10-year plan for local sport

YOU can now have your say on G21 and AFL Barwon’s new Towards 2030: Strategy.

The strategy, which follows from 2020’s Play On Plan, has been established following a large increase in football and netball participation in the region and is designed to help guide the development over the next decade.

CEO of G21 Giulia Baggio said the new plan recognises a big increase in female participation, with 65 new teams since 2015 and a 424 per cent participation growth in women’s footy.

“The draft strategy has highlighted a range of issues for our football and netball communities in the G21 region, particularly related to a strong growth in participation and a female footy boom,” she said.

“We must continue to drive participation and enhance the experience of all participants, providing high quality and inclusive facilities.”

Since 2015, $67 million has been invested in football and netball club facilities in the region and more than 60 projects have been completed.

In 2019, AFL Barwon had more football and netball participation than the regional average in all age groups and in 2020 this trend continued, despite challenging lockdowns.

AFL Barwon commission chairman Craig Keating said it’s important that the organisation continually updates its strategic plan to remain effective.

“This Towards 2030: Strategy will build upon the success of the previous 2015 strategy that delivered exceptional outcomes for community clubs in the region,” he said.

“It will provide a cohesive framework for community clubs and local and state governments to work together to build sustainable infrastructure that will support participation and growth where it is most needed.”

“We thank all stakeholders involved in the draft strategy for their extensive work on the document, and we look forward to seeing recommendations progressed that will assist in the development of football and netball in the G21 region over the next 10 years and beyond.”

The strategy, in draft format, has been approved by all five LGAs in the region and is available for public feedback at g21.com.au/about-g21/engagement.