Little Aths club seeks third-party support for facility plan

TORQUAY’S Little Athletics club is calling out for local donors to consider offering land or cash to help deliver a dedicated track-and-field facility for the region.

Surf Coast Little Athletics (SCLA) is gearing up for its second season this summer following early success in 2021/22, and has run a campaign this year calling for an athletics track in Torquay for its member base and broader community use.

The club petitioned the Surf Coast Shire for support of its idea, which has so far only received in-principle backing as the shire considers the facility as part of its long-term town planning.

An open letter from SCLA president Claire Osborn says the club fears it is at the start line of a several-year wait for its dream to become a reality through the shire’s planning process.

“If the history of the Torquay Hockey Club can be used as a local predictor, it is devastating to think that we are now looking at over a decade of not being afforded a dedicated space to do athletics locally,” Ms Osborn said.

SCLA says it has “outgrown” its makeshift home at Torquay College after just one season, and is asking for community sport to accelerate its plan.

“In the interest of improving the health and wellbeing of our children in particular, whose lifelong health and fitness habits can be positively influenced in these early years, I am seeking community support,” Ms Osborn said.

“If you are a local landowner who might like to see a portion of land used for this purpose, or someone able to offer philanthropic support to those residing in our wider community, your help is needed.”

The club predicts its athletics facility would require about 3.5-4 hectares and estimates the building cost at about $3.5 million.

It is also keen to explore ideas for an even grander facility that could host high-level events for regional, state and even international competitions in the future.

The latest call follows April’s 192-signature petition for the athletics track.

A shire response, backed by councillors in July, decided to consider the facility as part of a Social Infrastructure Plan that is due for release later this year.

SCLA has urged interested community members to reach out by emailing [email protected]