The Queensland Government provided financial assistance under the Sport and Recreation Planning Program to develop a Regional Facilities Plan for Difficult to Locate Sports (the Plan) for the Sunshine Coast, Noosa and Gympie Council areas.
Aviation (ultra-lights, model aeroplanes, para-gliding and hang-gliding), motorcycling, shooting and competitive powered water sports are covered in the Plan.
Sunshine Coast Council endorsed the Plan today (28 March 2019) after Noosa and Gympie Councils adopted the Plan through a similar process.
Tourism, Events and Sport Portfolio Councillor Jason O’Pray said there were a range of reasons some sports were more difficult to accommodate.
“These sports generally require access to large sites where they can undertake their activities without adversely impacting on residents,” Cr O’Pray said.
“There are challenges involved in locating, developing and managing facilities for difficult-to-locate sports and the three councils have agreed on a collaborative approach.
“The aim is to share the overall planning and investment priorities for the four specific sports.
“The Plan includes recommendations to guide the planning and development of these difficult- to-locate sports and will assist in identifying short, medium and long term priorities.
“It’s all part of our commitment to be a healthy, smart and creative region.”
External consultation carried out as part of the plan included reference groups and targeted consultation with relevant peak bodies, local organisations and clubs.
Key themes that emerged from consultation included participation rates being either static or increasing across the four sports categories; that local clubs are predominantly satisfied with the standard, provision and location of their current facilities; and there are some local facilities which have the ability to expand to a regional level.
“It is important to note the Plan focuses on public land and community-based clubs and sports and does not include private facilities,” Cr O’Pray said.
the Plan.
