Priorities for Eurobodalla’s recreation areas have been ratified with the adoption of Council’s Recreation and Open Space Strategy last month, however more community engagement is yet to come.
The strategy details 85 actions for improvement for local sportsgrounds, playgrounds and reserves throughout the shire, with the vast majority prioritised for completion within the next five years.
Council last year placed the strategy on public exhibition and received 173 submissions from residents. As a result of the feedback Council added 24 new actions and modified a further 41. More than half of the 85 actions also stipulate further community engagement to better understand and meet community needs.
Highlights from the strategy include sports park upgrades for each of the shire’s major centres, which will be based on masterplans developed in consultation with users and residents. Masterplans for Broulee’s Captain Oldrey Park, Moruya’s Gundary Sporting Precinct and Moruya Showground are already underway, while work is expected to start soon on plans for Batemans Bay’s Corrigans Reserve precinct and Narooma’s Bill Smyth Oval and pool.
New playground equipment will be installed in Long Beach, Mogo, Tomakin, Congo and Tuross Head, while selected beach access and picnic facilities are set to be improved. Council will also look at ways to increase use of community halls and open space, and at running regular events at all skate parks.
Above: Council staff working in with the Narooma Community at Walker Park, one of the many community reserves that will now see a firm commitment from Council to ensure that the community remain informed and included of any proposed changes or improvements. Photo Rob Obrien
The recreation strategy also helps establish an evidence-base to apply for funding for larger projects, like accessible viewing platforms, mountain bike trails and the Batemans Bay Coastal Headlands Walking Trail.
Council’s Divisional Manager Recreation Services Mark Upson said the document was predicated on a foundation of strong community engagement.
“The strategy was compiled after an extensive community engagement process that involved online surveys, workshops with user groups, stakeholder interviews and meetings and a 49-day exhibition period of the draft document,” he said.
“Council’s new recreation services team is looking forward to working closely with the community to implement the strategy’s actions and delivering improved sport and recreation services throughout the Eurobodalla over the next five years and beyond.”
