Play on for future sports plan
The Scottsdale Recreation complex. Photo by Nic Betts.
July 24 2024
Basketball and netball infrastructure across the region are a high priority for upgrades according to a new draft report developed by Northern Tasmanian Development Corporation.
Hockey is also set to be the focus of significant upgrades to deal with inadequate infrastructure, while the covering of the Scottsdale Aquatic Centre pool for year-round use was an idea to be investigated.
But cricket has been left out, except for a recommendation to remove the wicket at Bridport, drawing the ire of the local association.
North East Cricket Association Secretary Jason Sarich asked questions at Monday night’s Council meeting about why cricket was classed in the report as in recess, given there were three teams playing in both senior and junior competition.
Cricketers will now be consulted as part of a 28-day public submission process to refine the Northern Tasmania Sports Facility Plan 2023, a long-term planning initiative of NTDC.
“By no way is this complete,” Commissioner Andrew Wardlaw said.
Dorset was included in the plan as an addendum late last year at a cost of $11,000, after the Council re-joined as a member NTDC.
The recommendations in the report tabled at Council’s Monday Meeting are unfunded and are not represented in Council’s Asset Management Plans, or the Long-Term Financial Plan.
General Manager John Marik said there would be extra grant funding associated with the Brisbane Olympics for sport infrastructure and being part of the NTDC process would give the council a higher chance of receiving funding rather than going it alone.
The Council’s community consultation process will gather feedback before the report is finalised and is used into the future to determine municipal priorities and how they will be funded.
High priority strategic projects include a $40,000 master plan of the Scottsdale Recreation Reserve to ensure that the needs of all groups are considered and prioritised.
As part of the Rec masterplan, the feasibility of an additional indoor court, adjoining the existing Scottsdale Stadium, should be investigated for basketball use.
So too should the development of an additional indoor court for netball as well as the consideration of the need for a third lit hardcourt and training area adjoining the existing netball court.
It suggests projects with a high priority recommendation should be undertaken as soon as resources allow, while medium priority be undertaken in next five to 10 years.
Key plan recommendations and indicative costs
AFL: Provide support to the Bridport club in maintaining their field surface including the removal of cricket pitch (High Priority) $600,000.
Support the Scottsdale club in their need for additional female friendly change facilities (Medium Priority) $650,000.
Basketball: Investigate the feasibility of developing an additional indoor court, adjoining the existing stadium to cater for demand (High Priority) $30,000.
Cricket: Consider the removal of the Bridport wicket to allow AFL better use of the field (High Priority) $10,000.
Equestrian: Assist the club in seeking funding for the development of a second sand arena (Medium Priority) $30,000
Investigate the feasibility of upgrading the existing toilets to include an accessible toilet (Medium Priority) $300,000
Hockey: Prioritise the re-surfacing and drainage upgrade to the field (High Priority) $500,000.
Consider the development of basic shelter to house their ‘canteen’ on game days (Medium Priority) $20,000.
Upgrade the existing public toilets and consider expansion to include change facility and an accessible toilet (Medium Priority) $300,000.
Install training level lighting (High Priority) $350,000.
Netball: There is a need for a third lit hardcourt and training area at Scottsdale (High Priority) $250,000.
Investigate the feasibility of developing an additional indoor court, adjoining the existing stadium to cater for demand (High Priority)
Install a better solution for the netball poles at the indoor stadium (High Priority) $20,000.
The Bridport courts require base replacement and court re-surface (High Priority) $500,000 Winnaleah and Ringarooma courts need a lighting upgrade to training standard (Medium Priority) $110,000.
Ringarooma netball requires a gender-neutral toilet facility (Medium Priority) $300,000.
Consider re-locating the playground at the Scottsdale Recreation Reserve so that it is visible (Medium Priority) $250,000
Squash: Assist the club in promoting membership and use of the facility (Ongoing). Assist the club in securing funds to sand the floors and paint the courts (Medium Priority).
Swimming: Undertake a detailed feasibility into the provision of suitable year-round options for use of the Scottsdale pools by the club, learn to swim program and lap swimmers. This could include different mechanisms to enclose the pool. (High) $30,000.
Design and construct a shelter area for use by the swimming club and community with access to power and water (High) $20,000.
Design and construct a suitable storage area for use by the swimming club within the existing grounds of the Aquatic Centre (Medium) $50,000.
Plan for the upgrade of the existing toilet and change facilities (Medium) $20,000
Engage a suitably experienced professional to redesign the aquatic centre’s plant, equipment and storage requirements and identify refurbishment/construction costs for future Council budgets (High) $20,000.
Tennis: Assist the Bridport Club in upgrading their lighting (Medium) $25,000.