Project Description

The purpose of this project was to develop a considered way forward to increase the capability of developing existing sporting infrastructure within the City of Cockburn Western Suburbs. The project had been identified in the City’s Sport and Recreation Plan as a priority for investigation and investment due to the recognised lack of active sporting reserve provision.

The project scope included:

  • A review of relevant plans and documents to ensure integration with the City’s and partner organisations existing strategic planning processes.
  • A demographic analysis to establish current and emerging need up to 2036.
  • A visual audit of existing reserves and facilities to determine existing issues and adequacy.
  • A stakeholder and community consultation process.
  • To determine the needs of residents within the Western Suburbs and provide spatial recommendations in respect of existing and future reserves/facilities, including the opportunity for expansion, redevelopment and re-purpose.
  • The preparation of concept designs for the proposed reserve/facility developments, as well as the Wally Hagan Recreation Centre, and an estimation of the costs associated with all developments proposed.
  • The implications of the Developer Contribution Plan in respect of the recommendations.
  • Investigation of alternative funding sources

Subsequent to the project completion the City’s Sport and Recreation Plan was endorsed by council after a three-year drafting timeline.

Extensive consultation had already been undertaken, so to minimise “consultation overload” all historic consultation was analysed and tracked against delivery and gaps in provision identified.  These were then explored in detail with nominated community representatives and officers of the City prior to engaging with sporting groups and undertaking further community surveys. This ensured a considered and seamless ‘buy-in’ by community groups.

The resultant plan complemented existing strategic documents and provided strategies, actions and recommendations on each sporting site accompanied by a Master Plan. It addressed current and future needs of the community to allow key stakeholders to plan and deliver facilities to cater for future growth more effectively. The Strategy has been used to inform future budget planning and allocations under the Long-Term Financial Plan.

Client

City of Cockburn

Consultant

Dave Lanfear