Major Regional Sports Facility Feasibility...

Prepared by SGL Consulting Group Australia Pty Ltd.

www.sglgroup.net

Major Regional

Sports Facility

Feasibility Study Draft Report September 2014

Draft Issues and Options Report Major Regional Facilities Report 10-10-14 (VIC 23.2014) - 13 October 2014 Commercial in Confidence. SGL Consulting Group Australia Pty Ltd www.sglgroup.net

SGL Consulting Group Australia Pty Ltd Adelaide 2a Mellor St West Beach SA 5024 Phone: +61 (08) 8235 0925 Fax: +61 (08) 8353 1067 Email: [email protected] Brisbane PO Box 713 Mount Gravatt Queensland 4122 Mobile: +61 (0) 416 235 235 Email: [email protected] Melbourne Level 6, 60 Albert Road South Melbourne VIC 3205 Phone: +61 (03) 9698 7300 Fax: +61 (03) 9698 7301 Email: [email protected] Perth 19 Clayton Street East Fremantle WA 6158 Phone: +61 (0) 8 9319-8991 Mobile: +61 (0) 407 901 636 Email: [email protected] Sydney 1/273 Alfred St Nth North Sydney NSW 2060 Phone: +61 (02) 8011 0725 Fax: +61 (02) 8011 0720 Mobile: +61 (04) 17 536 198 Email: [email protected]

SGL also has offices in: • Auckland • Christchurch • Wellington

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Table of Contents

1 Introduction ..................................................................................................................... 1 1.1 Background ............................................................................................................. 1

1.1.1 Project Aim and Purpose ..................................................................................... 1 1.1.2 Study Outcomes .................................................................................................. 1

2 Project Area .................................................................................................................... 2 2.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................. 2

2.1.1 Current Population Profile .................................................................................... 2 2.1.2 Age Profile ........................................................................................................... 2 2.1.3 Population Forecast ............................................................................................. 3 2.1.4 Ethnicity ............................................................................................................... 3 2.1.5 Other Leisure Related Statistics ........................................................................... 4 2.1.6 Disability .............................................................................................................. 5 2.1.7 Summary of Demographic Review ....................................................................... 6

3 Current Facility Provision ................................................................................................ 7 3.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................. 7 3.2 Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre (NARC) ............................................... 7

3.2.1 Site Context ......................................................................................................... 8 3.2.2 Facility Review ..................................................................................................... 9 3.2.3 Management Review ......................................................................................... 10 3.2.4 Usage Review ................................................................................................... 10 3.2.5 Program Usage Review ..................................................................................... 11 3.2.6 Financial Review................................................................................................ 12

3.3 Reservoir Leisure Centre (RLC) ........................................................................... 14 3.3.1 Management Review ......................................................................................... 15 3.3.2 Total Usage Review ........................................................................................... 16 3.3.3 Program Usage Review ..................................................................................... 16 3.3.4 Membership Review .......................................................................................... 17 3.3.5 Financial Review ............................................................................................... 18

3.4 Indoor Sporting Provision .................................................................................... 19 3.5 Council Owned Facilities ...................................................................................... 20

3.5.1 Darebin Community Sports Stadium .................................................................. 20 3.5.1.1 Occupancy Review ......................................................................................... 20 3.5.1.2 Usage Review................................................................................................. 21 3.5.1.3 Financial Review. ............................................................................................ 22 3.5.1.4 Court Hire Fees .............................................................................................. 23 3.5.2 Merrilands Community Centre ........................................................................... 23 3.5.3 Keon Park Youth Club ....................................................................................... 23 3.5.4 Kingsbury Youth Club ........................................................................................ 23

3.6 Darebin Indoor Sports Centre (DISC) ................................................................... 24 3.6.1 Facilities ............................................................................................................ 24 3.6.2 Management Structure ...................................................................................... 24

3.7 Indoor Sporting and Aquatic / Leisure Facility Catchments............................... 25 3.7.1 Aquatic and Leisure Facility Catchments ........................................................... 26 3.7.2 Indoor Stadiums Facility Catchments ................................................................. 27

4 Market Research and Consultation ............................................................................... 28 4.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................... 28 4.2 Review of Previous Research and Literature ...................................................... 28 4.3 Key Stakeholders .................................................................................................. 30

4.3.1 Internal Council Staff Meeting ............................................................................ 30 4.3.2 Darebin City Council Strategic Planning ............................................................ 33 4.3.3 Key Stakeholder Discussions ............................................................................ 34 4.3.3.1 Darebin Basketball Association ....................................................................... 34 4.3.3.2 Whittlesea Basketball Association................................................................... 36

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4.3.3.3 Darebin Netball Association ............................................................................ 36 4.3.3.4 Keon Park Youth Club .................................................................................... 38 4.3.3.5 Parkside Netball Club ..................................................................................... 38 4.3.3.6 Heights Junior Netball Club............................................................................. 38 4.3.3.7 Northern Football League – Netball Competition ............................................. 38 4.3.3.8 Yarra Valley Netball ........................................................................................ 39 4.3.3.9 Shooters Basketball Club ................................................................................ 39 4.3.4 C.H. Sullivan Stadium ........................................................................................ 40 4.3.5 La Trobe University ............................................................................................ 40

4.4 State Sports Associations .................................................................................... 41 4.4.1 Swimming Victoria ............................................................................................. 42 4.4.2 Basketball Victoria ............................................................................................. 42 4.4.3 Netball Victoria .................................................................................................. 42 4.4.4 Badminton Victoria ............................................................................................. 43 4.4.5 Volleyball Victoria .............................................................................................. 43 4.4.6 Table Tennis Victoria ......................................................................................... 44 4.4.7 Football Federation Victoria (Futsal) .................................................................. 44 4.4.8 Victorian Roller Derby League ........................................................................... 45 4.4.9 Sport and Recreation Victoria ............................................................................ 46 4.4.10 Other .............................................................................................................. 47

4.5 User Surveys ......................................................................................................... 47 4.5.1 Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre .......................................................... 47 4.5.2 User Survey Analysis ......................................................................................... 47 4.5.2.1 Times the Centre was used most .................................................................... 48 4.5.2.2 Getting to the Centre....................................................................................... 48 4.5.2.3 Visits to Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre ......................................... 49 4.5.2.4 Reasons for choosing to use the Centre ......................................................... 49 4.5.2.5 Rating the facilities .......................................................................................... 49 4.5.2.6 Rating of the Service and Programs ............................................................... 50 4.5.2.7 Main Activities Undertaken at the Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre .. 51 4.5.2.8 Use of other swimming pools/leisure centres in the last 12 months................. 51 4.5.2.9 Future facility features that would encourage greater use of public swimming pools 51 4.5.3 Reservoir Leisure Centre ................................................................................... 52 4.5.3.1 User Survey Analysis ...................................................................................... 52 4.5.3.2 Respondent Profile ......................................................................................... 52 4.5.3.3 Times the Centre was used most .................................................................... 53 4.5.3.4 Visits to Reservoir Leisure Centre ................................................................... 54 4.5.3.5 Reasons for choosing to use the Centre ......................................................... 54 4.5.3.6 Rating the facilities .......................................................................................... 55 4.5.3.7 Rating of the Service and Programs ............................................................... 55 4.5.3.8 Main Activities Undertaken at the Reservoir Leisure Centre ............................ 56 4.5.3.9 Use of other swimming pools/leisure centres in the last 12 months................. 56 4.5.3.10 Future facility features that would encourage greater use of public swimming pools 57

4.6 Review and Benchmarking of Regional Facilities ............................................... 58 4.6.1 Banyule City Council .......................................................................................... 60 4.6.2 Moreland City Council ........................................................................................ 60 4.6.3 Whittlesea City Council ...................................................................................... 60 4.6.4 Yarra City Council .............................................................................................. 61 4.6.5 Boroondara City Council .................................................................................... 61 4.6.6 Hume City Council ............................................................................................. 61

4.7 Indoor Sports and Aquatic Facilities Trends ....................................................... 61 4.7.1 Indoor Sporting Facility Trends .......................................................................... 61 4.7.2 General recreation and Sports Trends ............................................................... 62

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4.7.3 Comparison of National/State Sporting and Recreation Participation Trends ..... 63 4.7.4 Aquatic Facility Trends ...................................................................................... 64 4.7.5 Leisure and Aquatic Trends that Impact on Leisure Facilities ............................ 65 4.7.6 General Aquatic Facility Trends ......................................................................... 66 4.7.7 Specific Aquatic Facility Trends ......................................................................... 66 4.7.8 Potential Future Aquatic Facility Trends ............................................................. 69

5 Summary of Key Issues and Opportunities .................................................................... 71 5.1 Summary of Key Findings – Issues and Opportunities ...................................... 71

5.1.1 Demographic Review ......................................................................................... 71 5.1.2 Proposed Developments.................................................................................... 71 5.1.3 Aquatic, Leisure and Indoor Sport Facilities ....................................................... 72 5.1.4 Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre (NARC) ............................................ 72 5.1.4.1 Issues and Opportunities ................................................................................ 73 5.1.5 Reservoir Leisure Centre ................................................................................... 74 5.1.5.1 Issues and Opportunities ................................................................................ 75 5.1.6 Indoor Sports Facilities ...................................................................................... 77 5.1.6.1 Issues and Opportunities ................................................................................ 78 5.1.7 Estimating Future Indoor Court Facility Requirements ....................................... 79 5.1.8 Sullivan Sports Stadium ..................................................................................... 80

5.2 Recommended Actions ......................................................................................... 81

Directory of Tables TABLE 2.1 CITY OF DAREBIN AREA RESIDENT AGE PROFILE ....................................................... 2 TABLE 2.2 CITY OF DAREBIN - COUNTRY OF BIRTH ....................................................................... 4 TABLE 2.3 HOUSEHOLD WEEKLY INCOME LEVELS ......................................................................... 4 TABLE 2.4 VEHICLE OWNERSHIP ....................................................................................................... 5 TABLE 2.5 PERSONS IN NEED OF ASSISTANCE WITH CORE ACTIVITIES .................................... 6 TABLE 3.1 NARC – FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE ............................................................................. 12 TABLE 3.2 NARC – FINANCIAL REVIEWS SUMMARY 2008/2009 – 2013/2014 .............................. 12 TABLE 3.3 NARC – OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE REVIEW 2009/2010 – 2013/2014 ................ 13 TABLE 3.4 RESERVOIR LEISURE CENTRE – FINANCIAL REVIEWS SUMMARY 2008/2009 –

2013/2014 ....................................................................................................................................... 18 TABLE 3.5 RESERVOIR LEISURE CENTRE – OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE REVIEW

2008/2009 – 2013/2014 .................................................................................................................. 18 TABLE 3.6 DAREBIN INDOOR SPORTS FACILITIES AND COURTS ............................................... 19 TABLE 3.7 PERMANENT USER GROUPS ATTENDANCES ............................................................. 21 TABLE 3.8 CASUAL USAGE ATTENDANCES .................................................................................... 21 TABLE 3.9 DAREBIN COMMUNITY SPORTS CENTRE – FINANCIAL REVIEWS SUMMARY

2008/2009 – 2013/2014 .................................................................................................................. 22 TABLE 3.10 DAREBIN COMMUNITY SPORTS CENTRE – OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE

REVIEW 2008/2009 – 2013/2014 .................................................................................................. 23 TABLE 4.1 PREVIOUS RESEARCH AND DOCUMENT SUMMARY .................................................. 28 TABLE 4.2 DAREBIN COUNCIL OFFICERS CONSULTATION (12 JUNE 2014) ............................... 30 TABLE 4.3 DEVELOPMENT AREA ...................................................................................................... 33 TABLE 4.4 CURRENT USAGE - DAREBIN BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION ....................................... 34 TABLE 4.5 SUMMARY – DAREBIN BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION TEAMS 2011/12 – 2013/14 ....... 35 TABLE 4.6 SUMMARY – DAREBIN BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION TOTAL PARTICIPANTS 2011/12

– 2013/14 ........................................................................................................................................ 35 TABLE 4.7 DAREBIN BASKETBALL PARTICIPATION COMPARISON AGAINST STATE AND

NATIONAL PARTICIPATION ......................................................................................................... 36 TABLE 4.8 PARTICIPATION LEVELS ................................................................................................. 37 TABLE 4.9 SUMMARY–DAREBIN NETBALL ASSOCIATION TOTAL PARTICIPANTS 2012–2014 . 37 TABLE 4.10 DAREBIN NETBALL PARTICIPATION COMPARISON AGAINST STATE AND

NATIONAL PARTICIPATION ......................................................................................................... 37 TABLE 4.11 NORTHERN FOOTBALL LEAGUE NETBALL PARTICIPATION 2008-2014 ................. 39

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TABLE 4.12 SHOOTERS BASKETBALL CLUB JUNIOR PARTICIPATION 2012-2014 ..................... 39 TABLE 4.13 BASKETBALL VICTORIA REGISTRATION NUMBERS ................................................. 42 TABLE 4.14 DAREBIN RESIDENTS REGISTERED WITH NETBALL VICTORIA .............................. 43 TABLE 4.15 VOLLEYBALL PARTICIPATION 2010-2013 .................................................................... 44 TABLE 4.16 REGISTERED TABLE TENNIS PLAYERS 2011-2013.................................................... 44 TABLE 4.17 USER SURVEY RESPONDENT SAMPLE ...................................................................... 47 TABLE 4.18 CENTRE USAGE TIMES ................................................................................................. 48 TABLE 4.19 CENTRE USAGE TIMES ................................................................................................. 48 TABLE 4.20 GETTING TO THE NORTHCOTE AQUATIC AND RECREATION CENTRE ................. 48 TABLE 4.21 USE OF ST ALBANS LEISURE CENTRE ....................................................................... 49 TABLE 4.22 RATINGS OF FACILITIES ............................................................................................... 49 TABLE 4.23 RATINGS OF SERVICES AND PROGRAMS .................................................................. 50 TABLE 4.24 LIKELIHOOD TO INCREASE CENTRE VISITATION ...................................................... 51 TABLE 4.25 USER SURVEY RESPONDENT SAMPLE ...................................................................... 53 TABLE 4.26 CENTRE USAGE TIMES ................................................................................................. 53 TABLE 4.27 CENTRE USAGE TIMES ................................................................................................. 53 TABLE 4.28 GETTING TO THE RESERVOIR LEISURE CENTRE ..................................................... 54 TABLE 4.29 USE OF RESERVOIR LEISURE CENTRE ...................................................................... 54 TABLE 4.30 RATINGS OF FACILITIES ............................................................................................... 55 TABLE 4.31 RATINGS OF SERVICES AND PROGRAMS .................................................................. 55 TABLE 4.32 LIKELIHOOD TO INCREASE CENTRE VISITATION ...................................................... 57 TABLE 4.33 NEIGHBORING MUNICIPALITIES FACILITIES .............................................................. 58 TABLE 4.34 PARTICIPATION TRENDS .............................................................................................. 64 TABLE 5.1 OPERATING PERFORMANCE COMPARISON NARC AND RLC 2013/2014 ................. 76 TABLE 5.2 COURT REQUIREMENTS – 2012 – 2031 BASED ON CURRENT PARTICIPATION

RATES ............................................................................................................................................ 80 TABLE 5.3 COURT REQUIREMENTS – 2012 – 2031 BASED ON POTENTIAL PARTICIPATION

RATES ............................................................................................................................................ 80

Appendices APPENDIX ONE: Occupancy Table Darebin Community Sports Centre APPENDIX TWO: User Survey Comments

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1.1 Background

SGL were commissioned by the City of Darebin in May 2014 to undertake a Feasibility Study for the provision of major regional sports facilities in the Darebin area over the next ten to twenty years to 2031. In 2010 Council adopted the Darebin Leisure Strategy Action Plan 2010-2014. The Strategy identified the following key actions for implementation:

Conduct a cost-benefit analysis on the preferred management models for service delivery of the Darebin Leisure Centres

Undertake a development plan for the future of the Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre.

Undertake a development plan for the future of the Reservoir Leisure Centre.

Conduct a review of the management and function of the C.H. Sullivan Sports Stadium

Conduct a feasibility study for an indoor stadium for the Southern end of the municipality

1.1.1 Project Aim and Purpose

The aim of this project is to establish the need for major leisure facilities in Darebin, to prioritise future development, to understand the funding requirements and possibilities and to develop draft plans for the first priority location. This project will make recommendations regarding the type, location, operational model, probable cost and potential funding partners of any such facilities identified as being required.

1.1.2 Study Outcomes

This study evaluates existing facility provision within the Council area and identifies the increase in demand anticipated through the potential population growth over the next 17 years, when the population is expected to grow by approximately 30,924 people from the 2014 population base of 136,474

The approach involved three distinct phases of work:

What have you got? – evaluating the supply of facilities within the municipality, considering issues such as size, type and level of usage, and access.

What do you need? – examining current and future needs through a variety of methods including a review of existing research/policies, wide ranging stakeholder consultation, and catchment area analysis

How will this be delivered? – evaluating options for delivering this recommended provision, including innovative approaches for securing funding through growth area developments.

The vision for Councils regional sports facilities is To create a network of high quality community and specialist sports facilities within the Darebin area that will enhance the quality of life of existing and new communities

1 Introduction


2.1 Introduction

The following section summarises the key population and demographic characteristics and trends likely to impact future participation in sport and recreation within the Darebin area. The population and demographic profiles are based wherever possible on the 2011 ABS Census data and has been sourced from .id, an online company that analyses ABS Census data.

2.1.1 Current Population Profile

The 2011 ABS Census data shows that the City of Darebin had a population of 136,474 persons in 2011.

2.1.2 Age Profile

The City of Darebin area age profile is summarised in the table below. The following table provides an overview of the changes in population between 2006 and 2011 and includes a comparison to the Greater Melbourne population profile.

Table 2.1 City of Darebin Area Resident Age Profile

Five year age groups (years)

2011 2006 Change 2006 to 2011 Number % Greater

Melbourne % Number % Greater

Melbourne %

0 to 4 8,860 6.5 6.5 8,184 6.4 6.3 +676

5 to 9 7,284 5.3 6.0 6,726 5.3 6.3 +558

10 to 14 6,101 4.5 5.9 6,000 4.7 6.4 +101

15 to 19 6,475 4.7 6.3 6,740 5.3 6.7 -265

20 to 24 10,738 7.9 7.5 9,930 7.8 7.4 +808

25 to 29 12,905 9.5 7.9 10,607 8.3 7.1 +2,298

30 to 34 12,410 9.1 7.5 11,551 9.0 7.7 +859

35 to 39 11,650 8.5 7.5 11,655 9.1 7.9 -5

40 to 44 11,075 8.1 7.5 9,680 7.6 7.5 +1,395

45 to 49 9,024 6.6 6.9 8,545 6.7 7.2 +479

50 to 54 7,932 5.8 6.4 6,958 5.4 6.4 +974

55 to 59 6,490 4.8 5.6 6,079 4.7 5.9 +411

60 to 64 5,542 4.1 5.1 5,063 4.0 4.5 +479

65 to 69 4,649 3.4 3.9 5,058 3.9 3.6 -409

70 to 74 4,551 3.3 3.0 4,907 3.8 3.0 -356

75 to 79 4,195 3.1 2.4 4,553 3.6 2.6 -358

80 to 84 3,519 2.6 2.0 3,300 2.6 2.0 +219

85 and over 3,074 2.3 1.8 2,527 2.0 1.6 +547

Total 136,474 100.0 100.0 128,063 100.0 100.0 +8,411 Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Census of Population and Housing 2006 and 2011. Compiled and presented in profile.id by .id, the population experts.

Analysis of the age group data for Darebin compared to Greater Melbourne in 2011 indicates that there was a lower proportion of people in the younger age groups (under 15 years of age) and a higher proportion of people in the older age groups (65+ years).

2 Project Area

http://www.abs.gov.au/census

http://home.id.com.au/about-us/


Analysis of the age structure of Darebin in 2011 shows overall, 16.3% of the population were aged between 0 and 15, and 14.6% were aged 65 years and over. This is compared to 18.5% and 13.1% respectively in Greater Melbourne. The major differences between the age structure of the City of Darebin and Greater Melbourne were:

A larger percentage of people aged 30 to 34 (9.1% compared to 7.5%)

A larger percentage of people aged 25 to 29 (9.5% compared to 7.9%)

A smaller percentage of people aged 15 to 19 (4.7% compared to 6.3%)

A smaller percentage of people aged 10 to 14 (4.5% compared to 5.9%)

The largest changes in age structure in this area between 2006 and 2011 were in the age groups:

25 to 29 (+2,298 persons)

40 to 44 (+1,395 persons)

50 to 54 (+974 persons)

30 to 34 (+859 persons)

2.1.3 Population Forecast It is expected that there will be an overall trend of an increasing population for the Darebin area. In 2031 it is projected that there will be an extra 30,924 people living within the municipality from the 2011 figure. The population is expected to increase as follows:

2011 – 143,056

2016 – 152,075

2021 – 160,031

2026 – 166,900

2031 – 173,980

It should be noted however that this estimate was prepared prior to the 2011 census figures, which shows Darebin’s population in 2011 was 136,474, which is 6,582 fewer residents than anticipated. Whilst it is difficult to determine by exactly how much the population will increase, any increase is likely to come from increased urban density which will continue to place increasing importance on public open space and community leisure facilities.

2.1.4 Ethnicity Darebin has a culturally diverse community, with almost one third of residents being born in a non-English speaking country. 55.9% (76,247) of residents speak English only meaning that at least 44.1% speak a language other than English.


