Statement by Bayside Mayor, Cr Laurence Evans OAM
I acknowledge and respect the right of residents to protest Council's decision to move ahead with the proposal to enter into a Development Agreement with the Victorian School Building Authority (VSBA) to fund new sports facilities at Sandringham College, Holloway Road campus.
Under this proposal, the new facilities will provide a unique opportunity for school students and the local community to access world-class sporting facilities and address historical underinvestment in female sport in Bayside.
Council has resolved to proceed with the proposed development opportunity following consultation with the community including many adjacent residents and reviewing more than 800 submissions to inform our deliberations.
The decision was a complex and challenging one. It was not easy.
It involved weighing up the impact on residents in the surrounding area and balancing this with the fair provision of facilities and recreational opportunities for residents across the municipality, especially young women.
The decision to progress entering into an agreement with the VSBA is aimed at achieving the best outcome for the broader community, including future generations.
If the proposal proceeds, it will bring greater gender equity to investment in recreation facilities in Bayside.
The proposed facility is being designed to meet the needs of the sports community and address concerns of local residents. This includes changes to operating hours, whistles, light spill, landscaping and traffic management plans as a result of external independent consultant acoustic and traffic reports and community feedback.
