Community voices needed for Sport and Recreation Strategy

Published on 22 March 2023

West Wimmera Shire Council will develop a new sport and recreation strategy to improve community participation in physical activity in the shire.

Council received $30,000 from the State Government’s 2021-22 Local Sport Infrastructure Fund for the development of a sport and recreation strategy.

The project has now been contracted to a consulting firm Tredwell Management Services to develop the strategy.

The new sport and recreation strategy will shape Council policy and planning frameworks, as well as guide the development and delivery of infrastructure, programming, and services for sport and active recreation across the shire from 2023 to 2033.

Tredwell Management Services will lead a community consultation process to better understand the needs and aspirations of residents across the region.

The consultation process will include several community engagement sessions throughout the shire.

These sessions will be an opportunity for residents to provide feedback on their sporting and recreational needs and to contribute to the development of the comprehensive sport and recreation plan.

Council Chief Executive Officer David Bezuidenhout said the development of a new sport and recreation plan was essential to building strong and engaged communities where diversity, participation, and healthy lifestyles were encouraged and valued.

“Currently, we have no such plan in place, which hinders the Council's ability to invest in new facilities and infrastructure that respond to the needs of the community,” he said.

“A new plan would help identify gaps and priorities and provide a clear direction on how to respond to the community's needs.”

Dates and times of community consultation sessions are still to be confirmed and will be advertised to the community at a later date.

In the meantime, Council is calling for anyone who would like to meet with Tredwell Management Services to register their interest by calling Sport and Recreation Officer Carlee Feder on 13 WWSC (13 99 72).