NEW GOALS: Study finds shire needs more space for outdoor sports

A NEW sporting precinct at least as big as the Spring Creek Recreation Reserve and potentially nearly twice that size will need to be built in Torquay and Jan Juc within the next six years to keep up with population growth, according to a study prepared for the Surf Coast Shire.

The agenda of the councillors’ meeting on Tuesday included a report on stage one of the Torquay Jan Juc Social Infrastructure Study (TJJSIS).

The study identifies the key social infrastructure requirements, including recreation, community buildings and open space, for the Torquay and Jan Juc area for the next 15 years.

According to the report presented to councillors, Torquay represented about 45 per cent of the shire’s total population as of the 2017 Census, and this figure would rise to 54 per cent by 2036 – an extra 11,692 people.

Prepared for the shire last year by Ross Planning, the study projects there will be shortfall in space for outdoor sports of 11 hectares in six years’ time and more than 24 hectares by 2036, and states “at least one multi-sport facility will be required by 2026”.

“Ideally, this facility should be at least 8 to 15 hectares and potentially established within or on the outskirts of the long-term residential area noted in the Torquay Jan Juc Contributions Plan”.

For comparison, Bob Pettit Recreation Reserve is 7.26 hectares and Spring Creek Recreation Reserve is 8.8 hectares.

This reserve would “ideally” be in Spring Creek but “may not be suitable” there for “topographical and environmental reasons”, so could be relocated to the potential development area north of the existing development in Torquay North.

The TJJSIS also notes the Price Street precinct facilities are at capacity, with noise and car parking issues affecting both users and nearby residents, and a new multi-purpose community hub should be built elsewhere to complement and possibly replace those facilities.

Other key issues arising from stage 1 of the TJJSIS include:

• A shortage of change room facilities, given the increasing levels of participation and predicted population growth
• The Sport and Recreation Centre’s future use is not yet determined but has the potential to be a dedicated performing arts facility, and
• The Torquay Library is in need of expansion due to increasing demand.

The agenda item regarding the study was withdrawn by acting shire chief executive officer Anne Howard during Tuesday’s meeting. On Thursday, shire general manager of culture and community Chris Pike said stage one of the JTSIS would be considered at a future council meeting.

“It was withdrawn from the August Council meeting to allow extra time for related studies to be reviewed. These studies may impact on the population assumptions that underpin the timing of future facilities,” Mr Pike said.

“Stage 1 of the study assessed types of social infrastructure needed in the Torquay Jan Juc area. Some high priority facilities identified in stage 1 are already under way, including the Surf Coast Multi-Purpose Indoor Stadium and more change facilities in the Banyul-Warri Fields precinct. Council is also in the early stages of its feasibility study for a Torquay Cultural Hub including expanded library.”