JUNE 2017 | Sharon Webb

FUTURE RESIDENTS of Deloraine and surrounding towns could play their sports at a swish new recreation precinct in Alveston Drive – if they supported the idea in recent feasibility study consultations.

But don’t hold your breath:  Meander Valley Mayor Craig Perkins says any such facility will be 10-15 years in the making.

The feasibility study is part of Meander Valley Council’s decision-making process following two years’ pressure from a joint sports community group and the 2016 recommendations of Council’s own Deloraine Development Outline Plan.

Laura Richardson, spokesperson for the joint sports group, the Meander Valley Regional Recreation Precinct Working Group, said her group wants an enlarged sports precinct at the Community Complex site on Alveston Drive housing basketball, netball, football, squash and little athletics – the approach also recommended in the Outline Plan.

“More walking and cycle tracks should also be incorporated - currently we have only the riverside pathways,” Ms Richardson said.

“While our group initially was motivated by sports clubs’ needs, our thoughts now incorporate Tasmanian Craft Fair and Deloraine Performing Arts Centre needs. We want children in this area to have the facilities to play and participate in the future.”

Last year’s flood damage to football and squash facilities added impetus to already pressing demands for rejuvenated Deloraine sports facilities.

“The Little Athletics Club uses Deloraine Primary School facilities which are too small for a 400m track; we also have a 100-member netball club with no dedicated courts,” Ms Richardson said.

Squash player Rodney Youd added that facilities at the Deloraine Performing Arts Centre are antiquated; 50 players use two non-regulation- sized courts not updated in the 45 years he’s used them.

The feasibility study is funded by Meander Valley Council ($50,000), Bendigo Bank ($50,000) and the State Government Community Infrastructure Fund ($30,000).

The Bendigo Bank grant is the first tranche of $250,000 pledged overall, according to Bendigo Bank board member Lindy Norton: “The board sees this as a great opportunity for this region and we’re looking forward to the outcome of the feasibility study.”

The study is being carried out by Hobart–based company Inspiring Place, linking with Sydney sport and leisure specialists Monte Mare Consulting and Suters Architects.

Inspiring Place director John Hepper said the final report, due around October, will draw on national recreation trends and include a potential business plan for the project – a strategic assessment identifying options for a future recreation precinct and informing the next stage,” he said.

But Meander Valley Mayor Craig Perkins pointed out the final decision on recreation facility development would be Council’s.

Residents may feel some concern having seen little action from money spent on past consultations – including a 2012 sport rationalisation report by SA consultants Tredwell Management and several on swimming facilities.

In addition, Phase Two of the original Deloraine Community Complex plans incorporating swimming and squash facilities never eventuated.

The whole feasibility process is being overseen by the Deloraine Recreation Precinct Working Group with Council staff, Bendigo Bank and community sports representatives.

The key starting point is the community’s reaction to a sports precinct concept, Mayor Perkins said.

“We’re finding out what facilities we would like and can afford, and whether there are benefits in working towards this over the next 10-15 years.”

What’s in it for you? Winners: new facilities recommended. Netballers

Possible winners: improved facilities recommended long-term. Walkers Cyclists Skateboarders Performers & audiences Basketballers Football players and supporters Squash players Conference-goers

Losers: little perceivable change. Swimmers & water exercisers – improvement to summer-only facilities BMX riders – new track low priority

The full Deloraine Development Outline Plan is available at www.meander.tas.gov.au/DeloraineODP

Go-to people on Deloraine Precinct Working Group

Chair: Alana Fazackerly, Dept Premier & Cabinet.

Community members: Laura Richardson, Deloraine Basketball Club; Corey Youd, Deloraine Squash Club; Shaun Donohue, Deloraine Football Club; Douglas Tangney, Deloraine Apex Club.

Bendigo Bank: Lindy Norton.

Meander Valley Council:  Lyn While, Director Community & Development Services;  Daniel Smedley, Recreation Coordinator;  Chris Eade, Property Management Officer.

Photo | Sharon Webb