Athletics track plan clears first hurdle

SURF Coast Shire council has given provisional support for a purpose-built athletics facility at Torquay, with officers to consider funding a feasibility study for the project.

Surf Coast Little Athletics (SCLA) president Claire Osborn presented a 221-person petition at last week’s council meeting, calling on the council to fund a feasibility study into a Torquay athletics track.

The study would be the first step of an idea SCLA flagged earlier this year to develop a master plan for the facility that could help attract government funding.

Ms Osborn said the local association planned to build on its successful first season from the past summer and provide a purpose-built facility for Surf Coast athletes.

“Landy Field in Geelong is the nearest track and field facility, and their competition has been at capacity for some years,” she said.

“Families on the Surf Coast wishing to participate in athletics have had to travel to Geelong but this is a barrier to participation.

“We need infrastructure to deliver our program and serve the community long into the future.

“Dedicated facilities would serve the community beyond our user group which is currently servicing little athletics at Torquay College.”

Councillors unanimously agreed to accept the petition and said they looked forward to considering a more detailed outline of the project’s potential benefits for the local community.

“My kids were part of Little Aths this year for some of the sessions and they really loved it,” Cr Liz Pattison said.

“It’s a great organisation, and it really embodies a healthy and connected community.”

Council officers will present a report regarding the petition by the July meeting.