Director Finance Corporate & Community Services

Attachments: 1. Initial list potential sportsground projects ⇩

Reason for Report

Report to the Sports Board on Council’s approach to determine a listing of potential projects to be funded from the Special Rate Variation (SRV) and other sports ground projects for delivery over the coming years.

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That Sports Board receive this report on Council’s approach to community consultation to identify potential projects for the next 5 years.

Options

1. That Sports Board receive this report on Council’s approach to community consultation to identify potential projects for the next 5 years.

Implications: This will keep the Sports Board informed of our approach and give them the opportunity to advocate to our sporting associations to be part of the program for delivery of upgrades, improvements and embellishments to the Shoalhaven’s sports grounds.

Background – SRV Funding

Sports Board members will recall that Council resolved to fund, through allocation of Special Rate Variation (SRV) monies, $500,000 each year for the upgrade of playing surfaces at our sportsgrounds in the Shoalhaven.

MIN17.925 That Council:

1. Abandon any consideration of the imposition sporting field user fees and the General Manager be requested not place this on the Agenda for the term of this council

2. Include from the rates increase $500,000pa to the upgrade of our sporting fields

This resolution provided $500,000 annually + CPI for upgrades and improvements to sportsgrounds playing surfaces in the Shoalhaven.

A Community Approach to Future Asset Management Plans

Council staff have developed and maintain a list of sports grounds improvement requests. This current list includes projects identified by clubs, state sports bodies, local sporting organisations, Council staff, the Community Infrastructure Strategic Plan, and from soil testing reports etc. It should be noted that the list of projects is varied, and has not been intended at this stage to be ‘all inclusive’. See Attachment 1.

In the 19/20 financial year, the SRV allocation of funding was spent specifically on projects identified in this list, and regular updates are reported and provided to the Sports Board through the quarterly meetings. It is important to note that SRV funding relates only to the upgrade of sporting fields, so items that meet the SRV funding are identified in green in the attachment.

It is recognised that this compiled list of projects is not ‘all inclusive’ and needs further development (with inclusion of amenities, buildings etc). This will be a useful resource to inform Council’s Asset Management Plans, provide options for grant funding opportunities, and enable a longer-term strategy for delivery of sportsgrounds upgrades, embellishments and improvements. It can also continue to be used to identify projects to be funded from the SRV funding.

To involve our sporting clubs and associations, Council are proposing to write to our sporting associations, Office of Sports, the Sports Board and clubs, requesting them to identify key projects and identified works from their strategic plans for the next five years. These will then be collated and the current list updated, so that projects can be prioritised accordingly and reported to Council for endorsement.

The consultation with sports organisations will happen over the next couple of months, ready to be reported to Council’s Strategy and Assets Committee in the first quarter of the new year. It is proposed that in our communications to the sporting bodies, Council will clearly articulate the SRV funding is for sportsground surface field upgrades only, but also request to be informed about projects identified to improve, embellish and enhance our sporting grounds (this will including tennis, netball, etc).

Council would appreciate the Sports Board sharing this information with their contacts and advocating for our sporting associations to be part of this process. Council staff will forward all the necessary information and links when they are developed.

Community Engagement

Council will develop a Communication Strategy with our Communications team to go to our Sporting Associations, the Sports Board, Office of Sports. This will include a ‘Get Involved’ page on Council’s website, along with letters and Facebook feeds.

Policy Implications

The information gathered through this consultation will assist with the development of Council’s Asset Management plans, updates to the Community Infrastructure Strategic Plan, Council’s Delivery and Operational Plans and our financial planning.