The table below shows the main countries of birth of Darebin residents. Table 2.2 City of Darebin - Country of Birth

Birthplace 2011 2006 Change 2006 to 2011

Number % Greater

Melbourne % Number %

Greater Melbourne %

Australia 81,889 60.0 63.3 76,532 59.8 64.5 +5,357

Italy 7,166 5.3 1.7 8,056 6.3 2.0 -890

Greece 4,998 3.7 1.2 5,581 4.4 1.4 -583

India 4,445 3.3 2.7 2,462 1.9 1.4 +1,983

China 4,335 3.2 2.3 3,103 2.4 1.5 +1,232

United Kingdom 3,223 2.4 4.1 2,794 2.2 4.4 +429

Vietnam 2,330 1.7 1.7 2,006 1.6 1.6 +324

New Zealand 1,854 1.4 1.7 1,339 1.0 1.5 +515

Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia

1,322 1.0 0.4 1,461 1.1 0.5 -139

Lebanon 1,273 0.9 0.4 1,404 1.1 0.4 -131

Total born overseas

Non English speaking backgrounds

39,588 29.0 24.2 35,811 28.0 21.6 +3,777

Main English speaking countries

6,442 4.7 7.2 5,085 4.0 7.0 +1,357

Total 136,474 100.0 100.0 128,065 100.0 100.0 +8,409

Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Census of Population and Housing, 2006, 2011. Analysis of the country of birth of the population in Darebin in 2011 compared to Greater Melbourne shows that there were a larger proportion of people born overseas as well as a higher proportion of people from a non-English speaking background. Overall, 33.7% of the population were born overseas compared to 31.4% in Greater Melbourne. The dominant non-English speaking country of birth in Darebin was Italy, where 5.3% of the population were born, followed by Greece, India and China.

2.1.5 Other Leisure Related Statistics

Two major constraints, which limit people’s participation in leisure activities, are the availability of private transport to access facilities and the cost of participating in activities. A review of income levels and the vehicle ownership of Darebin residents appear below.

Table 2.3 Household Weekly Income Levels

Weekly income 2011

Darebin %

Greater Melbourne %

Negative Income/Nil Income 1.7 1.7

$1-$199 2.1 1.6

$200-$299 3.3 2.4

$300-$399 7.0 5.3

$400-$599 9.5 8.1

$600-$799 7.9 7.7

$800-$999 7.4 7.5

$1000-$1249 8.3 8.0

$1250-$1499 7.2 7.4

$1500-$1999 10.8 11.7

$2000-$2499 8.0 8.6

$2500-$2999 7.1 8.4


Weekly income 2011

Darebin %

Greater Melbourne %

$3000-$3499 4.5 4.9

$3500-$3999 2.1 2.4

$4000-$4999 1.6 2.0

$5000 or more 1.2 1.8

Not stated 10.3 10.6

Total households 100.0 100.0

The table above details the household weekly income levels of Darebin residents:

The review of the income levels of Darebin residents indicates:

Residents in Darebin are more likely to earn a lower income than those residents in Greater Melbourne (those earning less than $600 per week). 23.7% of households in Darebin were low income earners compared to 19.2% in Greater Melbourne.

There are a smaller proportion of high income earners (those earning $2,500 per week or more). Overall 16.4% of residents in Darebin earn a high income, compared to 19.4% of Greater Melbourne residents.

Vehicles garaged at home by residents based on the 2011 ABS statistics are detailed in the following table: Table 2.4 Vehicle Ownership

Number of cars 2011

Darebin %

Greater Melbourne %

No motor vehicles 14.1 9.0

1 motor vehicle 40.8 33.9

2 motor vehicles 28.0 35.5

3 or more motor vehicles 9.6 15.4

Not stated 7.5 6.3

Total households 100.0 100.0

The review of the Vehicle ownership of Darebin residents indicates:

14.1% of residents have no vehicle and 78.4% have at least one vehicle per household compared to 9.0% and 84.8% for the Greater Melbourne, respectively.

Darebin vehicle ownership is lower than Greater Melbourne indicating that more residents may not have the ability to independently access leisure facilities. This highlights the reliance of many residents on public transport, which needs to be considered in future facility development.

Any future facility design should take into cycle and walking access to the facility.

2.1.6 Disability

The Australian Bureau of Statistic has developed a “Core Activity Need for Assistance” variable that measures the number of people with a profound or severe disability. These people are defined as needing help or assistance in one or more of the three core activities of self-care, mobility and communication because of a disability, long-term health condition (lasting six months or more), or old age.


The table provides a summary of Persons In Need of Assistance Table 2.5 Persons In Need of Assistance with Core Activities

Category 2011

Number Darebin %

Greater Melbourne %

Total persons needing assistance 8,050 5.9 4.5

Total persons not needing assistance 119,882 87.8 90.3

Not stated 8,542 6.3 5.2

Total population 136,474 100.0 100.0

A review of a person’s need for assistance shows that Darebin has 1.4% more people in need of assistance compared to Greater Melbourne.

2.1.7 Summary of Demographic Review

The following provides a summary of the key findings from the project area’s demographic review.

The City of Darebin Local Government area covers an area of 53 sq. km. and had a total population of 136,474 people in 2011.

Approximately 5 out of 10 people (47.5%) are aged in their most active years of 0 – 35 years. This indicates that the current pressure and demands being placed on Council to provide a range of leisure activities and facilities to meet the needs of residents will continue.

The top five overseas countries of birth are Italy, Greece, India, China and the United Kingdom. The impact of this is that leisure activities will need to be aware of cultural issues and coordinate both the programs and promotional campaigns to these markets.

The review of annual income levels indicated that a significant proportion of the population had limited access to disposable income and therefore recreation and leisure facilities and activities need to be set at an affordable fee level to encourage their participation. 23.7% of households have access to less than $600 weekly income.

Approximately 14% of Darebin residents do not have access to a private vehicle, which could be used to travel to leisure activities and facilities. This indicates that many residents are reliant on public transport systems to access facilities.

When planning for future sporting and leisure facilities, the need for facilities to be located with access to public transport, is very important due to the high number of young people as well as high numbers of those who do not have access to private vehicles.

Any future facility design should take into cycle and walking access to the facility


3.1 Introduction

A review of sporting facilities across the Darebin area identified in excess of 78 facilities used for either sports training or competition. The key facilities include

29 outdoor sporting reserves servicing cricket, Australian rules football, soccer and rugby

8 lawn bowls greens

1 outdoor velodrome and 1 indoor International velodrome

3 golf courses (2 public, 1 private)

12 tennis complexes

2 athletic facilities

1 baseball facility

1 hockey synthetic pitch

1 bocce clubs

3 Aquatic and Leisure Centres (2 public, 1 university)

7 indoor court facilities providing (10) courts

Of the above facilities the following five are classified as Councils Major Sporting Facilities in Darebin. The Darebin Indoor Sports Centre and Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre are the only facilities that are classified as regional due to the wider catchment they attract:

Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre (NARC)

Reservoir Leisure Centre (RLC)

Darebin Community Sports Centre

C.H. Sullivan Sports Stadium

Darebin Indoor Sports Centre (DISC)

The following section provides a review of facilities and operational performance of each of the four major sporting facilities

3.2 Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre (NARC)

The Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre is located at 180 Victoria Rd, Northcote. The original facility was built in 1968 as an outdoor pool facility with four pools including a 50 metre, 25m pool, dive pool and toddlers pool. The Centre was redeveloped in 1990 when the indoor components were added to the Centre. The Centre now includes the following components.

Indoor 25m x 10 lane pool

Learn to swim pool and beach entry

Spa/sauna and steam room

3 Current Facility Provision


Gymnasium

Group fitness room

Crèche

Café

Change rooms and amenities (male/female/accessible)

Front of house/reception/retail

The outdoor dive pool was subsequently demolished around 1999.

Figure 1: Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre

3.2.1 Site Context

The Centre is located within McDonnell Park sporting precinct. Within the park there are six synthetic grass tennis courts, with lights located close to the Centre. There is no club associated with the courts however, coaching is available at the facility. The YMCA is responsible for casual booking of the tennis courts. The Centre is also located adjacent to two junior sized ovals within McDonnell Park which are home to the Dennis Cricket Club and the Northcote Junior Football Club. The Thornbury Maternal and Child Centre and the Clifton Street Children’s Centre are also located within the precinct.


Figure 2: McDonnell Park Precinct

3.2.2 Facility Review

The redevelopment in 1990 renewed the Centre’s popularity as a regional facility achieving high levels of financial performance and participation. It has now been 24 years since the facility was redeveloped and during peak periods, the facilities are often over crowded. The Centre has undergone some improvements since the redevelopment including works to the 50m outdoor pool to improve its appearance and functionality. A co-generation plant has also recently been installed to improve sustainability of operations. The Darebin City Council has been considering the redevelopment of the Centre for a number of years, completing a Master Plan for the redevelopment of the facility in 2003. The Master Plan recommended the following upgrades to the facility:

Enlarging the indoor pool space for improved accessibility to programs, recreational swimming and lap swimming.

Enlarging the gymnasium/fitness programming room to cater for increased membership demand

Increasing the amount of indoor leisure water to cater for families and children.

Improving the change rooms and toilets

Increasing the size, layout and function of the kiosk area

The permanent removal of the diving pool

Extension of the crèche facilities

Improving the accessibility to some areas of the facility for aged and disabled users.

Attending to the maintenance issues through the technical audit

Refurbishing the centres entrance and appearance.

Consideration was also given to heating and enclosing the 25 metre outdoor pool.

The Centre has few competitors within the primary catchment however, there has been an increase in 24/7 gymnasiums in the local area creating competition for gymnasium memberships. From a regional perspective, the closest leisure and recreation facilities include Fitzroy, Coburg, Ivanhoe, Collingwood, Brunswick, Reservoir and Richmond.


3.2.3 Management Review

The YMCA has been managing the Centre since 1991. The current management contract is for a 5 year period with an option to extend for a further 4 years. This current contract commended on 1st July 2013 and will cease in June 2018. Discussions with management identified the following issues for the Centre:

The foyer is small and needs to be redeveloped and increased in size.

There is only one set of change rooms. Additional change rooms are required for school group access and family/accessible facilities.

The outdoor toddlers pool is outdated and should be replaced with a zero depth splash pad.

Retain the 25m outdoor pool but redevelop into a 25m learn to swim indoor/outdoor pool.

Retain the 50m outdoor pool and operate for 12 months of the year for school usage, events and swim training.

Increase gymnasium space to 700m2.

Increase group fitness room to 350m2.

Provide 1 or 2 smaller spaces for Pilates or wellness programs.

Provide a dedicated room for cycle classes.

Provide consulting suites.

Improve administration areas and meeting room space.

Need a centralized plant room. There are currently 3 plant rooms.

Usage of the Centre has continued to increase over a four-year period however, the Centre experienced a decline in participation in 2013/2014. This is a concern that the Centre may start to lose its market position as facilities continue to age and get more crowded

3.2.4 Usage Review

A review of usage of Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre over the last five years – 2009/2010 to 2013/2014 - has been completed and is summarised in the graph below.

Figure 3: Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre Usage 2009/2010 – 2013/2014

494,997 513,079

605,512 612,798

714,987

0

100,000

200,000

300,000

400,000

500,000

600,000

700,000

800,000

2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14

No

. Of

Vis

ists

NARC - Total Attendences


The usage review indicates:

Usage at the Centre has been steadily increasing over the period 2009/2010 to 2013/2014 with total attendances ranging from 494,997 to 714,987 visits per annum. This represents an increase of 219,990 visits over a 5-year period (44.4%).

3.2.5 Program Usage Review

The following graph details usage by the aquatic program attendances and dry health and fitness attendances by the different categories of use.

Figure 4: Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre Membership and Learn to Swim Enrolments

The attendance review indicates:

Average Learn to Swim enrolments per year have increased by 35.83% over a 6 year period from an average of 1,951 to 2,650 enrolments between 2006/2007 to 2011/2012.

Learn to Swim enrolments have been declining over a 2 year period between 2011/2012 to 2013/2014 from 2,650 to 2,572. This represents a decline of 78 enrolments (2.94%).

Active members have also increased by 3.4% over a 4 year period from 3,913 in 2009/2010 to 4,046 in 2012/2013. The number of members has since decreased between 2012/2013 and 2013/2014 from 4,046 to 3,765. This represents a decrease in memberships by 6.95%.

Figure 5: Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre Group Fitness and Recreation Swimming

Attendances

0500

10001500200025003000350040004500

No

. of

Vis

its

NARC Members and LTS Enrolments

Membership

Learn to Swim

0

20000

40000

60000

80000

100000

120000

No

. of

Vis

its

NARC Attendances in Group Fitness and Rec Swimming

Group Fitness

RecreationalSwimming


The attendance review indicates:

Actual recreation swimming attendances increased by 31% over a 5 year period between 2008/2009 from 87,178 to 114,268 in 2012/2013.

Recreation swimming attendances have decreased by 22.5% in a one year period between 2012/2013 to 2013/2014.

Actual group fitness attendances increased by 2.4% over a 4 year period between 2010/2011 from 82,017 to 84,059 in 2013/2014.

3.2.6 Financial Review.

Under the current contract, the YMCA provides a guaranteed annual return to Council for each year of the contract. The contract also requires the YMCA to provide a maintenance contribution and a 50% profit share arrangement if the guaranteed annual return fee is achieved. The following table provides information on the financial return to Council as outlined in the contract. Table 3.1 NARC – Financial Performance

Contract Year

Guaranteed Annual Return

$

Maintenance Contribution

$

Estimated Profit Share (50%)

$

Year 1 812,371 250,000 89,466

Year 2 896,162 257,500 74,898

Year 3 995,392 265,225 79,989

Year 4 1,074,807 273,182 83,938

Year 5 1,088,179 281,377 83,673

The table below provides a summary of the operational performance of the Centre over the past six years. Table 3.2 NARC – Financial Reviews Summary 2008/2009 – 2013/2014

Category Annual Revenue

$ Annual Expenditure

$

Net Operating Result Profit/(Loss)

$

2008/2009 3,769,494 3,381,006 388,487

2009/2010 4,416,854 3,881,048 535,806

2010/2011 4,839,253 4,206,993 632,260

2011/2012 5,323,348 4,477,112 846,236

2012/2013 5,371,099 4,686,857 684,242

2013/2014 5,417,750 4,739,185 678,565

The financial review for NARC for the past six years indicates:

The Centre revenue has steadily increased over a four-year period between 2008/2009 to 2013/2014 ranging from $3,769,494 in 2008/2009 to $5,417,750 in 2012/2014, an increase of approximately $1,648,256 (43.73%).

Expenditure for the Centre has also increased over the review period ranging from $3,381,006 in 2008/2009 to $4,739,185 in 2013/2014, an increase of $1,358,179 (40.2%).

Over the review period the Centre has recorded an increasing operating profit ranging from $388,487 in 2008/2009 to $846,236 in 20111/2012. However, the profit margin has been declining from 2011/2012 to 2013/2014 from $846,236 to $678,565. This has resulted in a $167,671 loss of profit (-19.81%).


Figure 6: Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre Operating Performance 2008/2009 – 2013/2014

When usage results are linked to the financial results the following business indicator trends are recorded: Table 3.3 NARC – Operational Performance Review 2009/2010 – 2013/2014

Category 2009/2010 2010/2011 2011/2012 2012/2013 2013/2014

Income $4,416,854 $4,839,253 $5,323,348 $5,371,099 $5,417,750

Expenditure $3,881,048 $4,206,993 $4,477,112 $4,686,857 $4,739,185

Net Operating (Loss) Surplus

$535,806 $632,260 $846,236 $684,242 $678,565

Attendance 494997 513079 605512 612798 566349

Revenue per User $8.92 $9.43 $8.79 $8.76 $9.57

Expenditure per User $7.84 $8.20 $7.39 $7.65 $8.37

Subsidy/surplus Per User

$1.08 $1.23 $1.40 $1.12 $1.20

Revenue as a % of Expenditure

114% 115% 119% 115% 114%

The business indicator review indicates that:

Revenue per user has increased from $8.92 in 2009/2010 to $9.57 in 2013/2014.

Expenditure per visit has fluctuated from $7.84 in 2009/2010 to $8.37 in 2012/2013.

The subsidy per user has varied from $1.08 in 2009/2010 to $1.20 in 2013/2014.

Revenue as a percentage of expenditure has remained relatively steady with a low in 2009/2010 with 114% to a high of 119% in 2011/2012.

0

1,000,000

2,000,000

3,000,000

4,000,000

5,000,000

6,000,000

$

Income

Expenditure

Operating Surplus


3.3 Reservoir Leisure Centre (RLC) The Reservoir Leisure Centre (RLC) is located within T.W. Andrews Park in Cuthbert Road Reservoir. The Centre first opened in 1958 as an outdoor aquatic facility. The Centre was redeveloped in 2009 and now includes the following components:

25m indoor heated pool

Aquatic education and water features pool

Hydrotherapy pool with ramp entry

Spa, sauna and steam room

Outdoor leisure pools

Gymnasium with weights and cardio equipment

Group fitness room

Multi-purpose room for boxing, dance and meetings

Crèche

Three consulting suites including massage and Darebin Community Health (podiatry and physiotherapy). 1 consulting suite is currently unoccupied

Spin studio

Café/Kiosk

Reception, administration, amenities and merchandise.

The redevelopment of the Centre in 2009 included upgrade works to the hydrotherapy pool, spa, sauna and steam room, aquatic education and features pool, pool concourse and tiling, energy efficiency works (such as tilt doors, pool lighting and blankets), car park lighting and co-generation. Amenities were upgraded as well as redevelopment of the entrance, kiosk and reception. The gymnasium was redeveloped at this time along with the addition of the consulting suites.

Figure 7: Reservoir Leisure Centre


The site in which the facility is located is restricted and offers little opportunity for future development. The following facilities are also located on T.W. Andrews Park adjacent to the Leisure Centre:

Outdoor velodrome,

Senior Citizens Centre

Children’s playground

Car parking.

Figure 8: T.W. Andrews Park

3.3.1 Management Review

The Reservoir Leisure Centre is managed directly by Council. A Master Plan for the Centre was completed in August 2013. Discussions with the Centre Manager indicated that the following issues were identified within the Master Plan

Improve the physical connection between the Leisure Centre and the Senior Citizens Centre.

Refurbish outdoor leisure water areas

Enhance (including possible increase in size) the group fitness program rooms

Upgrade existing dry change rooms

Construct new indoor leisure water facility

Construct a change village

Construct ramp into 25 metre pool

Expand car parking and identify alternate car parking opportunities

Increase gymnasium

Enhance foyer and expand café/social space

Relocate the cycle studio

Introduce offices and consulting suites for Darebin Community Health

Construct group change rooms

Upgrade administration and staff areas

Enhance the linkage between the Centre and the velodrome and associated parklands


3.3.2 Total Usage Review

A review of total usage of Reservoir Leisure Centre over the last five years – 2009/2010 to 2013/2014 - has been completed and is summarised in the graph below. It should be noted that at the time of presenting the report a number of figures were being confirmed and will be included in the final report.

Usage at the Centre has remained relatively constant over the period 2009/2010 to 2013/2014 with total attendances ranging from 416,560 to 479,445 visits per annum. This represents an increase of 62,885 visits over 5 years (15.1%)

3.3.3 Program Usage Review

The following graph details usage by the aquatic program attendances and dry health and fitness attendances by the different categories of use:

Figure 9: Reservoir Leisure Centre Learn to Swim Enrolments

The Learn to Swim enrolment attendance review indicates:

LTS enrolments increased by 8.47% over a 5 year period between 2009/2010 to 2013/2014.

Enrolments increased from 1,488 in 2009/2010 to 1,774 in 2012/2013.

Enrolments decreased between 2012/2013 from 1,774 to 1,614 in 2013/2014. This is a decline of 160 enrolments in the LTS program.

416,560 435,630 457,476

378,221

479,445

0

100,000

200,000

300,000

400,000

500,000

600,000

2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14

No

. O

f V

isis

ts

Reservoir Leisure Centre - Total Attendences

1,4881,516

1,7341,774

1,614

1,300

1,350

1,400

1,450

1,500

1,550

1,600

1,650

1,700

1,750

1,800

2009/2010 2010/2011 2011/2012 2012/2013 2013/2014

No

. o

f V

isit

s

Reservoir Leisure Centre LTS Enrolments


Figure 10: Reservoir Leisure Centre Group Fitness Attendances

The group fitness attendance review indicates:

Group Fitness attendances increased by 32.77% over a 5 year period between 2009/2010 to 2013/2014.

Participation increased in 2009/2010 from 41,604 to 55,236 in 2013/2014. This is an increase of 13,632 participants for group fitness classes in 2013/2014 compared to 2009/2010.

3.3.4 Membership Review

The following graph details membership numbers per year for fixed term memberships and direct debit memberships:

Figure 11: Reservoir Leisure Centre Total Members

The Total Membership review indicates:

Total memberships increased by 74.37% over a 9-year period between 2006 to 2014.

Memberships increased from 1,709 in 2006 to 2,980 in 2014.

41,604

52,200 45,588

51,432 55,236

0

10,000

20,000

30,000

40,000

50,000

60,000

2009/2010 2010/2011 2011/2012 2012/2013 2013/2014

No

. o

f V

isit

sReservoir Leisure Centre - Group Fitness Attendances

1,709

2,0442,274

2,6422,797 2,808 2,858

2,649

2,980

0

500

1,000

1,500

2,000

2,500

3,000

3,500

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

No

. o

f V

isit

s

Reservoir Leisure Centre Membership Review


3.3.5 Financial Review

The Reservoir Leisure Centre is managed directly by Council. The table below provides a summary of the operational performance of the Centre over the past six years. Table 3.4 Reservoir Leisure Centre – Financial Reviews Summary 2008/2009 – 2013/2014



$


$

2008/2009 2,173,189 2,388,927 (215,738)

2009/2010 2,355,960 2,537,604 (181,644)

2010/2011 2,323,051 2,652,330 (329,279)

2011/2012 2,537,911 2,613,215 (75,304)

2012/2013 2,398,450 2,647,237 (248,787)

2013/2014 2,296,697 2,738,023 (441,326)

The financial review for RLC for the past six years indicates:

The Centre revenue has fluctuated over the review period ranging from $2,173,189 in 2008/2009 to $2,296,697 in 2013/14, an increase of approximately $123,508 (5.68%).

