Draft Sport and Recreation Strategy 2019-2029

Published on 21 March 2019

Gannawarra Shire Council residents are encouraged to have their say on a document that will guide key sport and recreation opportunities in the coming decade.

Council’s Draft Sport and Recreation Strategy 2019-29 and accompanying Implementation Plan is out for public comment, with the purpose to utilise the various strategic plans developed previously to better facilitate long-term planning and development of sport and recreational opportunities across the Shire.

“Through the development of the strategy, it has become evident that nature-based and passive recreational opportunities like walking, using a playground or visiting a park are just as important to our communities as structured sports like football and netball,” Mayor Lorraine Learmonth said.

“This focus on passive and nature-based recreation moves recreation outside the traditional township boundaries and into our magnificent natural environment.

“The draft strategy also recognises that all members of our community should have access to the social and health benefits of participating in sport and recreation, and improving opportunities for participation is a priority.”

The draft strategy encourages communities to consolidate facilities and invest in multi-purpose facilities that support wider use of formal sport and recreational facilities across the Shire.

The document also encourages investment into environmentally friendly initiatives that reduce running costs – such as solar, shade and water savings – to ensure sustainability and viability into the future.

An Implementation Plan accompanies the Strategy document, and details projects that have been identified as priorities by communities across the Gannawarra Shire.

“While some of these projects are not necessarily the responsibility of Council, we understand that these projects are important to our community and, where possible, partnerships will be formed to support these projects as appropriate,” Mayor Learmonth said.

Copies of the Draft Sport and Recreation Strategy 2019-29 can be inspected at the Cohuna and Kerang Customer Service Centres, Gateway to Gannawarra Visitor Centre in Cohuna, the Sir John Gorton Library in Kerang and online at www.gsc.vic.gov.au/Council/Public-Notices

Feedback will be accepted in writing via e-mail to council@gannawarra.vic.gov.au; delivered in person to either of Council’s offices, located at 47 Victoria Street, Kerang or 23-25 King Edward Street, Cohuna; or by post to PO Box 287, Kerang VIC 3579.

Submissions close at 5pm on Wednesday, 3 April.