Hume council encourages residents to have their say on its draft active living plan that will shape the future of recreational activities across the municipality.
At the 8 December council meeting, Councillor Jarrod Bell said the demand for sports and recreation in the municipality was increasing.
“We are a sports mad community … but there are parts of our community where access to those facilities is not to the standard that we expect,” he said.
Community consultation found that residents’ top priorities were having more ways to be active close to home, safe, inclusive, and welcoming spaces and affordable, flexible options for all.
Cr Bell said the document represents $1 billion of investment over 30 years and outlines participation levels in different activities.
The most popular activity for adults in Hume over the last 12 months was walking (39.7 per cent) and for children it was swimming (22.6 per cent).
“This document will enable this organisation to put the resources and infrastructure in the places where it will make the most difference,” Cr Bell said,
Cr Bell said over the life of the active living plan, Hume will require around 30 additional indoor courts.
“The draft plan points to the need [for indoor courts] being strongest in key activity centres and growth areas … like Broadmeadows and Craigieburn.
“The where and when [of investment] will depend on future business cases, funding, land availability, and partnerships.”
Cr Bell said he was happy to see some challenging issues for Sunbury prioritised, particularly upgrades to the Sunbury Aquatic and Leisure Centre.
“It is at the end of its practical life … reliability is a real issue, with unplanned closures and equipment failures occurring too often.
“That disrupts programs and access for the community and at great expense to the ratepayer.”
Cr Bell said he also was happy to see plans to improve Sunbury’s indoor court capacity.
“Sunbury has a significant shortage of indoor courts, and demand is already exceeding what we can provide.
“Boardman Stadium operates at 90-95 per cent utilisation… and the Sunbury Basketball Association is at capacity to the point that they rely on courts outside the municipality.”
Residents can give their feedback before February 15 by visiting https://participate.hume.vic.gov.au/active-living-hume