Expenditure for the Centre has increased over the review period ranging from $2,388,927 in 2008/2009 to $2,738,023 in 2013/2014, an increase of $349,096 (14.6%).

Over the review period the Centre has recorded an increasing operating loss ranging from ($215,738) in 2008/2009 to ($441,326) in 2013/2014, an increase of $225,588 (104.6%).

Figure 12: Reservoir Leisure Centre Operating Performance 2008/2009 – 2013/2014

When usage results are linked to the financial results the following business indicator trends are recorded:

Table 3.5 Reservoir Leisure Centre – Operational Performance Review 2008/2009 – 2013/2014

Category 2009/2010 2010/2011 2011/2012 2012/2013 2013/2014

Income $2,355,960 $2,323,051 $2,537,911 $2,398,450 $2,296,697

Expenditure $2,537,604 $2,652,330 $2,613,215 $2,647,237 $2,738,023

Net Operating (Loss) Surplus ($181,644) ($329,279) ($75,304) ($248,787) ($441,326)

-1,000,000

-500,000

0

500,000

1,000,000

1,500,000

2,000,000

2,500,000

3,000,000

Income

Expenditure

Operating Surplus


Category 2009/2010 2010/2011 2011/2012 2012/2013 2013/2014

Attendance 416,560 435,630 457,476 378,221 479,445

Revenue per User $5.66 $5.33 $5.54 $6.34 $4.79

Expenditure per User $6.09 $6.08 $5.71 $7.00 $5.71

Subsidy/surplus Per User -$0.44 -$0.75 -$0.16 -$0.66 -$0.92

Revenue as a % of Expenditure 93% 88.9% 90.6% 91% 84%

The business indicator review indicates that:

Revenue per user has decreased from $5.66 in 2009/2010 to $4.79 in 2013/2014.

Expenditure per visit has decreased from $6.09 in 2009/2010 to $5.71 in 2012/2013.

The subsidy per user has increased from $0.44 in 2009/2010 to $0.92 in 2013/2014.

Revenue as a percentage of expenditure has decreased in 2009/2010 from 93% to 84% in 2011/2012.

3.4 Indoor Sporting Provision

A review of indoor stadiums within the Darebin area indicates that there are a total of seven indoor sports stadiums providing ten indoor sports courts and three outdoor netball courts that are available for community sporting groups. Of the seven facilities, three are community facilities and four are part of a primary or secondary educational institution. The table below details the current Darebin indoor sports facility provision. Table 3.6 Darebin Indoor Sports Facilities and Courts

Facility Name Number of Courts Ownership

Council owned

Darebin Community Sports Centre 4 court, 3 outdoor courts Darebin City Council

Keon Park Youth Club 1 indoor court Darebin City Council

Merrilands Community Centre 1 indoor court Darebin City Council

Kingsbury Comets Youth Club 1 indoor court Darebin City Council

Subtotal Community Facilities 4 Facilities =7 indoor courts, 3 outdoor courts

School Facilities

Northern Melbourne Institute of TAFE 1 court DEECD

Northcote High School 1 court DEECD

Santa Maria College 1 court Catholic Education Department

Subtotal School facilities 3 Facilities = 3 indoor courts

TOTAL NUMBER OF COURTS 7 FACILITIES =10 INDOOR COURTS, 3 OUTDOOR COURTS

Until the end of 2013 there was also a single court located at Preston Girls High School; however the recent closure of the school resulted in the loss of community access to this facility. In 2012, Santa Maria College allowed community access outside school hours to their new indoor court facilities.


3.5 Council Owned Facilities

The following provides a summary of the Council owned indoor sports facilities:

3.5.1 Darebin Community Sports Stadium

The Darebin Community Sports Stadium located at Reservoir District Secondary College is built on Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (DEECD) land and located in Plenty Road Reservoir. The facility is subject to a Joint Use Agreement between Council and DEECD. The expiry date of this agreement is 31 January 2027. The facility is the primary indoor sports facility in the Darebin City Council area. The facility includes 4 full-size sports courts, with line-markings for both basketball and netball and retractable tiered seating for approximately 200 spectators as well as three outdoor courts. The stadium is managed under contract by the YMCA.

Figure 13 Darebin Community Sports Centre

The main tenants of the facility are:

The Reservoir District School – courts 3 and 4 from 9 am to 4 pm weekdays.

Darebin Basketball Association

Darebin Netball Association

Whittlesea Basketball Association

Challenge Volleyball

Each of the key user groups complete an annual hire agreement. In 2011 the Darebin Sports Strategy indicated that the Council owned single court facilities do not meet current court size or run off standards for either netball or basketball. As a result these facilities are used for training only. The single court facilities at the TAFE and secondary schools also do not meet the run off standards.

3.5.1.1 Occupancy Review

An outline of the occupancy and utilisation of the stadium based on data supplied by the Darebin Community Sports Centre Manager for a typical week is detailed in Appendix One. During off peak occupancy times (9 am to 4 pm) courts 3 and 4 are used exclusively by the Reservoir District Secondary College. During this period courts 1 and 2 are used by the Golden Oldies Badminton Group, All Abilities Netball and Soccer Joeys for a total of 14 hours Monday to Wednesday.


During peak occupancy times (4 pm to 11 pm) the four courts are used by basketball, netball, volleyball, badminton, soccer and futsal. The courts are currently occupied for a total of 146 court hours (74.4%) of the 196 available court hours up from 73% in 2011. The courts are used all day on Saturdays for junior sport and on Sundays for training activities. The overall utilisation level of the stadium including peak and non-peak hours is 73.2% with 287 hours of the available 392 court hours being used.

Available Court Hours – 392

Number of Court Hours Used - 287

Percentage Utilisation 73.2%

Available Peak Court Hours – 196

Number of Peak Court Hours Used – 146

Percentage Peak Utilisation 74.4%

Review of utilisation indicates that the stadium is used by a wide range of user groups with no single sport dominating the stadium. The stadium is also heavily used for training during peak times which is unusual compared to other four court stadium where peak use is generally reserved for competition. Use of the stadium is reflective of the impact of the significant decline in participation in 2011 and 2012 in Darebin Netball and Basketball Association, which has created opportunity for other groups to access the stadium. The peak time for junior sports (Saturday) has the afternoons allocated to Whittlesea Basketball Association.

3.5.1.2 Usage Review

The following usage statistics have been provided by the YMCA for the attendance at the stadium over the last four years. Table 3.7 Permanent User Groups Attendances

2010/2011 2011/2012 2012/2013 2013/2014

DBA Basketball 5,760 3,730, 7,570 9,600

*Basketball other - - 7,510 13,000

Whittlesea Junior Basketball - 22,100 31,350 25,900

DNA Netball 7,850 8,147 16,150 13,800

*Netball other 2,400 2,900 8,370 8,150

Junior Soccer & Soccer Time Joeys**

3,070 1,879 9,050 11,650

Total 18,520 42,646 78,695 81,785

*includes training sessions for teams**includes training sessions for other sports

The above table indicates significant increases in attendance over the last four years, more than

doubling from 18,520 in 2010/2011 to 42,646 in 2011/2012 and almost doubling again to 78,695 in

2012/2013. A further increase in 2013/14 saw participation rise to 81,785. Much of the increase can

be attributable to the Whittlesea Basketball Association who commenced using the stadium for junior

basketball on Saturday afternoons in 2011/2012. Netball participation has more than doubled in this

time. Soccer participation has tripled.

Table 3.8 Casual Usage Attendances

2010/2011 2011/2012 2012/2013 2013/2014

Badminton 1892 2,435 5,024 3,892

Soccer 2624 2,239 2,536 2,896

Volleyball 2,183 3,510 5,418 4,008

Basketball 1,860 2,111 3,681 4,748

Netball N/A N/A 1,682 540

TOTAL 8,562 10,295 17,901 15,760


The above table indicates that casual use of the stadium has increased each year until 2012/13 with the most significant increase from 10,295 in 2011/2012 to 17,901 in 2012/2013. Participation slightly decreased to 15,706 in 2013/14. Participation in badminton and volleyball more than doubled from 2010/2011 to 2012/2013.

The Centre Manager indicated that both basketball and netball experienced significant decline in participation in 2011 and 2012 and both sports are now in a rebuilding phase. Discounted court hire was offered to assist in the rebuilding of these sports. Volleyball has one competition and there is significant demand for casual games. There is currently no badminton competition however there is also significant demand for social and casual hire.

3.5.1.3 Financial Review.

The Darebin Community Sports Centre is managed under contact by the YMCA. The table below provides a summary of the operational performance of the Centre over the past six years. It should be noted that at the time of presenting the report the 2011/2012 and 2013/2014 figures were being confirmed and will be included in the final report Table 3.9 Darebin Community Sports Centre – Financial Reviews Summary 2008/2009 – 2013/2014



$


$

2008/2009 $484,408 $472,715 $11,693

2009/2010 $483,815 $494,392 ($10,577)

2010/2011 $508,938 $529,245 ($20,307)

2011/2012

2012/2013 $580,436 $606,153 ($25,717)

The financial review for Darebin Community Sports Centre for the past six years indicates:

The Centre revenue has fluctuated over the review period ranging from $484,408 in 2008/2009 to $580,436in 2012/13, an increase of $96,028 (20%).

Expenditure for the Centre has increased over the review period ranging from $472,715 in 2008/2009 to $606,153 in 2012/2013, an increase of $133,438 (28%).

Over the review period the Centre has recorded an increasing operating loss ranging from a surplus of $11,693 in 2008/2009 to an operating deficit of approximately ($25,717) in 2012/2013

Figure 14: Darebin Community Sports Centre Operating Performance 2008/2009 – 2013/2014

When usage results are linked to the financial results the following business indicator trends are recorded:

($100,000)

$0

$100,000

$200,000

$300,000

$400,000

$500,000

$600,000

$700,000

2008/2009 2009/2010 2010/2011 2011/2012 2012/2013

DCSC Operating Performance 2008/2009 -2012/2013

Income Expenditure Operating Performance


Table 3.10 Darebin Community Sports Centre – Operational Performance Review 2008/2009 – 2013/2014

Category 2008/2009 2009/2010 2010/2011 2011/2012 2012/2013 2013/2014

Income $484,408 $483,815 $508,938 $580,436

Expenditure $472,715 $494,392 $529,245 $606,153

Net Operating (Loss) Surplus

$11,693 ($10,577) ($20,307) ($25,717)

Attendance 136,206 132,404 140,150 211,950

Revenue per User $3.56 $3.65 $3.63 $2.73

Expenditure per User

$3.47 $3.73 $3.77 $2.85

Subsidy/surplus Per User

$0.09 ($0.08) ($0.14) ($0.12)

Revenue as a % of Expenditure

102% 97.8% 96% 95.8%

3.5.1.4 Court Hire Fees

The following fees are charged for court hire and are set by Darebin City Council.

$45 per hour casual rate

$2.50 entry fee per participant and spectator

$42 per hour – regular user contract rate

3.5.2 Merrilands Community Centre

Merrilands Community Centre, located at Sturdee Street, Reservoir, is the former Merrilands Secondary College, which Council took over for community purposes following the closure of the

school. In July 2003 Preston Reservoir Adult Community Education (PRACE) took over the

management of Merrilands Community Centre from the City of Darebin. The multi-purpose court

within the centre is used for programs as well as being available for hire.

3.5.3 Keon Park Youth Club

The Keon Park Youth Club, located on the corner of Dole Avenue and Cheddar Road Keon Park, consists of a single indoor sports court and a multi-purpose room. The sports court is used extensively by the Keon Park Hornets Basketball Club who play in the Whittlesea Basketball Association Competition. The court is used for junior basketball training every week night from 4.00pm – 7.30pm. Volleyball training and social matches are held on Wednesday night 8.00pm – 10.00pm, Saturday 1.00pm-4.00pm and Sunday 1.00pm – 3.00pm and 7.00pm- 9.00pm while during the week, the hall is used by a seniors group for indoor bowls on Tuesday 12.00pm – 3.00pm. The Diamond Valley Eagles U/20’s team also use the court on an ad hoc basis during the week as members were formally part of the Keon Park Hornets.

3.5.4 Kingsbury Youth Club

The Kingsbury Youth Club located in Browning Street, Kingsbury is used for a variety of purposes including as a training venue for the Kingsbury Comets Basketball Club. The club field’s three junior boy’s teams in the Diamond Valley Basketball Association competition held at the Diamond Valley Indoor Sports Centre


3.6 Darebin Indoor Sports Centre (DISC)

The Darebin International Sports Centre (DISC) is located at John Cain Memorial Park in Darebin Road, Thornbury and is home of the State Lawn Bowls Centre, State Cycling Centre and State Football Centre. The Centre is one of the most important sporting precincts in Victoria and hosted the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games Lawn Bowls Competition and the Asia Pacific Games. The total construction cost of the Centre, was approximately $19 million dollars and was made possible by funding from the State Government, Melbourne Olympic Park Trust, Football Federation Victoria, Darebin City Bowls Club and Darebin City Council

3.6.1 Facilities

The facilities at DISC include:

Indoor synthetic bowls green in velodrome Centre

3 synthetic international standard soccer pitches, with lighting

4 grass bowling greens

250m indoor banked timber cycling track (velodrome

Bar/bistro

Upstairs function room overlooking bowls greens and indoor velodrome

Sporting administration offices

Change rooms

Meeting rooms

Permanent bowls and velodrome spectator seating

On-site car parking

Figure 15: Reservoir Leisure Centre

3.6.2 Management Structure

DISC is owned and maintained by Darebin City Council and key facility user groups have specific responsibilities and management obligations for aspects of facility operation:

Cycling Victoria – velodrome track operations and programming

Darebin City Bowls Club – bowls operations and programming, bar/function activity management, bowls green maintenance, outdoor green bookings and indoor green bookings in consultation with Cycling Victoria;


Bowls Australia - headquarters for the national peak body for lawn bowls; and

Football Federation Victoria – soccer operations and programming. Operation of retail merchandise area.

Council is responsible for overall coordination of cleaning contracts, asset maintenance, security, safety and risk management, marketing and sponsorship at the DISC. Licensees are required to deliver and fund the operational aspects of their respective sports

3.7 Indoor Sporting and Aquatic / Leisure Facility Catchments

Leisure and sporting facility trends and benchmarking generally indicate that local or municipal recreation or sporting facilities have a primary catchment radius of approximately 5km and a secondary catchment radius of 10km. In general approximately 75% to 85% of users will reside within a 5 km radius of a facility with the remaining 15% to 25% coming from areas within the 5km to 10km radius of the facility. Regional facilities providing unique facility components and a larger number of courts will draw users from a much wider catchment than a local/municipal facility. The size and shape of the catchment area will be influenced by a number of factors including the range and quality of facilities and services offered, natural and built barriers i.e. freeways, travel times and the availability of competing facilities. In metropolitan Melbourne, it is not uncommon for facilities to share catchment areas, particularly the secondary catchment areas. The following map details the major Darebin Recreation Facilities and the competitor facilities within a 5km radius in blue and a 10km radius in red.


3.7.1 Aquatic and Leisure Facility Catchments


3.7.2 Indoor Stadiums Facility Catchments


4.1 Introduction

This section provides a summary of the following market research and consultation completed as part of the Feasibility Study.

Previous Research Review

Key stakeholder interviews

Indoor Sport and Aquatic Facility Trends

Internal Focus Group Workshop

Regional Facilities Review

Facility User Survey (to come)

School User Survey (to come)

4.2 Review of Previous Research and Literature

A review of relevant previous research and documentation related to the provision of major sports and recreation facilities has been completed. The following provides a summary of key issues identified that may impact on the needs assessment. Table 4.1 Previous Research and Document Summary

Name of Report/Document

Summary of Key Issues

City of Darebin Annual Report 2012-2013

Community Wellbeing Strategic Objective (Goal)

Our goal is to develop a strong physical, social and economic environment that supports and enhances the health and wellbeing of Darebin residents. We will strive for a just and inclusive community that feels connected, understood and valued.

Looking forward Council hopes to continue to provide and support equitable access to community facilities, including to local neighbourhood houses, sporting grounds and venues, leisure and recreation facilities and libraries across Darebin,

Liveability and Regeneration Strategic Objective (Goal)

Our goal is to ensure our built and natural environment continues to meet the changing needs and expectations of Darebin’s community. We will continue to oversee the development of Darebin’s neighbourhoods, guided by the principles of sustainability, liveability, accessibility, inclusiveness and efficiency. We will hand the municipality to subsequent councils and future generations in better condition than it is today.

Looking forward Council hopes to invest in the City of Darebin’s leisure and recreation activities, venues and open spaces, including the renewal of Council’s extensive network of off-road bicycle paths, pedestrian spaces and networks; and upgrade various sports grounds and playgrounds

4 Market Research and Consultation




Council’s management of four major leisure facilities was tendered and appointments made for the next five years. Our venues also saw increased visitations with record education numbers at Coopers settlement and swim school participants at reservoir leisure Centre.

For the year ending 30 June 2013 Council leisure and recreation facilities did not reach the target to increase the number of participants in group fitness classes due to a 10% decrease in membership which impacted on the ability to grow participation rates in these classes. The drop off in membership is attributed to the growth in low-cost 24-7 gyms and the increase in on-line training programs such as the Michelle bridges 12 week challenge and is common across the industry.

Council Plan 2013 – 2017

The Council Plan articulates Council’s Vision, Mission and Goals for its four-year term. The five pillars of the plan include: (1). Vibrant and Innovative Economy, (2). Healthy and Connected Community, (3). Sustainable and Resilient Neighbourhoods, (4). Thriving and Creative Culture, (5). Excellent Service, and (6). Open and Accountable Democracy through our many supporting strategies. The plan provides for outcomes such as;

Promote an innovative, vibrant and thriving economy with physical infrastructure that is both well maintained and appropriately regulated;

Develop a strong physical, social and economic environment that supports and enhances the health and well-being of all Darebin residents; and

Build a safe, inclusive and equitable community where all feel socially well connected, respected and valued.

Reservoir Leisure Centre Master Plan Report. (not adopted by Council)

Council commissioned Sport and Leisure Solutions to undertake a Master Plan for the Reservoir Leisure Centre in August 2013. The aim of the study was to identify the facility development requirements to meet current and future community requirements. A number of key development requirements were identified including:

Refurbish the outdoor leisure water areas

Enhance (increase) the group fitness program rooms

Upgrade the existing dry changerooms



Construct a ramp into the 25m pool

Expand car parking

Increase the size of the gymnasium

Enhance the foyer and expand café/social space



Construct group changerooms

Upgrade administration and staff areas

Enhance the linkages between the Centre and its surrounds.

Leisure Strategy 2010 - 2020

The overall trend for recreation activities indicated that the population will most likely engage in swimming, walking and bike riding with the most popular sports being are tennis, basketball and golf followed by soccer and cricket. There is a changing demand for facilities with a move towards all weather pitches/courts, multi-purpose indoor facilities that provide all weather options, maximize current fields/pitches by providing lighting and with a change in population options for people to engage in leisure activities integrated into varied working patterns. There has been some expression of interest in providing an ice skating facility (operator), BMX facility, five indoor soccer fields (sporting body) and an enhanced soccer regional soccer facility.




Darebin Health and Wellbeing Plan

The Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 (PH&WB Act) reinforces the statutory role of councils to ‘protect, improve and promote public health and wellbeing within the municipal district. The municipal public health and wellbeing plan (MPHWP) required of councils under the Act sets the broad mission, goals and priorities to protect and promote municipal public health and wellbeing. Requirements of the Health and Wellbeing Plan include:

Include an examination of data about health status and health determinants in the municipal district

Identify goals and strategies based on available evidence for creating a local community in which people can achieve maximum health and wellbeing

Provide for the involvement of people in the local community in the development, implementation and evaluation of the public health and wellbeing plan

Specify how the council will work in partnership with the department and other agencies undertaking public health initiatives, projects and programs to accomplish the goals and strategies identified in the public health and wellbeing plan.

Options for a Major Regional Sports Facility Indoor (not adopted by Council)

Council engaged a project officer to complete a Major Regional Sports Facility in Darebin Feasibility Study in November 2013. The objectives of the study was to determine the need for a major regional sports facility in Darebin. The study was to research the most suitable type of facility and assess the ongoing operational costs. The provision of an indoor multipurpose indoor sports complex was identified as the most likely priority. The needs assessment indicated that additional courts for netball and basketball with other indoor sports such as volleyball, badminton, futsal and table tennis was required in Darebin. The study identified 5 options with a recommendation to provide additional indoor and outdoor facilities. A staged approach would see the provision of 2 regional level facilities within the city, one in the Northern and another in the Southern precincts. This would see the addition of 7 indoor courts and 4 outdoor courts across the municipality.

4.3 Key Stakeholders

This section summarises the key findings identified through the study’s market research and consultation and includes:

Interviews with key stakeholders

Interviews with State Sporting Associations

4.3.1 Internal Council Staff Meeting

A meeting was held with Council Officers across a range of departments to identify key issues and needs that should be considered in the Feasibility Study for the major facilities. The following table provides a summary of the discussion.

Table 4.2 Darebin Council Officers Consultation (12 June 2014)

Council Officer and Department

Key Issues

Gary McAllister – Manager Reservoir Leisure Centre

A master plan for the Reservoir Leisure Centre was prepared 2 years ago.

The gymnasium is reaching capacity, however, memberships have decreased for a number of reasons.

External works required to update the outdoor play areas.

Indoor pool not suitable for serious lap swimmers.

Ageing infrastructure is an issue.

Some partnership with NARC. No reciprocal relationship with NARC.



Key Issues

New 24/7 gyms has opened up low cost model creating competition for gym memberships.

Better use of T.W Andrews Reserve could be made to enhance the connectivity of the space.

