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This article was published on Wednesday, 22 June, 2022. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate. News articles and media releases older than 60 days are archived for future reference.

Council adopts Sport 2050 Strategic Plan

The Strategic Plan was previously developed after a need was identified to provide strategic guidance for future development of Recreation Reserves and sport facilities in Greater Shepparton. The plan outlines this future direction, along with addressing ageing infrastructure, considering major sporting developments, impacts and opportunities for the development of different reserves, along with other changes to sporting trends and opportunities.

In compiling the Strategic Plan, Council considered the long term aspirations of clubs, groups and State Sporting Associations. Mayor, Cr Shane Sali said there was a need to review and update the previous Strategic Plan to cater for the needs and desires of these user groups.

“Council were pleased to adopt the updated Sport 2050 Strategic Plan to guide the future direction of our sporting facilities and Recreation Reserves across the municipality,” he said.

“A big part of compiling this document was community feedback to better understand the needs and long term plans for users of these sites. We thank those who provided us with their feedback and helped shaped the document to ensure it caters for everyone.”

The Strategic Plan includes 37 strategic recommendations graded as high (five years), medium (10 years) and low (30 years) priorities. The recommendations are aligned with several themes including the need to enhance female participation, cultural considerations, Crown Reserves, identify facility upgrades to enhance capacity and the development of a Sports Stadium Strategy. These recommendations take in to account sporting venues across the region and the major events they play host to each year.

With more than 140 sports clubs and associations in Greater Shepparton, Cr Sali said it was more important than ever for Council to support and contribute towards sport in the region.

“Sport provides a range of social, health, economic and wellbeing benefits for the community. Council is committed to promoting access to sports facilities and services that are responsive to the cultural, social, recreational and demographic diversity of our community,” he said.

“We do this through focusing on infrastructure planning and provision to enable the benefits of sport to be realised, which is why a document such as the Sport 2050 Strategic Plan is so important.

“Through providing a range of quality sports facilities including sports grounds, reserves, pavilions and halls, we hope to develop and maintain a healthy community.”

View the Sport 2050 Strategic Plan