Council adopts new 10-year sport and recreation strategy

Published on 21 June 2024

West Wimmera Shire Council has adopted its Sport and Active Recreation Strategy 2024-2034, following extensive community consultation and strategic planning.

Council endorsed the document at its June Council meeting on Wednesday.

Mayor Tim Meyer highlighted the significance of this strategy in shaping the future of sport and recreation in the shire.

"This strategy outlines clear priorities and goals to maintain and improve our sporting facilities, manage these spaces effectively, and activate them for the benefit of all residents,” he said.

The strategy is structured into three key parts:

• Part A provides a comprehensive overview of current trends and challenges in sport and active recreation within West Wimmera Shire and across Victoria. It serves as a baseline for measuring progress over the next decade.

• Part B identifies three priority pillars: Facilities, Management, and Activation. These pillars will guide targeted efforts to enhance sustainability and accessibility across all sporting and recreational activities.

• Part C includes appendices detailing land ownership and management specifics unique to West Wimmera Shire. It supports ongoing community involvement in decision-making processes regarding facility management.

Following a robust community engagement process and feedback from both internal and external stakeholders, the strategy has been refined to reflect the aspirations and needs of our community.

The strategy identifies several areas needing improvement, such as outdated and ageing facilities, inadequate universal access, poorly maintained amenities, insufficient age-appropriate facilities, the necessity for enhanced seating and shade for spectators, and the rising pressures on volunteers.

Cr Meyer thanked the community for providing feedback to the strategy, which was gathered through initial surveys, community meetings, and responses to the draft strategy.

"The feedback we received has been invaluable in shaping this strategy," Cr Meyer said. The strategy will be reviewed annually to adapt to changing community needs and emerging opportunities.

It will guide future investments and projects aimed at improving recreational facilities across different geographic areas of the shire.