Aquatic education – 17 schools use the facility and there is currently 1,600 students in swim school

Hydro therapy pool is a well used facility component.

The centre draws from the Reservoir, Preston and Bundoora catchment.

Daniel Freer – Director Culture, Leisure and Works

All major leisure facilities are valuable to Council in that they provide a diverse suite of facilities for the community.

The demand or requirement for facilities, the connection or relationship between centres and the management (in-house and external) of the centres is not well understood by Council.

The financial performance and cost of facilities will be important will be important to Council.

The cost to participants including reduced fees for targeted groups will also be important however, the cost to Council will still need to be minimised.

Some groups have raised concerns over the cost for participants at NARC.

New facilities will need support and rigour around the recommendations made.

Regional opportunities developed as a partnership between Councils could be considered, however, this has some challenges with Councils investing in facilities not on their land.

Yarra Bend Park could be considered as a site for future indoor stadium facilities.

Don Nicholson – Leisure Planning and Development Officer

NARC is at capacity due to increased use of the facility and maintenance costs continue to increase. The outdoor pool is heated and the gymnasium has been extended. There is further interest in extending the gym and warm water exercise provision. Changing demographics may increase centre usage.

C.H. Sullivan Stadium leasee would like to develop the centre as an ice sports centre.

Recent resident needs for additional courts in the south of the municipality identified Collingwood Netball Club (Hoddle Street) for netball courts. Demand for basketball courts has not been as great with participation numbers dropping.

There is a need for more courts at Northcote High.

Chris – Asset and Property

Council has not really undertaken any strategic planning for the upgrade or redevelopment of recreation facilities in the past. However, Council is undertaking a community facilities strategy which may recommend the rationalisation of some facilities. Council has adopted a Property Asset Management Strategy.

It is the responsibility of each service manager to identify future needs for facility redevelopment.

Council requires sound rationale and strategic justification for future facility development or redevelopment.

Council is currently planning for the development of a Southern Hub for children’s services. This could potentially be an integrated project with recreation facilities. This is desirable from a council management and maintenance perspective. Flexible building design is also desirable.

Rod Brazier – Building Maintenance Officer

Council will be reviewing building asset maintenance plans later in the year.

Major facilities sit high in council hierarchy of Council assets.

NARC is old and deteriorated as a result of the corrosive environment.

Condition audits to be undertaken for NARC and RLC. Co-generation has been installed at RLC and NARC recently.

Council maintains C.H. Sullivan Stadium. The structure is in reasonable condition but



Key Issues

has a few issues with water leaks. The skating facilities have been installed over the top of the stadium floor.

Opportunity to improve lighting across most facilities.

There is an opportunity to make facilities more functional and energy efficient.

Alison - Landscaping

Integration of the landscape with buildings is important.

Toilets strategy currently being undertaken.

Could outdoor fitness equipment be integrated into the landscape.

Consider community participation in paid facilities including access to zones where no payment is required.

Water harvesting or re-use is important.

Tree planting to shade the roof of major facilities could possibly reduce heating cost.

Cafes are desirable in major sports facilities and should be accessible to patrons not attending the centre.

Consider the activation of teenagers into major sports facilities.

½ court basketball courts attached to play spaces are popular.

Adventurous play is desirable

David Shepard – Manager Leisure and Public Realm

The current demand for additional netball courts is strong.

Parkside netball club just formed based at the Fairfield Primary School. They are a new club this year with 80 members.

Offer Net Set Go program

The Club was developed through the Parkside Football Club and hope to develop as a Netball Football Club similar to Country Football Netball Clubs.

Business modelling for a new facility is going to be important.

Darebin Community Sports Centre only just breaks even for a four court centre.

The cost to participate is considered high by some, however, the fees and charges were benchmarked against other centres.

Lighting is an issue at DCSC

Future development at LaTrobe University must be considered.

There may be an option of commercial investment.

Arthur – Project Management

Council needs to determine the existing condition of major facilities.

Council should ascertain asset lifecycle costs for existing major facilities.

Council recently installed co-generation at NARC for $800,000 and RLC for $600,000.

Reservoir Community and Learning Centre and Keon Park Kinder Hub are new facilities.

Jess – Community Wellbeing

Major facilities are a key deliverer of Council’s ability to improve health and wellbeing outcomes.

Major facilities can deliver benefits such as equity and inclusion, health promotion and social connectedness.

RLC and C.H. Sullivan Stadium underutilised and could be hubs for community that have poorer health outcomes.

The integrated Hub is preferred model for health promotion and prevention.

Darebin Public Health and Wellbeing Plan should be considered

General Discussion Northland Urban Renewal Precinct will result in an increased population of 140,000.

Future developments also planned for Junction precinct, AMCOR Paper Mills site (10,000), Horizon site Arthurton Road/High Street (Northcote Centre).



Key Issues

20 year planning horizon. Precinct structure plans to be obtained for effective planning.

Yarra Trams have stated they will prioritize tram route 112 St Georges Rd rather than the 86 along High Street.

4.3.2 Darebin City Council Strategic Planning

Darebin has in recent years experienced strong growth with the DTPLI Housing and Population Report, 2014 outlining that since 2005 Darebin’s average annual rate of population growth has been 1.45% per annum. The growing appeal as a place to live, work and invest is also bringing with it considerable change and challenges for Darebin. In particular:

managing housing growth and delivering housing diversity for a growing and changing community;

Managing economic and industrial transformation and delivering on local jobs commensurate with population growth;

Supporting the emergent La Trobe National Employment Cluster identified in Plan Melbourne; and

Providing for a diverse and socially inclusive municipality

New dwelling commencements will be located within Activity Centres and urban renewal sites identified in Council’s MSS and as projected in the DTPLI Housing Development Data (2014) report 5. These centres are typically comprised of non-residential uses, such as the Commercial, Priority Development and Activity Centre Zones.

Table 4.3 Development Area

Relevant Zones Yield (dwellings)

Preston Central PDZ 3000

Northland ACZ & RGZ 8000

Northcote AC C1Z & MUZ 2000

Reservoir AC C1Z 1000

La Trobe University & Polaris MUZ & PUZ 4000

St Georges Road corridor MUZ & RGZ 2000

Plenty Road Corridor MUZ & RGZ 2000

Oakover Village MUZ 1000

Preston Junction C1Z &MUZ 1500

High Street Corridor C1Z 2000

Keon Park C1Z & MUZ 200

Summerhill NAC C1Z & MUZ 400

Fairfield NAC C1Z & RGZ 300

Heidelberg Road Corridor 600

Total 28,000 Table 1 – Estimates of Future Dwelling Projections in the City of Darebin 2013 - 2050 Through until 2050 a total of 28,000 dwellings are projected to be developed within the Activity Centres, and corridor areas of St Georges Rd and Plenty Road. The key population developments that will impact the potential development of a facility in the south of the municipality include:

East Preston Urban Renewal – population prediction 10,000 people – the area is bored by Murray Road, Chiffley Drive, Bell Street and Albert Street.

Junction Precinct Preston – population prediction 1000 people

Preston market development – Preston Central - predicted population 1,000 – 2,000 people


4.3.3 Key Stakeholder Discussions

The following provides a summary of the key issues identified through discussions with the key stakeholders:

Darebin Basketball Association

Whittlesea Basketball Association

Darebin Netball Association

Keon Park Youth Club

Parkside Netball Club

Heights Junior Netball Club

Northern Football League - Netball Competition

Shooters Basketball Club

4.3.3.1 Darebin Basketball Association

The Darebin Basketball Association (DBA) currently run a Senior Men’s competition and a mixed competition. Juniors who play under the Darebin banner play in the Whittlesea Basketball Association, as the Darebin Basketball Association is currently not strong enough to run its own competition. When the club started they were playing Representative Basketball and fielding 26 teams. By 2012 it had declined to one team. There were administrative difficulties in the club leading to this significant decline. The current administration have gone back to grass roots and in 2014 there are a total of five representative basketball teams and over 100 players in the domestic competition. Aussie Hoops is a junior development program that was initiated in 2014 and has attracted 30-50 kids on a Friday after school. There is a struggle to get further access to the courts for competition purposes and training and numbers of participants are growing fast. If there are other events held at the centre such as a computer swap meet or cultural days, basketball cannot hold any games at this time. The other events are given priority. DCSC is one of the better stadiums. There is padding around the courts and at on the back walls. Court hire fees charged to the DBA by Council are placing the Association under financial stress and limiting growth.

$45 per hour

$2.50 entry fee per participant and spectator

$42 is the contract rate for peak hour use.

The Darebin Basketball Association uses the DCSC at the following times: Table 4.4 Current Usage - Darebin Basketball Association

Current Usage

Monday Men’s competition 2 courts 6:00pm – 10:00pm 12 courts training 5:00pm – 6:00pm

Tuesday 4 courts training 6:00pm – 7:00pm 2 courts training 7:00pm-8:00pm

Wednesday 1 court training 6:00pm – 8:30pm

Thursday N/A

Friday Aussie hoops 5:30pm – 6:30pm 6:30pm – 9:00pm

Sunday 1 court 9:00pm – 12:00pm 6:30pm – 9:00pm


The following table details the DBA programs and membership over the last three years.

Table 4.5 Summary – Darebin Basketball Association Teams 2011/12 – 2013/14

Category

Years

2011/2012 2012/2013 2013/2014

Summer Winter Summer Winter Summer Winter

Domestic

All Abilities 0 0 0 0 0 0

Junior (males and females) 2 2 10 10 12 12

Senior (males and females) 20 20 20 30 30 30

Total Teams 22 22 30 30 42 42

Total Participants 176 176 240 240 336 336

Development Programs Aussie Hoops

Total participants 0 0 40

Representative Program

Junior 1 3 5

Senior 0 0 0

Total Teams 1 3 5

Total Participants 10 30 50

Table 4.6 Summary – Darebin Basketball Association Total Participants 2011/12 – 2013/14

Category

Years

2011/2012 2012/2013 2013/2014

Summer Winter Summer Winter Summer Winter

Domestic competition 176 176 240 240 336 336

Development Programs 0 0 0 40 40

Representative competition (one season)

10 10 30 30 50 50

TOTAL PARTICIPANTS 186 186 240 240 426 426

A review of basketball participation over the past three years indicates:

The current membership of the Darebin Basketball Association is approximately 426 players. In each of the past three years participation has increased from the winter to the summer season coming from a very low base in 2011/2012.

Of the current membership approximately 336 are part of the grass roots domestic competition (78.8%), 40 are part of junior development program (9.3%) and 50 are part of the higher-level representative basketball competition (11.7%).

Using the highest membership level of summer, participation has increased over the past three years from approximately 186 players in 2011 to 426 players in 2014 - an increase of approximately 240 players. The Association expects this growth to continue.

It should be noted that these figures represent player participants only and do not include the administrators, officials and volunteers that are also part of the associations. The figures also do not include people that use the courts for casual basketball/shooting practice or “pick up” games that occur during the off peak times on the courts.

A review of annual growth indicates an increase of approximately 186 players (77.5%) between 2012/2013 and 2013/14

A review of Darebin participation against the current Darebin population (136,474ABS 2011) indicates a current take up of approximately 0.31%.


(i) Comparison Against State and National Participation The table below details the current Darebin Basketball participation rates compared to State and national participation rates. Table 4.7 Darebin Basketball Participation Comparison Against State and National Participation

Category Darebin Basketball

Participation Rate %

National


2010

Victorian


2010 Basketball 0.31% 3.5% 4.8% Source ERRAS National Participation Survey Data 2010

A review of the results indicates a significantly lower uptake of basketball in Darebin when compared to State and National averages. Basketball participation in Darebin is 4.49% lower than national participation and 3.19% lower than state participation. These comparisons do not include participants playing in the Whittlesea Basketball Association who use Darebin Community Sports Centre as the majority of these participants are from outside the municipality.

4.3.3.2 Whittlesea Basketball Association

Whittlesea Basketball Association (WBA) use DCSC on Saturday afternoons for junior basketball. The Association is based and administered from Mill Park. The WBA use nine courts across Whittlesea in addition to the four courts in Darebin for the competition. Participation continues to increase and further courts are required. A feasibility study into indoor sports facilities has just been completed in Whittlesea and verifies the need for 6-8 additional indoor courts. Whittlesea Council has committed to the provision of additional courts in the future however the timing of these is uncertain. The WBA were uncertain whether they would continue to use the DCSC once Whittlesea City Council constructs these additional courts as this would depend on participation rates at the time. Keon Park Comets and Darebin juniors also play in the Whittlesea Basketball Association. The WBA have some concerns with DCSC and report the court lighting is very poor and the stadium is very hot in the summer, which has resulted in the cancellation of some games. They indicated that it is likely in future that stadiums that are not air-conditioned would not be used.

4.3.3.3 Darebin Netball Association

The Darebin Netball Association (DNA) is based at the Darebin Community Sports Centre. There has been a significant decline in participation from previous years due to new competitions coming from neighbouring venues such as RMIT Bundoora, Banyule NETS in addition to administrative difficulties with the former committee. In 2012 and 2013 there were only 8 teams in the competition. The association is going through a rebuilding phase and in 2014 has started a junior competition which has 120 juniors from U11 to U17. DNA have also introduced a Net Set Go program which has 20 participants. There are also plans to introduce a competition for Under 9 girls as a trial to aid the transition from the Net Set Go program into junior competition


Table 4.8 Participation Levels

2014 2013 2012

Monday Mixed teams

1 court 7:00pm – 8:45pm

Tuesday Ladies

1 court (4 teams) 7:00pm – 8:45pm

Ladies 1 court 7:00pm – 7:45pm

Wednesday Under 17’s and Ladies 2 courts 7:00pm – 8:30pm – 9.30 I court

Ladies 1 court 7:00pm – 9:15pm

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Net Set Go (20 participants) – 2 courts 8:30pm – 12:30pm U 11, 13, 15, 17 – 4 courts

Sunday

The following table details the DNA programs and membership over the last three years. Table 4.9 Summary–Darebin Netball Association Total Participants 2012–2014

Category

Year

2012 2013 2014

NetSetGo NA NA 20

U11 NA NA 64

U13 NA NA 64

U15 NA NA 64

U17 NA NA 64

U19 NA NA

Senior 16 64 32

Total Teams NA

Total Players 16 64 328

A review of netball participation over the past three years indicates:

Participation has increased over the past three years from approximately 16 players in 2012 to 328 players in 2013 an increase of approximately 312 players. It should be noted that these figure represent player participants only and do not include administrators, officials and volunteers that are also part of the associations.

A review of annual growth indicates an increase of approximately 264 players (412%) between 2013 and 2014.

A review of Darebin participation trends against the current Darebin population (136,474 ABS 2011) indicates a current take up of approximately 0.24%.

(ii) Comparison Against State and National Participation The table below details the current DNA participation rates compared to State and National participation rates. Table 4.10 Darebin Netball Participation Comparison Against State and National Participation

Category DNA Participation

Rate %

National Participation Rate %

2010

Victorian Participation Rate %

2010

Netball 0.24% 3.1% 3.3% Source ERRAS National Participation Survey Data 2010


A review of the results indicates a lesser uptake of netball in Darebin when compared to State and National averages. Netball participation in Darebin is 0.24%, which is less than national participation (3.1%) and state participation (3.3%). This could be directly related to the lack of netball courts in the Darebin region as well as administrative difficulties experienced by the Association in 2011.

4.3.3.4 Keon Park Youth Club

The Keon Park Youth Club is a community based group of volunteers who manage and operate the single court facility based in Keon Park, owned by Darebin City Council. All operating expenses are met by the Committee. The club provide a range of youth based activities including the basketball club known as the Keon Park Hornets which compete in the Whittlesea Basketball Association competition held on Saturday afternoons. The club run drink driving programs, alcohol and drug information nights and plan to run an aboriginal cultural awareness program with David Arden who is an aboriginal elder. The single court is used for junior basketball training week nights from 4.00pm – 7.30pm. Volleyball training and social matches are held on Wednesday night 8.00pm – 10.00pm, Saturday 1.00pm-4.00pm and Sunday 1.00pm – 3.00pm and 7.00pm- 9.00pm. During the week the hall is also used by a seniors group for indoor bowls (Tuesday 12.00pm – 3.00pm). The court is used weekly on an ad hoc basis by the Diamond Valley Eagles U/20’s team, as members of this team are former members of the Keon Park Hornets. The club is strongly community based and past players and members often book and use the hall for a variety of purposes. As a youth club, not only a basketball club, they are committed to bringing out the best in young people and providing opportunities. Many of their players are encouraged to become referees and to coach younger teams thus developing leadership skills. The value of sport cannot be underestimated for young people and plays a vital role in shaping young people in a positive way particularly young people from this area.

4.3.3.5 Parkside Netball Club

Parkside Netball Club was formed in 2014 following the establishment of a Net Set Go program based at Fairfield Primary School. The netball club have linked in with the Parkside Sports Club which includes junior football, cricket, FIDA football and veterans cricket. In 2014 there were 80 primary school aged girls and 8 secondary girls participating in the program. There is strong interest from girls in Years 7, 8 and 9 however they were unable to be accommodated due to a lack of possible training facilities.

Many of the participants are siblings of boys who play with the Parkside Football Club or girls from Fairfield Primary with many being families who are new to Parkside Sports Cub.

There are limited facilities in the Westgarth area with no organized netball clubs offering competition netball for girls. There is a desire to access the DCSC for netball training however the offered timeslot of 8.30pm – 10.00pm is unsuitable for young primary school aged girls. A petition with over 1,000 signatures has been presented to Darebin City Council for additional indoor sports facilities in Darebin with a particular need in the southern end of the municipality.

4.3.3.6 Heights Junior Netball Club

The Heights Netball Club was established over 30 years ago, and has approximately 100 junior players and previously trained at Preston Girls High School until it was closed in 2013. The girls now train at Fitzroy High School on a Friday night as this was the only night available. They compete in the competition held at Royal Park, Parkville on Saturday morning and two teams also play on a Thursday night.

4.3.3.7 Northern Football League – Netball Competition

The Northern Football League initiated a netball competition in 2008, which has experienced significant and steady growth over that time from nine teams in 2008 to 59 teams in 2014.


Table 4.11 Northern Football League Netball Participation 2008-2014

Year 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

No of Teams 9 19 30 34 452 44 59

Twenty four clubs in the Northern Football League field teams in the netball competition, including four clubs from Darebin. These clubs are:

West Preston Lakeside Football Club – 4 teams

Northcote Park Football Club – 2 teams

Keon Park Football Club – 1 team

Bundoora Park Football club – 5 teams

The competition is currently held on a Friday night and is run at three venues including Parade College (3 courts), Bundoora Netball Association Sports Centre (3 courts) and Epping Leisure City (use 2 of 3 courts). There is a lack of training venues for all teams. Northern Football League recently changed its constitution to allow netball clubs to affiliate with them directly without being linked to a football club. Currently there is one team participating who is not connected to a football club. The league anticipate this will increase participation in the future. One of the benefits they offer as opposed to traditional netball associations is that they have paid staff to administer the competition and this is appealing to many teams. They are currently one game short of capacity at their current facilities and would need to find alternative venues available on a Friday night in order to expand or expand the completion into Saturday afternoons. The Friday nighttime slot appeals to many U 17 players who often have part time jobs on a Saturday.

The Northern Football League expressed interest in possible managing indoor stadium facilities in the future.

4.3.3.8 Yarra Valley Netball

Yarra Valley Netball is a private company providing social netball competitions. One of the venues they use is the Northcote High School with approximately 54 teams playing as part of the competition, which has been running for over 20 years from this venue.

4.3.3.9 Shooters Basketball Club

The Shooters Basketball Club is a community based club in the Alphington/Fairfield area and currently has 37 junior teams and three senior teams registered to play in the Hawthorn Basketball Association competition with seniors playing on mid-week evenings, and juniors playing all day Saturday.

Table 4.12 Shooters Basketball Club Junior Participation 2012-2014

Summer 2012/2013

Winter 2013

Summer 2013/2014

Winter 2014

Boys Teams 15 18 20 20

Girls Team 16 16 17 17

Total Players 238 263 288 279

Junior teams are made up of 20 boys’ teams and 17 girls’ teams with a total of 279 junior players in 2014. This is made up of 155 boys and 124 girls, ranging from age 8 to 19, with almost half of these (136) under 12 years of age. The majority of payers live in Fairfield/Alphington (149 players), Northcote (72 players). The Shooters currently use two venues for training during the week - Santa Maria College, Northcote and Fairfield Primary School outdoor court. The court at Santa Maria is a full sized indoor court and is used four nights of the week (Monday (5.00pm-7.00pm), Tuesday (4.30pm -9.15pm), Wednesday (5.00pm-9.00pm) and Thursday (4.45pm-7.30pm)).


Fairfield Primary is a half sized court suitable for younger teams (under 10 or 12) and is used three nights a week (Tuesday (4.00pm-7.30pm), Wednesday (4.00pm -7.30pm) and Thursday (4.00pm -6.30pm)). The club has tried to source more training venues in the area for many years now without success. There aren't many options, and those identified are usually fully occupied, either by internal use such as school after care, or by other sporting clubs. There is a gender imbalance developing in the club, which could be address by creating more under 10 girls’ teams (there are currently seven under 10 boys’ teams, and only three under 10 girls’ teams). Over the last few years the club has continued to grow with no promotion due to an increased interest in the sport. As a result the club is beginning to reach capacity due to the lack of court space for training and this hampers their ability to expand. With teams playing in the Hawthorn Association, as a result of lack of training venues, many families must travel regularly out of the area to play basketball in such places such as Ashburton Leisure Centre and Melbourne High on Saturdays. A new stadium in the area would potentially allow expansion of the Hawthorn Basketball Association (HBA) playing venues (who currently face a shortage of venues) and provide a base for the Shooters club to play games from, similar to other clubs in the HBA.

