Council’s big investment in local sport

Inner West Council will invest $65 million in park and aquatic facilities over the next three years, as part of a commitment to create a healthier community.

At Tuesday night’s Council meeting, Councillors unanimously agreed to dramatically boost funding in sporting fields, parks, playgrounds and pools in order to deliver first class sporting facilities for local families and clubs throughout the local area.

Council will also investigate the need and best location for hockey and netball facilities and a hydrotherapy pool.

Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne said every person in the Inner West should have the opportunity to enjoy the health and social benefits of participating in sport.

“No child should be turned away because they have no space to play,” Mayor Byrne said. “No elderly person should have to travel many miles to enjoy the benefits of a hydrotherapy pool.

“This is the largest and most comprehensive commitment to the funding and support of community sport in the history of the Inner West,” he said.

Councillor Mark Drury, who initiated the original resolution for Council to investigate ways to increase residents’ opportunities to engage in sport, said he was pleased his proposal was so enthusiastically embraced by his fellow Councillors.

“Every man, woman and child in the Inner West should have equal access to excellent sporting facilities. We recognise that participation in community sport contributes to community health and wellbeing,” Councillor Drury said.

“Plus, we know that community sports clubs are the largest network of volunteers in our community. They need recognition, support and investment,” he said.

At the Council Meeting on Tuesday night, as part of the commitment to equal access for all, Council also resolved to progress the development of the Inner West Sporting Ground Allocation Policy, in consultation with local sporting clubs.

In May, Council plans to consider the Recreation Needs Study: A Healthier Inner West which will inform policy and strategy in the short and long term.

After that, Council will create an Office of Sport and appoint an Office of Sport Coordinator to transform Council’s relationship with sporting clubs from one based on ground hire only into a strategic partnership to improve the health and wellbeing of our community.

Council recently released the Recreation Needs Study: Community Engagement Report which summarises the key findings from community engagement, across all engagement types.

Elizabeth Heath | Communications and Marketing Coordinator Inner West Council P: +61 2 9392 5334 | E: elizabeth.heath@innerwest.nsw.gov.au | M: 0428 115 292

Council’s big investment in local sport

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