Surf Coast Suns push for dedicated netball amenities

THE Surf Coast Suns say they are operating without basic facilities at Banyul-Warri Fields, with the club calling for dedicated netball amenities as the council pursues a broader precinct-wide approach.

The region’s newest senior football and netball club is frustrated the Surf Coast Shire has not committed to developing dedicated netball facilities, instead pursuing state government funding for the project.

Surf Coast Suns netball president Claire Sadler said the club is operating “without the basic sporting infrastructure” and that current facilities posed safety and wellbeing concerns.

Netballers currently walk about 100m from the courts to change rooms and bathrooms at the Grant Pavilion.

Sadler said players and coaches had “no line of sight” between the courts and the amenities, with some making the walk in low-light conditions during evening training and games.

 

“Our players, volunteers, officials and visiting teams are expected to compete and train at a venue that lacks essential facilities including toilets, water taps, change rooms, umpire rooms, first aid spaces and other amenities that are considered standard for community sport,” she said.

“This is not simply an inconvenience – it is a genuine safety and wellbeing concern. Young players, families with small children, older spectators, umpires and volunteers carrying equipment are regularly required to leave the courts and walk considerable distances to reach toilets or change rooms.”

Surf Coast Shire general manager of placemaking and environment Chris Pike acknowledged Banyul-Warri Fields needs further investment but said the council is seeking state government funding to support future development.

“This is council’s newest and fastest growing sports and community precinct, is home to several clubs and needs careful planning to cater for all their needs and future growth,” Pike said.

 

“We agree with the Suns that investment is needed and that’s why we’re advocating strongly for government support. We just have differing views on the best solution.”

Pike said the council must consider the needs of all clubs at the precinct, including the soccer, cricket and hockey clubs.

The council is currently working with clubs on the design of four additional change rooms at Grant Pavilion, which would be available for all tenants.

“We have an integrated precinct model at Banyul-Warri Fields that delivers facilities for all clubs and avoids unnecessary duplication,” Pike said.

 

Council officers are also investigating upgrades to the netball courts, including spectator shelters and storage, while access to Wurdi-Baierr Aquatic and Recreation Centre toilet facilities when it opens in 2027 is also being explored.

The council has invested $316,000 into the precinct in the past two years, including resurfacing three netball courts and upgrading courtside shelters.

But Sadler said the delay in delivering dedicated courtside netball facilities, including change rooms and bathrooms, raises concerns about equity in community sport.

“Equity means ensuring that female athletes have access to safe, accessible and appropriate facilities, not asking them to accept lower standards or wait longer for basic amenities,” she said.

“Investment in netball is an investment in women’s and girls’ sport, and our community deserves facilities that reflect that commitment.”

 

Pike rejected claims there had been inequity in the precinct’s development.

“We believe council has a good track record of improving sporting facilities for both females and males in the Banyul-Warri Fields precinct and right across the shire, and we’re keen to continue working with the netball club and all the clubs in the precinct,” he said.

Victorian Labor candidate for Polwarth Hutch Hussein said she understood the club’s concerns.

In consultation with council, she said she would also advocate to the state government about the club’s funding needs.

Liberal Polwarth MP Richard Riordan was contacted for comment.