4.3.4 C.H. Sullivan Stadium

The C.H. Sullivan Reserve Sports Stadium, based in East Preston, is privately leased, for the last 16 years, for use as an indoor roller sport centre known as Puck Handlers. The lease is now managed on a year-by-year basis. The lessee has put a proposal to Council to expand and develop the facility as an ice arena which would be used for recreational ice activities in addition to ice hockey competition. Council has shown positive interest in the proposal and requires further information prior to forming a final decision. The plan would be to extend the facility in the front on Davis Street to create a new reception, canteen and retail area. The facility would need to be lined with cool room panelling and a plant room would need to be constructed. The change rooms and toilets would be refurbished in later years. The operator is considering an investment of over $2 million dollars and would be looking at a long term lease of 50 years+ in order to provide security and stability for ice sports in the future. The operator is strongly committed to supporting minority sports. Whilst Council currently maintains the structural integrity of the building, discussions are required as to how maintenance arrangements would work in the future should the proposal go ahead. The conversion of this facility for ice sports would see current users, roller derby and futsal, requiring alternative facilities. Currently the roller derby teams train on a Saturday and Wednesday night and hold a number of bouts across the year, with bouts attracting 250-300 spectators. Futsal currently play one night a week. It is anticipated that two ice hockey teams would make the new facilities home thus providing scope for expansion of the competition, as currently the only venue in Victoria is the Icehouse located at the Docklands.

4.3.5 La Trobe University

Discussions with La Trobe University indicate the following: A master plan for the University has recently been established the divides the University into the following seven neighbourhood.

Sporting neighbourhood

Research and Development neighbourhood

Eco Corridor neighbourhood


Housing neighbourhood

Eastern Interface neighbourhood

Core campus neighbourhood

The master plan is a strategic document that will guide the development of the university over the next 30 to 50 years. The sporting facilities that have been included in the master plan include:

Indoor multi-purpose sports facility (similar to MSAC). The components are yet to be determined

Three kilometer tan running track

30,000 seat stadium

Hockey pitch

Upgrade of the soccer pitches

Upgrade of the baseball pitches

The proposed facilities are being planned to service both the student population and the local community needs. It is also proposed that existing recreation Centre including the 25 metre pool, indoor court and gym will remain for use by the students as a smaller local facility. The aim of the development is to provide facilities to service the needs of the university population and the surrounding community. Latrobe have also commenced discussions with the City of Banyule about the proposed facilities and the type of facilities required to address community demand. The university estimates they will have a student population of approximately 40,000 people and onsite housing of varying types for approximately 8,000 students and staff. La Trobe University has been working with neighbouring Councils and the state government as part of the Metropolitan Planning Authorities La Trobe National Employment Cluster identified in Plan Melbourne. The master plan is being presented to the Majors and Chief Executive Officers on the 31 July 2014 and then to the University Council for endorsement on 11 August 2014. Once the master plan has been completed the feasibility work including the strategy for funding and implementing the projects will be undertaken.

4.4 State Sports Associations The following state sporting associations were consulted in relation to this project:

Swimming Victoria

Netball Victoria

Basketball Victoria

Badminton Victoria

Volleyball Victoria

Table Tennis Victoria

Football Federation Victoria (Futsal)

Victorian Roller Derby


4.4.1 Swimming Victoria

Swimming Victoria were contacted but unfortunately were unable to provide information about club membership trends due to the introduction of a new data base. This information may be able to be provided in the future. NARC is the only facility to have a swimming and lifesaving tenant club in Darebin. Swimming Victoria was not aware of any facility issues and have no plans for the development of additional facilities within the region.

4.4.2 Basketball Victoria

Participation in basketball is increasing particularly in the younger age groups. There is some fluctuation with participation rates for seniors. Over the last four years participation in the Darebin area has decreased by approximately 10%. Within Victoria there are also approximately 25,000 primary school students participating in a school-based program called Hoop Time.

Basketball Victoria (BV) is supportive of developing new facilities to service the northern region however further work is required with the Association to ensure a range of programs and services are offered including a pathway of participation from grass roots through to elite competitions. There is the potential for the Darebin Basketball Association to form an alliance with the Banyule or Collingwood basketball clubs to create a northern regional hub. The development of a facility in the south of the municipality would potentially support a number of associations and clubs looking for additional facilities including Banyule, Hawthorn and Yarra. The following table compares Melbourne northern basketball participation to the other regions in metropolitan Melbourne in 2013.

Table 4.13 Basketball Victoria Registration Numbers

Region

Melbourne East

Melbourne North East

Melbourne Southern

Melbourne West

Type of Region

Established Expanding Expanding Expanding

Metropolitan Metropolitan Metropolitan Metropolitan

Number of Associations

20 9 12 10

Growth Outlook Slow - 0.4% Strong - 1.8% Strong - 1.9% Strong - 2.1%

Participation Highest in the state 5th in State - 2nd in State - 3rd in the State -

42,195 11,159 29,319 19,819

Participation Rate 6.3% - 6th in the state

2.9% - lowest the state

6.5% - 4th in the state

4.3% - 8th in the state

4.4.3 Netball Victoria

Netball Victoria (NV) is very supportive of indoor facilities as they improve the standard of the game and are easier on players’ bodies. An indoor facility allows matches to continue regardless of the weather. Newly formed Parkside Netball Club have been meeting with representatives from Netball Victoria in relation to the need for an additional netball courts in the southern section of the municipality. There is strong netball participation in the northern region however there is a significant lack of facilities across the region to support the demand. A large number of residents from the northern region participate in the Parkville Netball Association competition which is played at the State Netball and Hockey Centre in Parkville. The reason for this is based around the lack of quality courts in Darebin and the level of competition.


There are currently 1,611 people registered with Netball Victoria. The following table provides a summary of the current number of Darebin residents registered with Netball Victoria. Table 4.14 Darebin Residents registered with Netball Victoria

Category Postcode

Darebin Total

3070 Northcote

3071 Thornbury

3072 Preston

3073 Reservoir

3078 Alphington/

Fairfield (part in

Darebin)

3083 Kingsbury/ Bundoora

(part in Darebin)

3085 Macleod (part in

Darebin)

All Abilities 44 1 2

Junior 875 144 76 148 140 136 94 133

Net Set Go 225 28 22 13 16 98 16 16

Senior 473 56 46 88 86 42 96 53

Participant 8 3 2

SGV 14 4 2 4 3 1 4

Off Court 12 4 3 5

TOTAL 1,611 232 146 258 248 280 215 206

Senior, Junior, AA (All Abilities) and NetSetGo are members of Netball Victoria and either play, coach or umpire.

Off the Court are members of Netball Victoria but do not play (i.e. Committee Members and Volunteers)

Participants are individuals who participant in a competition run by one of NV Licensees. This is new and is only being trialed by a couple of providers

SGV are one of participants who fill in for a couple of games.

4.4.4 Badminton Victoria

There are currently no Badminton associations or clubs located within the Darebin area due to a lack of suitable facilities. Badminton is played on a social basis at Darebin Community Sports Centre. Badminton Victoria has developed a Strategic Plan 2014-2017 with actions identified under the six headings of:

1. Administration and Leadership 2. Financial Management and Stability 3. Communication and Marketing 4. Participation and Sports Development 5. Facilities 6. Welcoming and Accessible

The key action of interest for this project is that Badminton Victoria plan to work with Sport and Recreation Victoria to investigate the feasibility of a state badminton facility.

4.4.5 Volleyball Victoria

A development officer was employed at the end of 2013 and is developing a strategic plan, due out this year, for Volleyball in Victoria. The Heidelberg Volleyball Club and Melbourne University Clubs are the closest volleyball clubs to Darebin. The Heidelberg Volleyball Club is one of the larger affiliated clubs to compete in the Victorian Volleyball League. Training is split over five different venues on numerous nights of the week, including;

Darebin Community Sports Stadium

Coburg Basketball Stadium, Outlook Drive Coburg

Santa Maria College, Separation St, Northcote


Challenge Volleyball

Challenge Volleyball is a weekly social competition played out of the Darebin Community Sports Stadium. The competition is not affiliated with Volleyball Victoria therefore they do not capture any participation data. The Eastern suburbs have strong participation rates for volleyball and there is a keen interest to expand the participation in the northern and western suburbs on Melbourne. The table below displays registered players however these figures do not reflect total state-wide participation as there are thousands of players not registered as members who compete in associations and clubs not affiliated with Volleyball Victoria. Table 4.15 Volleyball Participation 2010-2013

Year 2010 2011 2012 2013

No of Registered Players 4,480 4,550 4,620 4,780

The table indicates steady growth over the last four years from 4,480 in 2010 to 4,780 in 2014. Volleyball Victoria bases its State league competition at the State Volleyball Centre, Dandenong Stadium. They are currently at capacity for the weekend competitions and in the future will look to utilise other quality facilities for matches such as home and away rounds. There are currently insufficient facilities in the Darebin area. As there is only adult social competition and one club training facility, there is limited opportunity in the Darebin area for participation in volleyball and currently there is nothing available for grass roots volleyball for kids U15 years.

4.4.6 Table Tennis Victoria

Table Tennis has experienced growth over the last three years. Victoria has recorded the following membership numbers for competitions affiliated with Table Tennis Victoria. Social table tennis is played in many facilities and participation at a social level is not recorded with Table Tennis Victoria.

Table 4.16 Registered Table Tennis Players 2011-2013

Year Number of Members

2013 4,008

2012 3,805

2011 3,572

There are no affiliated table tennis competition held within Darebin. The closest competition is held in Newlands Road Coburg at a dedicated table tennis facility. This competition is very well patronised and cater to older groups during the day with pennant held on weeknights and weekends. A new competition was initiated in 2013 by Yarra City Council and is operating from the Stanton Street Hall in Abbotsford. Manningham City Council also initiated a competition in Manningham in 2013. There is currently a competition held at the Diamond Valley Indoor Sports Centre which has operated for many years. This competition is at capacity and is unable to grow due to competing demands for court space at the venue by other sports. There is also a competition operating in Essendon however this is not affiliated with Table Tennis Victoria.

4.4.7 Football Federation Victoria (Futsal)

Futsal is a division within the Football Federation of Victoria (FFV) however due to Futsal becoming more established, FFV has gradually withdrawn from administering competitions. Players are no longer required to register with FFV and therefore participation data does not reflect the number of independent competitions run in stadiums across Victoria. Anecdotally participation is increasing due to the social nature of the game and the short time period involved. There are currently six junior teams play in the competition held at DCSC.


4.4.8 Victorian Roller Derby League

Roller Derby is a relatively new sport that has a strong base in Darebin. Currently two teams use Darebin Community Sports Centre and Puckhandlers (C.H. Sullivans Stadium) for training and bouts. The Victorian Roller Derby League have also hired a commercial venue located in Oakover Road Preston where training is held every week night as well as up to 10 hours on weekends. Whilst there are positives for the sport in using DCSC, issues with the facility include:

No track markings are allowed to be laid for training / game (tape expense + potential damage to floor laminate)

No falling practice allowed (might be negotiable with Teflon tape on pads)

Regular Saturdays unavailable (for training), might have to switch training to Sundays (NSR)

Limited weekend availability for Annual Games Calendar (VRDL) The Victorian Roller Derby team is an elite team, currently ranked fifth in the world. The sport is looking for a permanent home and due to its elite nature is eligible for state government funding. Roller Derby resides under Skate Victoria as the peak body for roller sports. The Victorian Roller Derby League are preparing a formal submission to Darebin Council for consideration of dedicated space in any new indoor sport facility to be developed. The sport does not have a home base in Victoria and the Victorian Roller Derby League are committed to finding a home for the sport which can accommodate elite level training needs as well as facilities for their bouts which can see attendances of up to 1,000. Currently the competitive side of the sport is limited to adult woman however there are plans for men’s and junior leagues to be established. Growth of the sport is limited due to access to facilities. A number of roller derby teams currently use high ball stadium facilities as roller derby can be played on indoor sports courts, however the sport does not require the roof height of an indoor stadium. VRDL has 4 home teams; 2 travel team; one development team plus a Wreck League. There are currently 150 members with Officials / Skaters / Wreck League & Alumni but not including juniors or men. The specific facility requirements for roller derby are outlined below:

General

o Proximity to public transport (must be visible from a tram stop).

o Parking for 500-1000 people

Facility

o Ventilation during Summer

o Toilets/catering/bar/facilities for 500-1000 people.

o Five change rooms are desirable, three minimum. (two teams + officials – double header bouts and tournaments require a minimum of four team change rooms and officials)

o Change rooms must be separate from the toilets.

o A room for Officials

o Emergency access arrangement for ambulance/stretcher-dolly

o Conference room(s) availability for masterclass hiring (2 rooms x 20 people seated capacity is the requirement for officials training)

o Gym facilities with cross trainer / elliptical / kettle bells / medicine balls/ swiss balls / skipping space / weights.

o Yoga / Pilates / group stretch room with carpeted or warm floor / yoga mats


(i) Bout Venue Requirements for a Bout Venue include:

Venue to seat 500-1000 people around an area large enough for a derby track (23m x 33m and 3.3m referee lane plus additional 3.3m space (penalty box/team benches) before spectator seating).

Kitchen with facilities for bar separate from kiosk/canteen. A kitchen that opens out into the main room from where drinks can be served.

Floor surface: 'netball' quality floorboards, polished concrete, sports court or 'other'. Skate Court (a specific court surface designed for roller sports) can be laid over existing flooring.

Scoreboard facilities, overhead projector arrangement preferred,

PA / sound system,

360 degree stadium seating – Flat Track Derby traditionally includes on floor seating in front bleachers retractable or fixed for up to 1,000

Room for team warm ups with easy access to Bouting / Main room

Kiosk with bar ( rights for catering & liquor license);

(ii) Training Venue

Two tracks – side by side but with retractable wall so spaces could be hired separately (four tracks would be ideal for increased access and projected growth within men’s and juniors).

Permanently laid tracks with Raised Rope.

Padded walls (can Velcro on retractable wall)

Polished concrete surface or matching surface to Bouting venue

No restrictions on pads hitting floor (not needing Teflon tape or pad covers which can have an impact of safety gear effectiveness)

Ventilated storage for league members gear - rollerskates / 2 helmets/ knee/elbow/wrist guards / mouthguard & 2 scrimmage tops.

4.4.9 Sport and Recreation Victoria

A discussion was held with the regional representative from Sport and Recreation Victoria in relation to the State Governments priorities for the provision of indoor facilities. The key issues identified included: The State Government is aware that there is a dearth of indoor stadiums across Victoria to meet both the current and future needs for indoor sporting activities. There is high participation in sporting and recreation activities by residents in the northern region and any facilities that support increased participation should be supported and encouraged. The Department of Sport and Recreation will rely on the local planning and feasibility work to determine the need and demand for facilities. Any funding contribution by the State Government would be via the formal funding programs available. Development of facilities on Education Department land is a good use of resources however there are a number of constraints and restrictions to the community use and operations of the facility.


4.4.10 Other

The Northcote High School has commenced detailed discussion with Darebin Council in regard to the construction of a second indoor sports court. Thornbury High School is also interested in the construction of a single court facility on their site. The petition for more indoor sports facilities particularly in the South of the municipality which was presented to Darebin Council in 2014 has seen council commit funds to investigate the development of outdoor netball courts.

4.5 User Surveys

4.5.1 Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre

This section summarises the key findings from the User Surveys conducted during July 2014 at the Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre. A total of 212 surveys were completed by users of the Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre providing information on:

Respondent profile

Current and future use of the Centre

The following provides a summary of the key issues identified. A copy of the written comments is detailed in Appendix Two of this report.

4.5.2 User Survey Analysis

A summary of the key findings are detailed as follows:

Respondent Profile

The following table summarises the user survey respondent sample for the St Albans Leisure Centre. Table 4.17 User Survey Respondent Sample

CATEGORY SUB-GROUP NUMBER %

Gender Male 58 27.8

Female 151 72.3

Age Range 10 years and under 1 0.5

11 to 19 years 10 4.7

20-29 years 37 17.5

30-39 years 40 19.0

40-49 years 49 23.2

50-59 years 36 17.1

60-69 years 29 13.7

70 years plus 9 4.3


Postcode 3058 3 1.4

3070 76 35.9

3071 49 23.1

3072 14 6.6

3073 10 4.7

3078 28 13.2

3083 1 0.5

3085 2 0.9

Other 29 13.7


A review of the survey sample indicates that:

Fewer males (27.8%) responded to the survey than females (72.3%).

The highest percentage age profile that responded to the survey was aged 40 - 49 years (23.2%) and 30 – 39 years (19.0%).

The predominant area where respondents lived were the postcodes 3070 (35.9%), 3071 (23.1%), 3078 (13.2%), and 3072 (6.6%).

4.5.2.1 Times the Centre was used most

The main times people used the Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre are detailed in the table below: Table 4.18 Centre Usage Times

Time Slot Numbers %

Before 9.00am 37 17.5

9.00am – 12 midday 65 30.8

Midday – 2.00pm 17 8.1

2.00pm – 5.00pm 27 12.8

5.00pm – 8.00pm 65 30.8

The most popular timeslots identified for use of the Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre were 5.00pm – 8.00pm (30.8%), and 9.00am – 12 midday (30.8%). The length of time that respondents spent at the Centre on an average visit is detailed below: Table 4.19 Centre Usage Times

Time Numbers %

Less than 0.5 hours 1 0.5

0.5 hours to 1 hour 46 21.8

1 hour to 1.5 hours 109 51.7

1.5 hours to 2 hours 27 12.8

More than 2 hours 28 13.3

Most respondents spent 1 to 1.5 hours (51.7%) at the Centre followed by 0.5 to 1 hours (21.8%) and more than 2 hours (13.3%).

4.5.2.2 Getting to the Centre

The table on the following page summarises how respondents travelled to the Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre and where they came from. Table 4.20 Getting to the Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre

Category Sub-Group Number %

Origin location Home 194 91.5

Work 15 7.1

Shopping Centre 0 0.0

School 3 1.4

Means of Travel Bike 32 15.2

Bus 3 1.4

Car (on own) 122 57.8

Car (with others) 17 8.6

Taxi 0 0.0

Train 0 0.0

Walk 37 17.5


Most survey respondents indicated they travel to the Centre from home (91.5%), followed by work (7.1%). The majority of respondents travelled by car on their own (7.8%), walked (17.5%) or rode a bike (15.2%).

4.5.2.3 Visits to Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre

The following table summarises the frequency of use of the Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre: Table 4.21 Use of St Albans Leisure Centre

Daily 4 to 6 times

per week 2 to 3 times

per week Weekly

Once a fortnight

Once a month

Less than once a month

Summer Only

7.3% 36.4% 44.7% 10.2% 0.0% 0.5% 0.5% 0.5%

The results indicate that the majority of respondents are regular users of the Centre. The most common usage is 2 to 3 times per week (44.7%), with 4 to 6 times per week (36.4%) also common.

4.5.2.4 Reasons for choosing to use the Centre

Respondents provided a range of reasons why they chose to use the Centre. The reasons listed in order of frequency of response were:

Close to Home 75.4%

To attend health and fitness program 27.5%

Good facilities 22.3%

Range of gym equipment available 19.4%

Other 19.0%

Friends/Family use it 16.6%

To use indoor pools 16.1%

To use outdoor pool 16.1%

Low entry charges 10.4%

To attend aquatic programs 7.6%

Close to work/school 6.6%

The main reason that the Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre was the centre of choice was because it is close to home (75.4% of respondents), to attend health and fitness programs (27.5% of respondents and because of the good facilities (22.3% of respondents).

4.5.2.5 Rating the facilities

Survey respondents rated the current facilities at the Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre as: Table 4.22 Ratings of Facilities

Excellent Good Adequate Poor Very Poor

Facilities 11.9% 31.4% 32.9% 18.6% 5.2%

The results indicated that approximately 43.3% of respondents considered the facilities to be between excellent and good, while 32.9% considered the facilities adequate and 23.8% considered them to be poor or very poor.


The survey respondents who rated the facilities as poor or very poor where asked which facilities in particular they were unhappy with at the Centre. Respondents were allowed to choose up to three answers. The reasons listed in order of frequency of response were:

Change Rooms 85.4%

Gym/Weights facilities 37.5%

Car Parking 35.4%

Indoor lap pool/s 29.2%

Group Fitness Rooms 27.1%

Kiosk and food facilities 20.8%

Air quality in Pool Hall 16.7%

Leisure Pool/s 16.7%

Other 16.7%

Entry and Reception area 14.6%

The main areas that people were not happy with include the change rooms (85.4%) followed by the gym/weights facilities (37.5%) and car parking (35.4%).

4.5.2.6 Rating of the Service and Programs

Survey respondents rated the current services at the Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre as: Table 4.23 Ratings of Services and Programs


Services and Programs

21.8% 48.1% 25.2% 4.4% 0.5%

The results indicated that approximately 69.9% of respondents considered the services to be between excellent and good, while 25.2% considered the services adequate and 4.9% considered them to be poor or very poor. The survey respondents who rated the services and programs as poor or very poor were invited to indicate which services in particular they were unhappy with. Respondents were allowed to choose up to three answers. The reasons listed in order of frequency of response were:

Too crowded 60.0%

Centre opening hours 40.0%

Level of fees and charges 30.0%

Group fitness timetable 30.0%

Other 30.0%

Customer service/assistance 20.0%

Level and quality of instructors 20.0%

Range of programs and services offered 20.0%

The main areas people were not happy with included the fact that they consider the centre to be too crowded (60.0%), the centre opening hours (40.0%), the level of fees and charges (30.0%) and the group fitness timetable (30.0%).


4.5.2.7 Main Activities Undertaken at the Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre

The main activities undertaken at the Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre as indicated by the survey respondents are listed as follows in order of frequency of response:

Use Gym/Weights 65.2%

Group health and fitness classes i.e. aerobics/pump 41.7%

Lap swimming/fitness 29.4%

Use spa/Sauna 16.2%

Personal training 14.7%

Take child to pool 14.7%

Recreation swimming/fun 13.7%

Meet with friends 7.4%

Take part in aquatic program 5.4%

Other 5.4%

Cool down from hot weather 4.9%

The main activities people participate in at the Centre are using the gym/weights equipment, participating in group health and fitness classes, lap swimming/fitness and spa/sauna.

