Community input is being sought by the Devonport Sports Infrastructure Working Group on the development of public sports infrastructure for the next 15 years.
The Devonport Sports Infrastructure Master Plan 2035 has been co-designed by the Devonport City Council, following engagement with the Working Group made up of local sporting clubs, peak organisations and Communities Tasmania, which conducted research and consultation to identify 30 projects, estimated at
approximately $80 million.
Working Group member and Devon Netball Association Office Administrator Lisa Males said the process had enabled clubs to analyse Devonport's community profile, sports participation rates and anticipated growth, and understand the condition of its sporting facilities.
Ms Males said the first round of consultation with clubs, state sporting organisations and the wider community conducted late last year, presented the Working Group with an extensive amount of information.
"We systematically worked through this to present what we believe to be a list of priority infrastructure improvements that will increase community access to and participation in sport, health, and wellbeing activities," Ms Males said.
"I also now know how fortunate we are as a regional city to have such an array of assets to build upon."
Fellow Working Group member and Devonport City Strikers Football Club President Drew Smith said the collaboration between Working Group members had been vital on identifying the master plan vision of Devonport as a healthy and active city with high-quality accessible and affordable sports infrastructure delivering community-wide social, economic, and environmental benefits.
Mr Smith said being part of the Working Group had been a rewarding experience, which established a forum that enabled input into the future strategic direction of sports infrastructure development in Devonport.
"It also provided great insight on current infrastructure and how this aligns with current and estimated future needs of sporting clubs and associations in the region.
"Establishing the master plan is critical in providing the vision, framework and a steady point of reference as to how sports infrastructure can be developed in Devonport to meet the needs of current and future end users.
"The master plan will enable informed decisions to be made on the allocation of resources to best meet the sporting needs of the region," Mr Smith said.
Devonport Mayor, Councillor Annette Rockliff, said Council initiated the co-design of a master plan in July 2020 recognising that a strong network of community sports facilities across the city can enhance liveability.
Cr Rockliff said Council was appreciative of the Working Group's efforts to develop a suite of comprehensive projects.
"Council understands the importance of regenerating our sports facilities and now we have evidence to guide us," Cr Rockliff said.
"The Working Group has done a terrific job pulling together information that paints a picture of what could be achieved in the coming decade and more.
"However, the financial impact of taking on all the recommended projects will need to be carefully considered, so I encourage all users of our sports facilities and interested community members to see if the Working Group is on the right track."
The draft Devonport Sports Infrastructure Master Plan survey closes at 9am on Monday, 29 November 2021 and can be completed online through Speak Up Devonport via Council's website.
