The rapid growth of women’s sport, and subsequent high participation rates, will force City of Newcastle (CN) to reshape its Strategic Sports Plan.
Adopted by the elected council in December 2020, the 10-year policy was designed to address future demand and inform the ongoing supply, maintenance and upgrade of infrastructure across the LGA.
As a result, CN has already delivered or started 78 of the scheme’s 93 recommendations, with more than $20 million invested into new and enhanced projects over the past three years.
But, recent data, including a predicted population boom, looks certain to drive an urgent overhaul.
Executive manager community and recreation Lynn Duffy said City of Newcastle was committed to continuing collaboration with clubs and associations as part of the updated Strategic Sports Plan.
“We’re proud to work closely with our local organisations and governing bodies on the need for facility upgrades, ensuring players at every level of their chosen sport and the community have continued access to high quality sporting and leisure opportunities,” she stated.
“In recent years, this alliance has led to the development of more inclusive, accessible and female-friendly facilities and amenities.
“That includes upgrades at Myers Park and Lugar Park, as well as major grandstand redevelopment projects at Darling Street Oval and Passmore Oval worth almost $6 million.”
Chair of City of Newcastle’s Sports Infrastructure Working Party Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz admitted the need for facilities that supported universal access was greater than ever.
“We know a governing body such as Northern NSW Football (NNSWF) has set a goal of having 30,000 female participants by 2026 and they’ll all need somewhere to train and play,” she said.
“The Strategic Sports Plan covers 12 other field-based sports including athletics, AFL, baseball, cricket, croquet, equestrian, netball, rugby league, rugby union, softball, tennis, and touch football/Oztag.
“If you take into consideration the Broadmeadow Place Strategy, we’re likely to see a population increase of 40,000 residents in that area alone, so we need to ensure we’re getting maximum use out of the 152 fields City of Newcastle manages.
“Reviewing the plan will help us secure state and federal government funding for new and upgraded sporting facility bathrooms, change rooms and lighting, while we also continue to upgrade everything from field layout to drainage and irrigation.
CN will call for expressions of interest for an independent consultant to update the Strategic Sports Plan in the next financial year.
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