4.5.2.8 Use of other swimming pools/leisure centres in the last 12 months

Survey respondents were asked to indicate which other swimming pools/leisure centre’s they had used in the last 12 months. The responses listed in order of frequency of response were:

Other facility 47.8%

Watermarc 23.9%

Ivanhoe Leisure Centre 22.8%

Collingwood Leisure Centre 18.5%

Fitzroy Outdoor Pool 14.1%

Coburg Leisure Centre 14.1%

Richmond Swimming Centre 8.7%

Thomastown Aquatic & Leisure Centre 5.4%

Mill Park Leisure Centre 3.3%

Fawkner Leisure Centre 1.1%

Broadmeadows Leisure Centre 0.0%

The main pools or leisure Centre’s respondents had used were Watermarc (23.9%) and Ivanhoe Leisure Centre (22.8%).

4.5.2.9 Future facility features that would encourage greater use of public swimming pools

Respondents were asked if they would like to make greater use of the aquatic and leisure centres in the future. The results are shown below: Table 4.24 Likelihood to increase Centre visitation

Number %

Yes 154 76.6

No 47 23.4


Just over 7 out of 10 (76.6%) of respondents indicated that they would like to make greater use of swimming pools/leisure Centre’s in the future. Respondents provided a large range of facilities or features that would encourage them to make greater use of aquatic and leisure centres in the future. The reasons are listed below in order of frequency of response:

Cleaner more hygienic facilities 67.7%

Improved weights/gym facilities 36.8%

Membership packages/discount offers 33.6%

More car parking 20.0%

Improved social and food areas (café) 17.4%

Improved health and fitness classes (Aerobics) 16.1%

Additional family change rooms 14.8%

Other 14.8%

More variety of activities/programs 12.9%

Longer operating hours 12.3%

Warm water pool for therapy/rehabilitation 10.3%

Improved indoor recreation/leisure pools 9.0%

Improved Crèche/Childcare area 8.4%

Health related programs (nutritionist/masseuse etc.) 8.4%

Improved outdoor grassed/shaded areas 6.5%

Larger indoor learn to swim pool 5.8%

Respondents main request to assist them in making greater use of the facility in the future would be to provide cleaner more hygienic facilities, improved weights/gym facilities, membership packages/discount offers, more car parking and improved social and food areas (café).

4.5.3 Reservoir Leisure Centre

This section summarises the key findings from the User Surveys conducted during July 2014 at the Reservoir Leisure Centre. A total of 222 surveys were completed by users of the Reservoir Leisure Centre providing information on:

Respondent profile

Current and future use of the Centre

The following provides a summary of the key issues identified. A copy of the written comments is detailed in Appendix Two of this report.

4.5.3.1 User Survey Analysis

A summary of the key findings are detailed as follows:

4.5.3.2 Respondent Profile

The following table summarises the user survey respondent sample for the Reservoir Leisure Centre.


Table 4.25 User Survey Respondent Sample


Gender Male 79 35.9

Female 141 64.1

Age Range 10 years and under 4 1.8

11-19 years 13 5.9

20-29 years 28 12.7

30-39 years 60 27.3

40-49 years 52 23.6

50-59 years 23 10.5

60-69 years 20 9.1

70 years plus 20 9.1


Postcode 3058 0 0.0

3070 5 2.3

3071 5 2.3

3072 29 13.2

3073 144 65.8

3078 1 0.5

3083 22 10.1

3085 1 0.5

Other 12 5.5

A review of the survey sample indicates that:

Fewer males (35.9%) responded to the survey than females (64.1%).

The highest percentage age profile that responded to the survey was aged 30 - 39 years (27.3%) and 40 – 49 years (23.6%).

The predominant area where respondents lived were the postcodes 3073 (65.8%), 3072 (13.2%), and 3083 (10.1%).

4.5.3.3 Times the Centre was used most

The main times people used the Reservoir Leisure Centre are detailed in the table below: Table 4.26 Centre Usage Times

Time Slot Numbers %

Before 9.00am 34 15.4

9.00am – 12 midday 68 30.8

Midday – 2.00pm 11 5.0

2.00pm – 5.00pm 31 14.0

5.00pm – 8.00pm 77 34.8

The most popular timeslots identified for use of Reservoir Leisure Centre were 5.00pm – 8.00pm (34.8%), followed by 9.00am – 12 midday (30.8%). The length of time that respondents spent at the Centre on an average visit is detailed below: Table 4.27 Centre Usage Times

Time Numbers %

Less than 0.5 hours 4 1.8

0.5 hours to 1 hour 47 21.5

1 hour to 1.5 hours 103 47.0

1.5 hours to 2 hours 47 21.5

More than 2 hours 18 8.2


Most respondents spent 1 to 1.5 hours (47.0%) at the Centre followed by 0.5 to 1 hours (21.5%) and 1.5 to 2 hours (21.5%).

Getting to the Centre

The table below summarises how respondents travelled to the Reservoir Leisure Centre and where they came from.

Table 4.28 Getting to the Reservoir Leisure Centre

Category Sub-Group Number %

Origin location Home 188 85.5

Work 19 8.6

Shopping Centre 1 0.5

School 10 4.6

Other 2 0.9

Means of Travel Bike 12 5.5

Bus 3 1.4

Car (on own) 138 62.7

Car (with others) 41 18.6

Taxi 0 0.0

Train 2 0.9

Walk 24 10.9

Most survey respondents indicated they travel to the Centre from home (85.5%), followed by work (8.6%) and school (4.6%). The majority of respondents travelled by car on their own (62.7%) or with others (18.6%). Walking was also common with 10.9% of respondents indicating this was their preferred mode of transport. 4.5.3.4 Visits to Reservoir Leisure Centre

The following table summarises the frequency of use of the Reservoir Leisure Centre: Table 4.29 Use of Reservoir Leisure Centre

Daily 4 to 6 times

per week 2 to 3 times

per week Weekly

Once a fortnight

Once a month

Less than once a month

Summer Only

12.4% 33.2% 30.9% 19.8% 1.8% 0.9% 0.0% 0.9%

The results indicate that the majority of respondents are regular users of the Centre. The most common usage is 4 to 6 times per week (33.2%), with 2 to 3 times per week (30.9%) also common.

4.5.3.5 Reasons for choosing to use the Centre

Respondents provided a range of reasons why they chose to use the Centre. The reasons listed in order of frequency of response were:

Close to Home 72.2%

Good facilities 25.1%

To attend health and fitness programs 24.7%

It has an indoor pool 16.9%

Range of equipment available 13.7%

Friends/Family use it 11.9%

Low entry charges 11.9%

To attend learn to swim program, 9.6%

Close to work/school 7.8%

To attend aquatic programs 7.3%


The main reason that the Reservoir Leisure Centre was the Centre of choice was because it is close to home (72.2% of respondents), because of the good facilities (25.1% of respondents), to attend health and fitness programs (24.7% of respondents) and because it has an indoor pool (16.9% of respondents).

4.5.3.6 Rating the facilities

Survey respondents rated the current facilities at the Reservoir Leisure Centre as: Table 4.30 Ratings of Facilities


Facilities 26.4% 43.5% 22.2% 7.9% 0.0%

The results indicated that approximately 47.5% of respondents considered the overall building to be between excellent and good, while 22.2% considered the facilities adequate and 7.9% considered them to be poor. The survey respondents who answered poor to the previous question where asked which facilities in particular they were unhappy with at the Centre. Respondents were allowed to choose up to three answers. The reasons listed in order of frequency of response were:

Change Rooms 57.9%

Gym/Weights facilities 21.1%

Leisure Pool/s 21.1%

Indoor lap pool/s 15.8%

Air quality in Pool Hall 15.8%

Outdoor Pool/s 15.8%

Feeling of safety (security) 0.0%

The main areas that people were not happy with include the change rooms (57.9%) followed by the gym/weights facilities (21.1%) and leisure pools (21.1%).

4.5.3.7 Rating of the Service and Programs

Survey respondents rated the current services at the Reservoir Leisure Centre as: Table 4.31 Ratings of Services and Programs


Services 34.1% 47.2% 15.9% 2.8% 0.0%

The results indicated that approximately 81.3% of respondents considered the services to be between excellent and good, while 15.9% considered the services adequate and 2.8% considered them to be poor. The survey respondents who answered poor or very poor for the previous question were invited to indicate which services in particular they were unhappy with. Respondents were allowed to choose up to three answers. The reasons listed in order of frequency of response were:

Level of fees and charges 55.6%

Customer service/assistance 33.3%

Range of programs and services offered 33.3%

Too crowded 33.3%


Other 33.3%

Group fitness timetable 22.2%

Information available 11.1%

Centre opening hours 11.1%

Food and beverage service 11.1%

Level and quality of instructors 11.1%

Water based programs 11.1%

Swim School administration and books 0.0%

The main areas people were unhappy included the level of fees and charges (55.6%) and the customer service/assistance, range of programs and services offered, and the perception of the facility being too crowded (all 33.3%).

4.5.3.8 Main Activities Undertaken at the Reservoir Leisure Centre

The main activities undertaken at the Reservoir Leisure Centre as indicated by the survey respondents are listed as follows in order of frequency of response:

Use Gym/Weights 50.2%

Group health and fitness classes i.e. aerobics/pump 36.6%

Lap swimming/fitness 22.1%

Take child to pool 21.1%

Use Spa/Sauna 18.3%

Recreation swimming/fun 11.7%

Water based fitness activities 8.9%

Take part in aquatic program 7.5%

Meet with friends 7.5%

Aquaerobics 6.6%

The main activities people participate in at the Centre are using the gym/weights equipment, participating in group health and fitness classes, lap swimming/fitness and taking children to the pool.

4.5.3.9 Use of other swimming pools/leisure centres in the last 12 months

Survey respondents were asked to indicate which other swimming pools/leisure centre’s they had used in the last 12 months. The responses listed in order of frequency of response were:

Thomastown Aquatic & Leisure Centre 33.6%

Watermarc 31.2%

Other 26.4%

Coburg Leisure Centre 9.6%

Ivanhoe Leisure Centre 7.2%

Mill Park Leisure Centre 5.6%

Fawkner Leisure Centre 4.8%


Collingwood Leisure Centre 4.0%

Fitzroy Outdoor Pool 4.0%

Richmond Swimming Centre 3.2%

Broadmeadows Leisure Centre 3.2%

The main pools or leisure Centre’s respondents had used were Thomastown Aquatic & Leisure Centre (33.6%) and Watermarc (31.2%).

4.5.3.10 Future facility features that would encourage greater use of public swimming pools

Respondents were asked if they would like to make greater use of the aquatic and leisure centres in the future. The results are shown below: Table 4.32 Likelihood to increase Centre visitation

Number %

Yes 170 85.4

No 29 14.6

Just over 8 out of 10 (85.4%) of respondents indicated that they would like to make greater use of swimming pools/leisure Centre’s in the future. Respondents provided a large range of facilities or features that would encourage them to make greater use of swimming pools in the future. The reasons are listed below in order of frequency of response:

Cleaner more hygienic facilities 31.3%

Membership packages/discount offers 29.6%

Improved weights/gym facilities 21.6%

Longer operating hours 21.0%

Improved health and fitness classes (Aerobics) 19.3%

More car parking 15.3%

Improved indoor recreation/leisure pools 14.2%

Health related programs (nutritionist/masseuse etc.) 12.5%

Additional family change rooms 11.4%

Warm water pool for therapy/rehabilitation 11.4%

Improved social and food areas (café) 11.4%

Larger indoor learn to swim pool 10.8%

Improved outdoor grassed/shaded areas 10.8%

Respondents main request to assist them in making greater use of the facility in the future would be to provide cleaner more hygienic facilities, membership packages/discount offers, improved weights/gym facilities, longer opening hours and improved health and fitness classes.


4.6 Review and Benchmarking of Regional Facilities A review of indoor stadium facility provision in the following neighbouring municipalities has been completed to identify key issue or facility developments that impact facilities in the Darebin City Council. The neighbouring municipalities included:

Whittlesea City Council

Banyule City Council

Boroondara City Council

Yarra Shire Council

Moreland City Council

Hume City Council

Table 4.33 Neighboring Municipalities Facilities

Municipality Facility Name Facilities Ownership/Management Whittlesea City Council

Epping Soccer Stadium World class soccer stadium Bar, kiosk, club change rooms, covered grandstand, spectator terrace

Whittlesea City Council owned and managed

Mill Park Leisure & Services Centre

Indoor 25m pool, learn to swim pool, toddler pool, spa and sauna Gymnasium, multi-purpose area, group fitness room Kiosk, crèche, consulting suites, program room, outdoor BBQ area

Managed by the YMCA

Thomastown Recreation & Aquatic Centre

Indoor 25m pool, learners/toddler pool, program pool, hydrotherapy pool, spa, warm water pool, outdoor water play pool, steam room and spa Gymnasium, multi-purpose aerobics area, group fitness room 1 indoor court Consulting suites/massage room, kiosk, crèche, outdoor recreation centre including water play equipment, climbing structures and BBQ area

Whittlesea City Council owned and managed

Mill Park Basketball and Netball Stadium

4 indoor multi-purpose courts, seating for 600 Whittlesea City Council owned, managed by Whittlesea Basketball Association

Meadowglen International Athletics Stadium

Athletics track Accessible toilets, kitchen/kiosk, full canteen, change rooms, first aid room, grandstand and shaded spectator areas, function room

Whittlesea City Council owned

Whittlesea Swimming Centre 25m outdoor heated pool, heated outdoor learners and toddler pool Kiosk, playground, change rooms

Whittlesea City Council owned, YMCA managed

Bundoora Netball and Sports Centre

Gymnasium, group fitness room 4 indoor multi-purpose courts, 4 squash courts, 4 tennis courts, 3 netball courts Function room, change facilities, 2 sporting fields, synthetic running tracks, synthetic full size hockey pitch, synthetic full size soccer pitch, multi-purpose room, café

RMIT owned (part funded by Whittlesea City Council), Belgravia Leisure managed

Banyule City Council

WaterMarc Indoor 50m pool, Aquaplay area inc waterslides, Learners pool, Leisure pool, Warm water program pool, Toddlers pool Gymnasium, 3 group fitness rooms 3 Meeting rooms, café, childcare

Banyule City Council owned, Belgravia Leisure managed

Ivanhoe Aquatic Centre 25m indoor pool, Learners/toddlers pool, Spa, sauna Gymnasium Group fitness room Circuit room

Banyule City Council owned and managed

Learn to Swim Victoria @ Heidelberg Primary School Pool

Indoor pool DEECD owned, Privately managed

Van Dyks Swimming Academy

25m indoor pool Privately owned

Yarra Swim School Indoor swimming pool, multi-purpose room Privately owned


Municipality Facility Name Facilities Ownership/Management Olympic Village Leisure Centre

25m indoor pool, learn/toddler pool, spa, sauna Gymnasium, 3 activity rooms 1 indoor multi-purpose court Kiosk

Banyule City Council owned and managed

Banyule Netball Stadium (NETS)

4 indoor multipurpose courts, 2 outdoor courts Multipurpose rooms Crèche, meeting rooms, café

Bayule City Council owned and managed

Macleod Recreation and Fitness Centre

1 indoor multi-purpose court Gymnasium, group fitness room, circuit room, Crèche, gymnastics hall, meeting rooms, 2 dance studios

Banyule City Council owned, YMCA managed

Olympic Village Primary School

1 court DEECD

St Helena Secondary College 2 courts DEECD

Montmorency Secondary College

2 courts School owned and managed

Ivanhoe East Primary School 1 court DEECD

Charles LaTrobe College 1 court DEECD

Viewbank College 1 court DEECD

Ivanhoe Primary 1 court DEECD

Ivanhoe Grammar 2 court School owned and managed

Ivanhoe Girls Grammar 2 courts School owned and managed

Boroondara City Council

Boroondara Sports Complex Outdoor 50m pool, outdoor diving pool, small teaching pool Gymnasium, 2 multi-purpose rooms 4 indoor courts

Boroondara City Council owned, YMCA managed

Balwyn Leisure Centre 1 indoor court Gymnastics hall Multi-purpose room, group fitness room, childcare


Ashburton Pool and Recreation Centre

Outdoor 25m pool, Indoor 25m pool, indoor hydro pool, indoor children’s play pool, 2 spas 2 level gymnasium, group fitness studio, Spin and boxing studio, consulting suites 2 indoor courts Merchandise area, café, change rooms


Boroondara Netball Centre 8 outdoor netball courts and pavilion Boroondara City Council owned, Boroondara Netball Association managed under license

Kew Recreation Centre Indoor 25m pool, Waterslide, water play area, small teaching pool, spa Gymnasium, group fitness room, spin room, multi-purpose room, consulting suites Change rooms, meeting room, café

Boroondara owned, YMCA managed

Hawthorn Aquatic and Leisure Centre

50m outdoor pool, indoor warm water pool Gymnasium, 2 group fitness rooms, spin studio, consulting suites Crèche, café, change rooms

Boroondara owned, YMCA managed

Yarra City Council

Collingwood Leisure Centre 25m lap pool, learn to swim pool, toddlers pool, spa and sauna Gym, spin room, group fitness room Change room, crèche,

Yarra City Council owned and managed

Fitzroy Swimming Pool 50m outdoor heated pool, sauna, spa, steam room Gymnasium, spinning studio, group fitness room Crèche,


Richmond Recreation Centre 50m indoor pool, toddler pool, spa, sauna, steam room 2 gymnasiums, group fitness studio, spinning studio


Moreland City Council

Brunswick Baths 50m heated outdoor pool, 20m indoor pool, waterplay pool, spa, sauna, steam room, outdoor toddlers splashpad, Gymnasium, Cardio room, group fitness room, cycling studio, functional training room, childcare centre, Synthetic Soccer Pitch

Moreland City Council owned and managed

Coburg Leisure Centre Indoor 25m pool, learners pool, toddlers play pool, spa and steam room



Municipality Facility Name Facilities Ownership/Management Gymnasium, group fitness room, Childcare

Coburg Olympic Swimming Pool

50m outdoor Olympic pool, learners pool, toddlers pool, diving pool, BBQ and picnic areas, basketball pad, kiosk, shaded lawn areas


Fawkner Leisure Centre 25m indoor pool, shallow toddlers play area, spa, sauna 50m outdoor heated pool, deep water play area, waterslide, learners pool, toddlers play pool, outdoor volleyball area Gymnasium, cycle studio, group fitness room, BBQ and lawn area, childcare Synthetic full size soccer pitch 1 multi-purpose indoor court


Oak Park Aquatic Centre 50m outdoor pool, learners pool, toddlers play pool, waterslide, shaded stadium seating, BBQ and picnic areas


Pascoe Vale Outdoor Pool 33m outdoor pool, 20m learners pool, toddlers water play feature, diving pool Basketball pad, BBQ and Picnic area, kiosk


Coburg Basketball Stadium 4 indoor multi-purpose courts Moreland City Council owned Managed by Coburg Basketball Association

Hume City Council

Craigieburn Leisure Centre 25m pool, sauna, steam room, spa Gymnasium, cycle room 5 multi-purpose indoor courts

Hume City Council owned and managed

Sunbury Aquatic and Leisure Centre

50m outdoor heated pool, outdoor heated learners pool, outdoor heated toddlers pool, lawn and shaded areas, sauna, steam room, spa, program pool Fitness gym Kiosk, change rooms


Broadmeadows Leisure Centre

Pools, Program pool, Sauna, spa, steam room Gymnasium, circuit room, cycle room


TOTAL

42 facilities

The review indicates that there is a total of forty two (42) sporting facilities providing within municipalities that boarder the City of Darebin. Of these facilities the majority are owned by local government, 10 are located on land owned by the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development or private school land, and 1 is located on land owned by the RMIT.

4.6.1 Banyule City Council

Banyule City Council have identified and verified the need for additional indoor courts and have committed to developed 4-6 courts on the Banksia Secondary College site. Concept plans are being prepared and a funding application has been submitted to the Sport and Recreation Victoria Community Facilities Funding Program. Council provided significant funding towards the development of the WaterMarc in Greensborough. The facility has been operational for just over 18 months and is attracting in excess of 930,000 visits per annum. A master plan for the Ivanhoe Aquatic Centre has recently been completed.

4.6.2 Moreland City Council

The Coburg Basketball Stadium is the main Council Indoor Sporting facility. Council has been considering for some time the redevelopment of the Oak Park outdoor swimming pool to provide both indoor aquatic components and 4 indoor sports courts

4.6.3 Whittlesea City Council

A feasibility study into indoor sports facilities has just been completed in Whittlesea (2014) and verifies the need for 6-8 additional indoor courts. Whittlesea Council has committed to the provision of additional courts in the future however the timing of these is uncertain.


Council completed the redevelopment of the Thomastown Aquatic Centre approximately four years ago. A Feasibility Study for the redevelopment of Mill Park Aquatic Centre is planned for mid to late 2014.

4.6.4 Yarra City Council

Yarra City Council have long identified the need for additional indoor sports courts and have identified the former Gas and Fuel site on Alexander Avenue as the preferred site. The site is not yet available for development so there are currently no indications of when a facility will be constructed.

4.6.5 Boroondara City Council

Boroondara have identified a lack of indoor sports courts to service the needs of basketball and netball. Council is considering a number of options to provide additional courts including the extension of the Boroondara Sports Complex by one additional court and the joint development of a two court facility as part of the Swinburne Secondary College. The Hawthorn Aquatic Centre was redeveloped in 2013/2014 and the new Centre was opened in May 2014. No other aquatic projects are currently being considered.

