HAVING spent more than $1 million on upgrading the ground and facilities at Smythesdale, Golden Plains Shire is now seeking answers as to where its money has gone.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
With the club likely to head into recess next season and dozens of footballers and netballers left without a home, upgrades to the ground including a new surface, new netball courts, new change rooms and new coaches boxes are set to go unused.
The Shire is keen for sport to stay in Smythesdale and will seek assurances from governing bodies that youngsters in the area are looked after.
Mayor Owen Sharkie said The Courier the council was disappointed with the club missing out on joining a league next season after it requested a move away from the Central Highlands Football Netball League.
“Council has worked closely with the club committee and its volunteers to develop and implement strategies to improve the club’s governance and operations and we are confident Smythesdale Football Netball Club had the capacity to ensure long term sustainability,” Cr Sharkie said.
“We will be seeking a response from the sport’s governing bodies and a demonstration of leadership to ensure that participation opportunities are not compromised in this growth corridor, particularly for young people seeking to play in the junior competitions.”
READ MORE: A community left reeling
Cr Sharkie said the upgrade of the reserve had given the town one of the best facilities in the region.
“In recent years and in partnership with the State Government via Sport and Recreation Victoria and the Australian Football League through the country football and netball and community facility funding programs, Council has invested more $1 million to improve playing and social facilities at the Woady Yaloak Recreation Reserve,” he said.
“The decisions that have led to this latest disappointment not only impact members of the club, but the wider community of Smythesdale.
“In rural communities like Golden Plains Shire, football netball club’s play a pivotal role in social and health outcomes, as well as having a valuable impact on the local economy. These issues need to be considered and council will be seeking support from the AFL and State Government affiliates to ensure our community is provided with the support it needs moving forward.”
Have you signed up to The Courier's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in Ballarat.