Aireys Inlet Recreation Infrastructure Strategy ... - Surf Coast Shire

IntroductionStage one of this project foundthat there was demand for, andmerit to further investigate thefeasibility of a range of recreationfacilities for Aireys Inlet, including:–– An indoor sports court–– An indoor gym and weighttraining facilities–– A recreation reserveaccommodating a playing field andsocial/ family recreation facilitiesThe workshops and projectreference group meetingsconfirmed the sites that neededto be investigated further toaccommodate these facilities were:–– The expansion of the Aireys InletCommunity Centre to includea full sized netball/ basketballcourt and group fitness facilities–– The Fairhaven Surf Lifesaving Club(for a gym/ weight training facility)–– A site in the Painkalac CreekValley for a recreation reserve, (ifit could be provided with limitedimpact on visual character andthe natural environment).Stage one also identified thedemand for additional facilitiesincluding an indoor pool, andwalking and cycling facilities,however it agreed that provisionof an indoor pool would not to bepursued further, given that otherShire-wide reviews are underway.Also walking and cycling trailimprovements would not beconsidered further in this project asCouncil is already pursuing these.Stage one also investigated thepossible development of the GilbertStreet/ Boundary Road site for thedevelopment of an indoor court/gym or playing field. This was foundunsuitable for accommodating allthese facilities. Council agreed thatthis second stage should “identifyoptions and strategies for meetingthe recreation infrastructureneeds identified in the needsanalysis”, and to “undertake furtherinvestigations as to alternativerecreational/ tourism activities thatcould be suitable for the GilbertStreet/ Boundary Road site”.MethodsIn this stage of the project additionalconsultation was undertaken withclubs, stakeholders and CouncilOfficers. Appendix 2. provides a listof people consulted in Stage 2 andnotes from the consultation process.Two workshops were undertakento discuss the development of eachtype of infrastructure, (i.e. the gym/indoor court, and the recreationreserve). Appendix 2 providesnotes from these workshops.Site inspections were conductedof relevant facilities in adjacenttowns, and an inventory prepared.These were used to assessthe likely impact of additionalrecreation infrastructure in AireysInlet on existing facilities.Based on information concerningthe nature of the facility desiredand required to meet theactivity requirements, basic siteoptions for a recreation reserveincluding a playing field, and anindoor court and gym activitieswere prepared by @leisure.A proposed schedule of use andprobable costs was then preparedfor each development. Basedon costs, site implications andstakeholders comments, thesesite options were assessed.A draft site options report wasprovided for consideration atan internal workshop, and thenthis report was prepared.Recreationinfrastructureobjectives and strategyThe assessment for this projectconcluded that there is considerabledemand and merit in providingadditional infrastructure inAireys Inlet to include:–– a recreation reserve toaccommodate outdoor cricket,Australian Rules football andsoccer, and environmental activities–– indoor court sports such asbasketball, netball, futsal and tennis–– gym and group fitness activities–– walking and cycling activitiesThe goals of providing suchinfrastructure are listed below:Goals1. To encourage more people inAireys Inlet to keep physicallyactive, participate in socialrecreation pursuits, andplay competitive sports2. To minimise the cost andrisk to families who have todrive to neighbouring townsfor indoor and outdoor teamsports or cultural and fitnessactivities (including thosePart 1 Strategy 11133096