4.6.6 Hume City Council

The Hume City Council recently redeveloped the indoor sports courts at the Craigieburn Leisure and Aquatic Centre to provide a 5 court facility. Council are currently developing plans to develop a second regional aquatic and leisure Centre as part of the new Craigieburn Town Centre. This will result in the closure of the aquatic and health and fitness areas of the Craigieburn facility.

4.7 Indoor Sports and Aquatic Facilities Trends

The following provides a review of the key sports facilities and participation trends that may impact on the feasibility study. Implications from these trends have been considered in completing the overall demand assessment and facility development requirements presented later in this report.

4.7.1 Indoor Sporting Facility Trends

(i) Indoor Recreation Facility Management Trends A number of common indoor facility management trends have been observed in recent times, including:

A general shift (back) to in house Council management.

Limited choice in professional non-government indoor facility management service providers.

Incorporation of commercial facility components into the overall service mix, e.g. retail outlets, health services and café facilities.

Establishment of community Boards of Management/Committees to oversee the operation of indoor facilities.

Pursuit of non-sporting uses for indoor facilities: e.g. events, displays, functions etc.

(ii) Financial Performance of Indoor Sports Facilities

The following relevant trends in the financial performance of indoor sporting facilities:

Generally, stadiums with less than three to four courts have a lower income generating capacity and lower likelihood of being financially viable.

Facilities that are designed and operated to be “multi-use” are generally operated at higher levels of usage capacity and financial performance than single sport/specialist facilities.


Large regional facilities with four or more courts that are centrally located in large catchment areas, with a low level of external competition, in prominent positions have a greater chance of being financially viable.

Larger centralised facilities are more efficient in terms of both competition coordination and financial sustainability.

Successful indoor sporting associations have access to a larger multi court facility (4 or more courts) for competition and a range of smaller facilities (i.e. schools) for training.

4.7.2 General recreation and Sports Trends

The study’s key findings combined with the consultant team’s previous leisure research experience, current industry trends and latest research findings indicate the following trends may impact upon the Study area.

(i) Factors Affecting Recreation Participation and Facility Provision

Current trends that affect the sport and recreation industry are being driven by several wider trends in Australian society being:

A gradual ageing of the population as life expectancy increases, birth rates stay low and the baby boomers grow older. Therefore, an increase in masters/seniors programs is being experienced by a number of sports.

Broad mix of different times when people participate in leisure, as demands on people’s time continues to increase and work practices change.

Increased variety of leisure options means change in traditional participation

Constraints on Government spending together with a new degree of entrepreneurs in the Australian economy.

(ii) Participation

There is a slow reduction in participation in competitive and traditional sports, with people becoming increasingly unwilling to commit themselves to play ‘for a whole season’ or available to play and train a number of days a week. Due to daily time constraints, people are cutting back their leisure and recreation activities and are more demanding about those that remain. To remain viable, the quality of facilities and services will have to continually improve. There will be a greater demand in the future for indoor facilities (available all year/every day) and higher quality outdoor playing surfaces. With increased age longevity and larger numbers of fit, healthy older people, the demand for exercise, and for conveniently located facilities, is expected to increase. Because of their reliance on young players, many sports will grow more slowly than the adult population as a whole. With new technologies and commercial interests investing in leisure, a wide range of activities, particularly those targeting teenagers, will continue to undergo cyclic popularity. Sports clubs dependent on voluntary labour and support will be required to provide greater incentives and better management to attract volunteers. The cost to sports clubs of equipping, insuring and managing players and administering games is expected to continue to increase.


(iii) Facility Trends With ongoing Government economic constraints and limited capital and operational budgets, many new sports facilities may have to be joint venture arrangements between private and public sectors and sports clubs. The reduction in commitment to curriculum based school sports in State Government Schools will have impacts on the local availability of school sports facilities while also discouraging public sector investment in new facilities at these sites. Due to restricted rate and other revenue bases, local Councils may have to encourage greater private investment in leisure facilities and services. This may be achieved by a mix of rate concessions, payback loans, management rights in return for investment, provision of land and planning concessions. Facility provision is changing from single-purpose to multi-purpose. However there is an emphasis on ensuring facilities are designed to meet the specific needs of the key user groups. A great deal of infrastructure expenditure is now being directed to the development of larger public and private complexes providing aquatic, health, fitness and indoor sports facilities because of the higher utilisation which can be achieved. There is less emphasis on the development of traditional single purpose outdoor sports facilities. More flexible designs are being created and there is a growing expectation that facilities will need to be renovated/upgraded on a periodic basis. There is a realisation that facilities have a “customer interest life-span” which is much less than the facility life-span. The planning process for new facilities has improved significantly with the conduct of effective feasibility studies being the norm. These studies have generally included management/ marketing/financial plans with demand projections based on sophisticated survey data. There has been considerable improvement in the management of leisure facilities, with increased expectations of managers to produce better financial outcomes and generate higher attendance. Public sector facility managers now need higher skill levels, face broader roles, need access to better training and professional networks and improved financial reporting systems. As competition increases there will be an increased emphasis on programming and target marketing based on adopting consumer driven strategies and performance evaluation techniques. This indicates a greater resourcing of local area planning, knowing who are your customers and how to attract them.

4.7.3 Comparison of National/State Sporting and Recreation Participation Trends

The Exercise, Recreation and Sport Survey (ERASS) was a joint initiative of the Australian Sports Commission and the State and Territory Government agencies responsible for sport and recreation, and was first conducted in 2001. This publication presents results from the annual ERASS collection, which was conducted in 2010. ERASS collects information on the frequency, duration, nature and type of activities that are participated in by persons aged 15 years and over for exercise, recreation and sport during the 12 months prior to interview. Participation means active ‘playing’ participation, and does not include coaching, refereeing and being a spectator or activities related to work or household chores. During the 12 months prior to interviews in 2010, an estimated 12.2 million persons aged 15 years and over participated at least once per week in physical activity for exercise, recreation and sport, a participation rate of 69.4%. Household, or garden chores, or activities that were part of work were not included. However, the participation rate drops markedly when higher frequency of involvement is considered.


An estimated 8.3 million persons aged 15 years and over exercised three times per week or more (47.7%). In 2010 an estimated 14.4 million persons aged 15 years and over (82.3%) living in occupied private dwellings participated at least once annually in physical activity for exercise, recreation or sport National and State leisure participation trends from the ERASS particularly relevant to this project are detailed in the table below: Table 4.34 Participation Trends

Category National


2010

Victorian


2010 Walking for recreation 35.9% 36.6% Basketball 3.5% 4.8% Running 10.6% 12.7% Australian Rules Football 3.3 5.4% Outdoor Cricket 3.2% 3.5% Outdoor Football (Soccer) 4.8% 3.5% Indoor Football (Soccer) 1.9% 2.6% Netball 3.7% 4.3% Yoga 3.5% 4.3% Aerobics/Fitness 23.5% 24.7%

4.7.4 Aquatic Facility Trends

This information draws from a review of a large sample of industry market research projects that have been carried out over the past five years to assist in defining aquatic and indoor facility and related leisure trends. SGL’s extensive experience in the development of aquatic and leisure facilities indicates that these types of facilities usually become a highly emotive and public interest debate. Organised formal groups (specialist users of pools) may dominate consultation processes whilst the general resident/casual and recreation user (highest user of pools) can remain unheard. In many cases when a Council is faced with developing or redeveloping an aquatic facility the debate about the right components for the community it is to serve may at times be dominated by:

The priority for long course competition, lap swimming and training facilities (50m or 25m lap pools) sometimes at the expense of not including or building multi-use high use viable water areas as well.

The need for deep water to meet specialist sport needs which increases operating costs and also restrictions as to who can use the water. Selection of these areas must be made with financial and user impacts clearly highlighted.

Lack of a co-coordinated strategy for other existing pools in the project area and user catchment zones so there is not duplication of the same thing in the same catchment zone.

Lack of knowledge on local competitor facilities and user markets of why and how people use pools and what they pay for the different user categories. Participation trends usually show only a small market for lap swimming, whilst a large proportion of people use the facilities for recreation, fun, enjoyment, socialisation, education and therapy.

The development of limited water areas that have a range of differing water depths and temperatures.

Not ensuring all user markets are a priority so that a mix of water areas become an essential part of a successful aquatic leisure centre design brief.


4.7.5 Leisure and Aquatic Trends that Impact on Leisure Facilities

The following summary of general leisure trends impacting on people and their demand for recreation, sport and leisure activities and in particular aquatic facilities has been developed using a range of aquatic facility feasibility documents. General Leisure trends impacting on aquatic leisure facilities design, facility components and user attraction include:

A gradual ageing of the population. As life expectancy increases, birth rates stay low and the “baby boomers” of the 1950's and 1960's grow older. This is placing a new demand on providing programmed hotter water areas as well as pools suitable for therapy and older adult exercises. It also means it is essential to have a range of pools with different water depths and temperatures.

Flexibility in the times when people recreate. As demands on people’s time increases and work practices change people are seeking to take their recreation at different times, over a broad spread of hours and at facilities that offer a lot of activities under the one roof. Indoor pools and health and fitness facilities are particularly attractive and getting easier to use as many are open 12 to 16 hours, 7 days a week

Increased variety in recreation and leisure options. People’s leisure and recreation options are changing towards newer more varied activities offered over a greater range of timeframes compared to previous decades where limited variety in activities and scheduling occurred. This has supported the trend to more multi-use facilities to attract a broader range of users as well as multiple water areas to meet different needs at the one centre.

Constraints to recreation and leisure participation. Lack of time, lack of facilities close by, family and work constraints, health problems and cost of service or use of facilities are the main constraints to many people’s recreation and leisure participation. The development of targeted markets of users, programs and services at aquatic and health and fitness centres has assisted in reducing some of these participation constraints

Changing employment structures, trading and work hours. These trends often make participation in traditional sports difficult and therefore people are looking for facilities that are open longer hours and have a lot of activity options at the one site. This makes opportunities such as indoor pools attractive as their long opening hour’s means usage can be made in a wide range of social, training, competition, educational settings.

Different people want different activities. Differing population characteristics i.e. age, gender, cultural issues sees the need for facilities to offer potential users a much more varied range of programs and services than previously offered. All year round indoor aquatic facilities also provide the greatest diversity of activities throughout the different seasons impacted by an areas local weather

Provision of high standards and quality of facilities and services. People are looking for high standard, high quality facilities and services to meet their recreation and leisure needs. This has also seen the trend for indoor facilities becoming very popular as they allow activity in safe and secure spaces in all weather and environmental conditions. This leads to indicating that building low standard, low cost facilities will not attract the maximum user market

Desire for activities to be affordable. The development of multi-purpose aquatic leisure centres has enabled the high operating cost activity of aquatics (in many cases) to be cross subsidised by more profitable activity areas such as health and fitness, food and beverage and entertainment areas. This has enabled many facilities to keep general entry fees low to encourage use whilst seeking users who want special services to contribute at a greater level to the cost of such activities.


Recognition of strong links between physical activity and health. Preventative health care and active lifestyles are very important to many people’s aquatic and health and fitness activities are becoming a large part of people’s activity choices.

Expectations of equity and access. Today’s society expects people with special needs to be catered for in public aquatic and leisure facilities. This has seen improved design features to increase accessibility to and within such facilities. Added to this is the growing array of programs and activities offered to people of all different abilities, physical condition and skill levels.

4.7.6 General Aquatic Facility Trends

The main general aquatic facility trends that can impact on selection of high use activity components are detailed in the following graphic.

4.7.7 Specific Aquatic Facility Trends

Specific Aquatic Facility Trends that are impacting on people in the 21st Century include: (a) Aquatic Facility Trends and Main User Markets Traditionally many local authority aquatic leisure facilities were built for specialist or limited market users (i.e. competitive swimmers or high level sport participants). Detailed planning and comprehensive feasibility studies now are able to show more targeted user profiles.

Successful Aquatic Leisure Facility Model

SUCCESSFUL FACILITIES KEY

COMPONENTS TO MEET MAIN USER

MARKETS

HEALTH & WELLNESS

• Gym and Exercise studios

• Massage/Beauty Treatments

• Warm water program pools

HOSPITALITY

• Training and program rooms

• Meeting/social facilities

• Café and merchandising

LEISURE & ADVENTURE

• Indoor water play complex

• Free form play pools

• Adventure rides and pools

FITNESS & EDUCATION

• Competition/training pools

• Learn to Swim pools

• Spa/saunas

• Club/association


Such studies usually identify the demographic profile of residents in the project area, their current aquatic and leisure participation patterns and use of surrounding aquatic facilities that provide a sound base for more user friendly facilities. The majority of aquatic facility market research indicates future complexes must equally cater for four distinct aquatic user markets:

funnd play

Recreation and Leisure Market - usually made up of families, people coming with friends and groups for fun, relaxation, social activity and low level competition/participation.

Competitive/Training/Fitness Market - usually made up of people predominantly attending facilities alone for structured fitness or competition activities.

Education Market - usually made up of children and adults wishing to increase water safety and survival skills. Includes Learn to swim classes, school and club use and individuals improving their skills and techniques. They require hot water pools and water depths with some straight edges and easy water access etc.

Health and Therapy Market - usually made up of children, adults and older adults wanting to relax or exercise in hot water. This market also includes specialist health condition groups such as arthritis, asthma suffers, etc. They require hot water pools and associated health relaxation areas, i.e. Spa/saunas, etc.

Main Aquatic Leisure Facility User Markets

MAXIMUM AQUATIC FACILITY USER

ATTRACTION SUBJECT TO DEMOGRAPHIC

PROFILE

EDUCATION

• 10% to 15% of users

• Learn to swim, schools etc.

• Special needs users

THERAPY

• 10% to 15% of users

• Hydrotherapy

• Exercise classes in water

REC, LEISURE & ADVENTURE

• 60% - 70% of pool users

• Families, friends, social groups

• Coming for fun and play

FITNESS & TRAINING

• 20% to 25% of pool users

• Competitive swimmers

• Club/association users


Benchmarking indicates that the recreation and leisure market will be the largest as it contains people of all ages, ability, types, interest and gender. The competitive/ training/fitness market is a more specialist market as it usually contains younger, fitter and more active people who have made time to train and compete. Previous benchmarking conducted by SGL Leisure Planning Team indicates that in many cases 60% to 70% of facility users come from the recreation/leisure sector with 20% to 30% coming from the competitive/training/fitness markets. The health and therapy and education markets can range from 10% to 20% of the market subject to the age and health profile of the community in which the facility is located. The most successful centres attract all user markets and should be set up to allow people to participate in a range of activities at the one site. The further addition of health and fitness facilities, spas and saunas and social areas have been very successful at many aquatic facilities, as they add to the user experience and contribute to people being attracted to attend these facilities more often.

(i) Aquatic Facilities Activity Areas

Industry trends indicate that in the majority of current indoor stand-alone aquatic facilities revenue does not meet annual operating costs. Average losses range from $200,000 to $500,000 plus per annum. The Centres that have the capacity to return an operational surplus show minimal return on capital investment. A review of the successful Centres' business indicates that these Centres record:

High visits per square metre

High expense recovery ability including capital repayment

High operating profits per visit

Excellent program range returns and attendances

High secondary spend returns

Excellent range of attendance types (adult/child ratio)

Draws users from a large catchment area

High revenue returns from health and fitness To ensure financial viability and attract potential interest from capital investors, any future facility development must be designed with the above business aims in mind. This support usually recommends activity area components that can:

Provide a mix of shallow leisure/recreation water with programmable water areas.

Provide high revenue generating complementary service areas such as spas, saunas, and food and beverage services.

Are located in a high traffic/visitation area.

Are located as part of other leisure facility development.

Traditionally, commercial investment in aquatic facilities has been in specialist pools such as learn-to-swim or as additions to health and fitness clubs. The high capital cost and limited financial returns have contributed to this situation. Recent projects do see an increase in the number of management groups prepared to invest capital funds in return for longer-term agreements.

(ii) Health and Fitness Activity Areas

Industry trends indicate that users of aquatic facilities are also significant users of health and fitness facilities. Location of each of these activity components at the one site improves financial viability. Health and fitness has the capacity to record high expense recovery returns, with many centres returning 125% to 180% of expenditure. Traditionally these returns can also attract commercial investors and operators to health and fitness facilities. Locating these facilities at aquatic centres increases the potential of cross-selling and spin-off use. It also improves the membership/program user and casual user ratio.


(iii) Ancillary Services and Activity Areas

In recent years, there has been a trend to develop a range of complementary businesses in conjunction with aquatic leisure facilities. These include:

Wellness Centres/Day Spas: There is an emerging trend of adding in an area for specialist wellness activities, services and merchandising. The key services found at successful wellness centres include massage, beauty therapy treatments, gentle exercise classes and relaxation and time out activities. Inclusion of such facilities offers a broader range of activities to a larger age profile of people. The massage and beauty therapy are high yield sales activities and can have high linked merchandising product sales. It is essential in developing such areas that they are located with good views, away from general public noise and viewing areas and have very good finishes and fittings. There needs to be a close by lounge for relaxation after treatment or classes.

Sports Medicine: Development of consulting rooms, with patient access to health and fitness and pools, have been excellent revenue generators.

Health and Therapeutic Services: Health consultancies, weight loss and therapeutic services linking in worker and accident rehabilitation patients to use the range of facilities with centre memberships paid by relevant authorities.

Health and Beauty Services: Leased areas to services such as beauticians, hair salons and body toning.

4.7.8 Potential Future Aquatic Facility Trends

Aquatic Facility reviews completed in Australia, North America, Canada, the Middle East and China during the past two years by SGL provide a guide to likely new aquatic facility innovations and trends. Key features that should be considered when redeveloping or retrofitting high use aquatic facilities are: (i) Leisure Play Equipment

Changing static shallow water areas into water play and fun zones is one of the most popular renovations. This can be done by adding simple play equipment, water sprays and interactive equipment to existing pools. Added to this is the option to introduce inflatable play equipment to allow the area to be changeable. Many such outdoor pools that have been retrofitted have been linked to high use indoor pools.

(ii) Major Attraction Leisure Features

Water slides and similar challenge and adventure type activities have remained popular as long as the venue has a range of slides/rides to keep peoples interest. Single ride facilities struggle to keep interest due to the lack of variety. Multi ride areas allow users to try different length and configuration rides. There are also a range of new water rides that have a slide component leading to another ride experience such as dropping into a bowl and then water, or onto a ramp and then into a splash pool. A key design trend is to link all slides to a common entry platform to ensure one staff person can supervise the area. A common splash down zone also allows one lifeguard to control a range of ride water entry points.


(iii) Special Effects

A range of North American Indoor leisure parks have added computerised light shows and sound systems to allow night time areas to be changed. The use of lights and sound provided users with new indoor facility experiences at night-time. Some centres have gone further by adding projection walls to incorporate movies and short video clips with their new light and sound effects.

(iv) Leisure Furniture

Many centres aimed to keep parents and children at centres longer (to encourage greater secondary spending on food/beverage/merchandising) by providing quality furniture. The use of pool side lounges, tables, chairs, umbrellas, has allowed families to stay close to the water areas in relative comfort. (v) Food/Beverage/Merchandising

This area has seen some major changes through development of pool side and dry area multi serving zones. Linked to these are high quality wet and dry lounge zones where people are encouraged to sit down and relax. A number of innovative centres provide extensive lounge areas as well as pool side furniture. These centres use mobile food and beverage carts to sell items directly to centre users (i.e. they take the product to the customer). A number of other centres visited have used merchandising innovations, such as all existing customers having to go through the sales area. Other innovations included:

Multi-media video screens through the centre reminding customers about programs, special promotions, and food/beverage and merchandising specials.

Providing customers with discount vouchers (at entry to centre) to spend in food/ beverage and merchandising outlets or on their next visit.

Offering combination sales specials to attract a higher spend per person.


5.1 Summary of Key Findings – Issues and Opportunities

Sections 1 to 4 of this report provide an analysis of the current and future Darebin population, operational performance of the two existing aquatic and leisure centres and indoor stadiums and market research and consultation findings to assist with guiding the future strategy to service the needs of the population over the next ten to twenty years. This section provides a summary of key findings as a base for guiding the City’s future major regional sports facility strategy.

5.1.1 Demographic Review

The City of Darebin Local Government area covers an area of 53 sq. km. and had a total population of 136,474 people in 2011. Approximately 5 out of 10 people (47.5%) are aged in their most active years of 0 – 35 years. This indicates that the current pressure and demands being placed on Council to provide a range of leisure activities and facilities to meet the needs of residents will continue. It is expected that there will be an overall trend of an increasing population for the Darebin area. In 2031 it is projected that there will be an extra 30,924 people living within the municipality from the 2011 figure resulting in a population of approximately 173,980. It should be noted however that this estimate was prepared prior to the 2011 census figures, which shows Darebin’s population in 2011 was 136,474, which is 6,582 fewer residents than anticipated. Whilst it is difficult to determine by exactly how much the population will increase, any increase is likely to come from increased urban density which will continue to place increasing importance on public open space and community leisure facilities.

5.1.2 Proposed Developments

Darebin has in recent years experienced strong growth with the DTPLI Housing and Population Report, 2014 outlining that since 2005 Darebin’s average annual rate of population growth has been 1.45% per annum. There are a number of key housing developments that will impact on the provision of major sporting facilities. The key developments that are proposed that will increase catchment populations include:

East Preston Urban Renewal – population prediction 10,000 people – the area is bored by Murray Road, Chiffley Drive, Bell Street and Albert Street.

Junction Precinct Preston – population prediction 1000 people

Preston market development – Preston Central - predicted population 1,000 – 2,000 people The proposed development of a range of facilities at LaTrobe University including some major sporting facilities may also have a significant impact on the provision of sporting facilities for both the Darebin and Banyule Council areas. The recently developed master plan for LaTrobe University includes the potential development of a number of key sporting facilities that will be accessed by both the university population and the communities surrounding Latrobe. Some of the potential key facilities include:

5 Summary of Key Issues and Opportunities


Indoor multi-purpose aquatic and leisure Centre including indoor sports courts, swimming pools, gyms and group fitness rooms.

Upgraded baseball facilities

30,000 seat stadium

Running track

Hockey pitches

It is proposed that the in the future LaTrobe University will have a student population of approximately 40,000 people and onsite housing of varying types for approximately 8,000 students and staff.

5.1.3 Aquatic, Leisure and Indoor Sport Facilities

The Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre and the Reservoir Leisure Centre are the two main Council owned aquatic and leisure facilities servicing the Darebin community. The following provides a summary of the key issues identified for both facilities:

5.1.4 Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre (NARC)

The Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre was first constructed in 1968 as an outdoor facility. In 1990 the facility was redeveloped and a range of indoor aquatic and health and fitness facilities were added to the Centre. The review of the Centre indicates that the facility is ageing and in need of major redevelopment to meet both the current and future needs of Darebin residents. The outdoor pools are approximately 46 years old and the indoor component is approximately 24 years old. (i) Centre Usage The usage review indicates that during 2013/2014 NARC had a total of 714,987 people visit the Centre. The Centre has a current membership of 3,765 of which 40% are male and 60% are female. The majority of members reside in the suburb of Northcote 41% followed by Thornbury 17%, Fairfield 9.8% and Preston 9.5%. This indicates that the facility attracts the majority of its members from the local area. (ii) Financial Performance Over the review period the Centre has recorded an increasing operating profit ranging from $388,487 in 2008/2009 to $846,236 in 20111/2012. However, the profit margin declined between 2011/2012 to 2013/2014 from $846,236 to $678,565 a decrease of $167,671 (19.81%). Given the age and condition of the Centre the facility is performing extremely well when benchmarked against other similar facilities. (iii) Management The Centre is managed under contract by the YMCA. The current management contract is for a five year period with an option to extend for a further 4 years. This current contract commended on 1st July 2013 and will cease in June 2018. Discussions with management identified that the facility is aged and in need or refurbishment to ensure the usage levels are maintained and the facility remains operational sustainable. The key areas of improvement include:

Upgrade and extension of the gymnasium to support increased gym memberships to an area of 700m2.

Increase the number and size of the group fitness rooms including the provision of a dedicated cycle room and areas to support wellness programs.

Provision of consulting suites to support allied health professionals.

Upgrade and expand the foyer area


Provision of additional change rooms are required for school group access and family/accessible facilities.

The outdoor toddlers pool is outdated and should be replaced with a zero depth splash pad.

Retain the 25m outdoor pool but redevelop into a 25m learn to swim indoor/outdoor pool.

Retain the 50m outdoor pool and operate for 12 months of the year for school usage, events and swim training.

Improve administration areas and meeting room space.

Development of a centralized plant room. There are currently 3 plant rooms.

(iv) Key Stakeholder Needs and Issues Users of the Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre completed a total of 212 surveys during July 2014. The following provides a summary of the key issues identified: The Centre is highly valued by users with the majority of respondents spending 1 to 1.5 hours (51.7%) at the Centre followed by 0.5 to 1 hours (21.8%) and more than 2 hours (13.3%) at the Centre. The majority of respondents are regular users of the Centre. The most common usage is 2 to 3 times per week (44.7%), with 4 to 6 times per week (36.4%) also common. The main reason that the Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre was the centre of choice was because it is close to home (75.4% of respondents), to attend health and fitness programs (27.5% of respondents and because of the good facilities (22.3% of respondents). Approximately 43.3% of respondents considered the facilities to be between excellent and good, while 32.9% considered the facilities adequate and 23.8% considered them to be poor or very poor. Just over 7 out of 10 (76.6%) of respondents indicated that they would like to make greater use of swimming pools/leisure Centre’s in the future. Respondent’s main request to assist them in making greater use of the facility in the future would be to provide cleaner more hygienic facilities, improved weights/gym facilities, membership packages/discount offers, more car parking and improved social and food areas (café).

5.1.4.1 Issues and Opportunities

The market research and consultation findings indicate that the Northcote Aquatic and Recreation is highly valued by the community and has performed above expectations for a Centre of its age and condition. The review however has highlighted that the facility is ageing and in need of refurbishment / redevelopment to ensure it maintains its current market share, continues to meet the needs of the growing community and remains a sustainable facility. The financial review indicates that while the Centre is continuing to return an operating surplus this level of surplus is starting to decline. Discussions with neighbouring Council areas indicates that there are both a number of recently developed (Watermarc Banyule) and proposed aquatic and leisure facility redevelopments including, Ivanhoe aquatic Centre, Mill Park Aquatic Centre and Eltham Leisure Centre that will impact on the Northcote facility catchment once redeveloped and providing newer up to date facilities and services. If Council wishes to retain and build upon its current market share and ensure the facility is both financially and socially viable there is a need to undertake a significant redevelopment of the Centre. The age of the facility, nearing 50 years and the condition of the components suggests it may be financially more effective to demolish the existing facility and develop a new integrated, multipurpose municipal level facility that includes improved environmentally sustainable design initiatives and a range of contemporary aquatic and leisure components. A childcare facility is currently located within this precinct. The opportunity to integrate the services of the childcare service into any newly developed facility should also be investigated.


Due to the location of the facility as part of the McDonell sporting reserve precinct there is an opportunity to create a sporting, leisure and aquatic precinct that caters for a range of diverse indoor and outdoor activities and opportunities using both the adjacent sporting fields and NARC. Given the land availability any planning of this precinct should also consider the future opportunity to include indoor sporting (2/4) courts as part of the development to service residents in the south. These trends along with the current usage trends indicate the need to ensure future improvements of the Centre that:

Encourages greater family/child entries by adding more leisure water, play and fun water features and some interactive water.

Expanding the dry health and wellness facilities including the gymnasium and multipurpose program rooms to enable the health and fitness market to continue to increase and assist with improving the financial viability of the Centre. This should include the development of health suites for allied health professions such as massage therapists, physiotherapists and nutritionists to support the primary use of the aquatic and health and fitness programs.

Develops additional flexible aquatic programming opportunities through the development of a new dedicated warm water program pool capable of servicing the therapy and rehabilitation needs and lower level aquatic education programs.

Develop additional family/disabled change rooms off the pool deck and separate school change areas to improve the customer comfort and access to change facilities.

Improve the efficiency and traffic movement of the front of house/reception area and staff amenities to improve operational efficiencies and customer service.

Development of an outdoor splash water playground with linkages to the internal leisure water.

Provides for indoor sports courts.

5.1.5 Reservoir Leisure Centre

The Reservoir Leisure constructed in 1958 as an outdoor facility. The Centre has undergone a number of redevelopments with the latest being in 2009. (i) Centre Usage During 2013/2014 Reservoir Leisure Centre had a total of 479,455 people visit the Centre. The Centre has a current membership of Usage at the Centre has remained relatively constant over the period 2009/2010 to 2013/2014 with total attendances ranging from 416,560 to 479,445 visits per annum. This represents an increase of 62,885 visits over 5 years (15.1%) (ii) Financial Performance Over the review period the Centre has recorded an increasing operating loss ranging from ($215,738) in 2008/2009 to ($441,326) in 2013/2014, an increase of $225,588 (104.6%). (iii) Management The Centre is directly managed by Council. Discussions with management identified that the facility has undergone a number of improvements over the last 10 years. A master plan for the facility was completed in late 2013 and identified the following key areas for improvement:

Improve the physical connection between the Leisure Centre and the Senior Citizens Centre.

Refurbish outdoor leisure water areas

Enhance (including possible increase in size) the group fitness program rooms





Construct ramp into 25 metre pool

Expand car parking and identify alternate car parking opportunities

Increase gymnasium

Enhance foyer and expand café/social space



(iv) Key Stakeholder Needs and Issues

Users of the Reservoir Leisure Centre completed a total of 222 surveys during July 2014. The following provides a summary of the key issues identified:

The Centre is highly valued by users with the majority of respondents spending 1 to 1.5 hours (47.0%) at the Centre followed by 0.5 to 1 hours (21.5%) and 1.5 to 2 hours (21.5%). The majority of respondents are regular users of the Centre. The most common usage is 4 to 6 times per week (33.2%), with 2 to 3 times per week (30.9%) also common. The main reason that the Reservoir Leisure Centre was the Centre of choice was because it is close to home (72.2% of respondents), because of the good facilities (25.1% of respondents), to attend health and fitness programs (24.7% of respondents) and because it has an indoor pool (16.9% of respondents).

Approximately 47.5% of respondents considered the overall building to be between excellent and good, while 22.2% considered the facilities adequate and 7.9% considered them to be poor.

Just over 8 out of 10 (85.4%) of respondents indicated that they would like to make greater use of swimming pools/leisure Centre’s in the future.

Respondents main request to assist them in making greater use of the facility in the future would be to provide cleaner more hygienic facilities, membership packages/discount offers, improved weights/gym facilities, longer opening hours and improved health and fitness classes.


The review of the Reservoir Leisure Centre identified that facility is well used and is also highly valued by the reservoir and surrounding communities. The Centre is attracting approximately 480,000 visits per annum and has a membership base of approximately 2,980 health and fitness members and approximately 1,600 learn to swim members.

The operational review however indicates that the facility is being heavily subsidised by Council ($441,326) in 2013/2014.

A comparison the two Council aquatic and leisure centres during 2013/2014 indicates that Reservoir received 86,904 less visits than the Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre, which equates to a usage difference of approximately 15%. However the net financial performance indicates a net difference of approximately $1.120M.


The following table provides a comparison of the operating performance of the two Centres. Table 5.1 Operating Performance Comparison NARC and RLC 2013/2014

Category NARC

2013/2014

Reservoir Leisure Centre

2013/2014

Difference

Income $5,417,750 $2,296,697 $3,121,053

Expenditure $4,739,185 $2,738,023 $2,001,162

Net Operating (Loss) Surplus $678,565 ($441,326) $1,119,891

Attendance 566,349 479,445 86,904

Revenue per User $9.57 $4.79 $4,78

Expenditure per User $8.37 $5.71 $2.66

Subsidy/surplus Per User $1.20 -$0.92

Revenue as a % of Expenditure 114% 84%

Between 2007 and 2009 Council invested over $5.7M to redevelop the Reservoir Leisure Centre including upgrading the change rooms, redevelopment of the entrance areas, kiosk, reception, development of a new health club and consulting suites and the inclusion of a new hydrotherapy pool and interactive leisure water.

Given the significant difference in condition of the two facilities the operational performance results are surprising.

In 2013 Council commissioned Sport & Leisure Solutions to develop a Master Plan for the Reservoir Leisure Centre to identify the facility development requirements to meet current and future community need. The Master Plan identified the following developments in priority order:

Refurbishment of the outdoor leisure water area.

Enhance (including possible increase in size) the group fitness programs rooms


Construction of new indoor leisure water facility

Construction of a change village

Provision of a ramp into the 25m pool

Expansion of the car park

Increase the size of the gym

Enhance foyer and expand the café/social space


Office space for Darebin Community Health

Construction of group change rooms

Upgrade of staff administration areas

Enhance the linkage between the Centre, the velodrome and the parklands

The anticipated cost of the recommended works was $7.7M


The findings of this study validate and support the above key priorities for the future development of the Centre. However before any further capital funds are expended it is recommended that further investigation into the operational performance of the facility be undertaken to identify the key strategies required to improve the overall usage and financial performance of the Centre.

5.1.6 Indoor Sports Facilities

A review of indoor the stadiums within the Darebin area indicates that there are a total of seven indoor sports stadiums providing ten indoor sports courts and three outdoor netball courts that are available for community sporting groups. Of the seven facilities, three are community facilities and four are part of a primary or secondary educational institution. (i) Darebin Community Sports Centre The Darebin Community Sports Centre (DCSC) is the only multiple court venue in the municipality providing 4 courts. The remaining facilities are primarily single court facilities that in most cases do not meet facility standards for run off. The DCSC is at 74.2% capacity at peak times. The scattered program times available limit increased participation for existing user groups. The DCSC is used by a variety of sports and community activities providing a range of opportunities. This diversity however limits any single sport from expansion. Darebin Basketball and Netball Associations both suffered significant decline in participation in 2011/2012 and are still in the rebuilding phase. Due to the lack of court use the management of the DCSC allocated the courts to the Whittlesea basketball Association during Saturday afternoons (peak usage time for junior domestic basketball). A review of the sports courts indicated that the 4 indoor courts are in relatively good condition, however the 3 outdoor courts are in need of resurfacing. The resurfacing of the outdoor courts would provide increased access to netball courts in the short term. (ii) Participation A review of participation levels for the key sports of netball and basketball indicates that participation in Darebin is significantly lower than both state and national participation averages There are currently 426 people registered as playing basketball as part of the Darebin Basketball Association (it is assumed there are people playing in associations outside of the municipal boundaries i.e. Nillumbik, Manningham, Whittlesea and Banyule). Based on current population (136,464 people) data this represents a take up of approximately 0.31%.

Discussion with Basketball Victoria indicates that approximately 146,500 (2.53%) people registered with the state association. National and State participation data, collected by Australian Sports Commission via the Exercise, Recreation and Sport Survey indicates a State participation rate 4.8% and a national participation rate of 3.5%. Based on these figures the Darebin basketball participation rate is between 4.49% lower than state averages and 3.19% below national averages. Based on the demographic profile of Darebin and using state participation averages it could be expected that if appropriate facilities were provided basketball participation rates could rise to between 3,000 and 3,400 people. Based on the information provided by Netball Victoria there are approximately 1,600 Darebin residents registered with the state association this represents 1.17% of the current population. It should be noted however that of these registered people there are only 328 registered with the Darebin Netball Association. Netball Victoria indicated that a large proportion of Darebin residents are participating in programs at the State Netball and Hockey Centre, in Parkville and are prepared to travel due to the quality of both the competition and the facilities.

Discussion with Netball Victoria indicates that approximately 111,210 (1.92%) people in Victoria are registered with the state association. National and State participation data, collected by Australian Sports Commission via the Exercise, Recreation and Sport Survey indicates a State participation rate


3% and a national participation rate of 2.5%. Based on these figures the Darebin netball participation rate is 1.83% lower than state averages and 1.33% below national averages. Based on the demographic profile of Darebin and using state participation averages it could be expected that participation rates could rise to between 2,000 and 2,600 people.

Discussion with the Darebin Netball Associations and Darebin Basketball Association indicated that they are now finding it difficult to grow their membership due to limited access availability of the courts. Apart from the netball competition on the single court at Northcote High School there is no indoor sports competitions available in the southern part of Darebin. The Shooters Basketball Club who is based in Fairfield requires access to additional training facilities. This club currently travels outside of the municipality to compete in the Hawthorn Basketball Association Competition (HBA). Discussions with the HBA indicated a lack of indoor sports courts in Boroondara to meet their demand. The Parkside Netball Club established a new “net set go” netball junior development program which commenced in Fairfield in 2014 have no competition venue. The group trains at Fairfield Primary School however the courts do not meet competition standards. The only local opportunity is Darebin Netball Association that competes at DCSC, which is 15 - 20 minutes away and has limited scope to grow the competition based on court availability on a Saturday. Council recently announced funding of $100,000 to pay for detailed designs for outdoor multi court netball and basketball facility to be located at a suitable location in the southern half of the municipality. The Council resolution indicated that the timeline for the design should enable Council to consider construction of the facility early to mid 2015. (iii) Other Facility Opportunities Northcote High School and Thornbury High School have approached Council about the development of additional indoor courts at each of the school. Both schools would like to enter into a partnership with Council for the development of the courts. Discussions have also been held in relation to the future of the Preston High School site. The discussions to date have indicated a likelihood of Council having access to the site via a lease for 10 years prior to it returning to a secondary school. The current facilities include two outdoor netball courts in a reasonable condition. These courts may provide a short-term solution to the need for additional courts in the south of the municipality. (iv) Roller Derby Rollerderby activities have a strong presence in the Darebin area currently using the DCSC and the Sullivan Stadium (Puckhandlers) as well as hiring a factory in Preston.

As part of the consultation it was identified that the Victorian Rollerderby League are looking for a permanent home for their elite squad for training and competition. Government funding may be available for this facility as the home of an elite sport.


The review has identified a declining membership base for both the Darebin Basketball and Darebin Netball Associations. Both Associations are developing strategies to rebuild the participation base. Darebin Basketball Association previously had a focus on the representative basketball program with lower numbers participating in the domestic programs. The Association has now changed their focus and is rebuilding membership through junior domestic programs with an aim of developing a pathway program from “grass roots” to elite. Darebin Netball Association are also rebuilding their membership base by offering development programs such as Net Set Go as a means of building a stronger junior program to feed into senior level competition.


The main growth in both basketball and netball in Darebin is occurring in the southern part of the municipality through the Shooters Basketball Club and the Parkside Netball Club who are experiencing growing participation levels. Additional indoor sports court are in high demand across the majority of metropolitan Melbourne. The lack of facilities across Darebin has been a source of frustration for many years and may have contributed to the problems currently being faced by the administrators of the Darebin Netball and Basketball Associations. Discussions with the City of Banyule indicate that they are in the process of developing the former Banksia Latrobe Secondary School sports courts into a 2 to 4 court facility (pending outcomes of funding applications). This facility is located on Banksia Street, Bellfield which is within close proximity to the Darebin and Banyule boundary. The two basketball clubs located in the City of Banyule also have low basketball and netball membership participation, relative to the population size and characteristics and usual take of the sport. Discussions with Basketball Victoria support the opportunity for the Darebin and Banyule Basketball organisations to consider forming an alliance to provide greater access to basketball program across both municipalities including the opportunity to create a pathway of participation. The Parkside Netball Club has been lobbying Council for the provision of an indoor sports facility in the south of the municipality as a home base for competition and training. Council has recently allocated funds in the budget for the provision of outdoor netball courts in the south of the municipality as a means of supporting the growth in netball participation. The Darebin ‘Citizen Jury’ recently recommended the allocation of $300,000 towards the development of outdoor multipurpose sports courts to also support the demand for netball and basketball facilities in the south. The recommendation indicated, “It is proposed that Council establishes a facility to cater for netball, basketball and tennis. It also is envisaged that this facility could extend to other non-sporting community uses, such as a farmers market” The findings of the study indicate that in the medium to long term there will be the demand to develop a second multi court indoor sport facility in the south to the increasing participation and demand for basketball and netball. Given the potential population growth in the southern section as a result of new housing developments, there is an opportunity to consider the development in the medium to long term of a 2 to 4 court facility with the capacity for expansion in this area. The opportunity to link the facility to an existing sporting facility would provide a range of operational and management efficiencies. In the short term there is an opportunity to partner with schools such as Northcote High School and or Preston High School to jointly develop additional courts, as an interim strategy to address the short term needs of both basketball and netball in the south. Prior to the development or redevelopment of an indoor sporting facility it is recommended that Council in collaboration with the State Sporting Associations work with the local associations to increase participation and the capacity of the Associations to grow their sports in Darebin. The growth in participation should be carefully monitored. The trigger to develop additional indoor courts would be once the facilities are nearing capacity and ongoing growth and demand is demonstrated. The potential redevelopment of the Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre provides an opportunity to develop a fully integrated aquatic and sports facility. The current site of the Centre has some capacity to provide for additional facilities, particularly if the existing Centre was demolished and a new facility was developed.

5.1.7 Estimating Future Indoor Court Facility Requirements

There are four major considerations when attempting to estimate future demand for indoor sports courts. These are:

Understanding current participation levels and unmet demand across the City.

The impact of any trends in indoor sport participation.

Identifying potential regional facility developments

Projecting the impact of changing demographics on participation.


To determine the future requirements for indoor sports courts the above factors have all been taken into consideration. The following details the process for determining the future court requirement for Darebin It is assumed that due to the young age profile of the Darebin area (70.7%) of residents in their most active years 0-49 years), participation in indoor sporting activities should l increase in line with the predicted population increases and demographic profile. Recent Strategic Plans developed by Netball Victoria and Basketball Victoria has identified that based on available useable court hours one sports court can accommodate 500 people per week. This is based on an average use per person of 2.8 hours per week (training and competition).

Based on this ratio the total number of courts required over the next 20 years to service the indoor sports court needs for the Darebin population is between 1 and 8 additional courts. The large variation is based on the current low participation rates, when compared to state and national averages against the potential participation rates if growth occurs in line with the current population, age characteristics and known industry trends.

The following table details the predicted participation increases over the

Table 5.2 Court Requirements – 2012 – 2031 Based on Current Participation Rates

Category 2012 Current

2021 15 Years

2031

Population 143,056 160,031 173,980

Percentage Change 10.6% 8.7%

Predicted Participation (based on current participation)

2,000 2,212 2,400

Court Requirements 4 4.5 (say 5) 4.8 (say 5)

Current Provision 4 4 4

Additional courts required 0 1 1

Table 5.3 Court Requirements – 2012 – 2031 Based on Potential Participation Rates

Category 2012 Current

2021 15 Years

2031

Population 143,056 160,031 173,980

Percentage Change 10.6% 8.7%

Predicted Participation (based on potential participation)

5,000 5,530 6,011

Court Requirement 10 11 12

Current Provision 4 4 4

Additional courts required 6 7 8

5.1.8 Sullivan Sports Stadium

The C.H. Sullivan Reserve Sports Stadium, based in East Preston, has been privately leased, for the last 16 years, for use as an indoor roller sport centre known as Puck Handlers. The lease is now managed on a year-by-year basis. The lessee has put a proposal to Council to expand and develop the facility as an ice arena which would be used for recreational ice activities in addition to ice hockey competition. Council has shown positive interest in the proposal and requires further information prior to forming a final decision. The operator is considering an investment of over $2 million dollars and would be looking at a long term lease of 50 years+ in order to provide security and stability for ice sports in the future. The conversion of this facility for ice sports would see current users, roller derby and futsal, requiring alternative facilities.


It is anticipated that two ice hockey teams would make the new facilities home thus providing scope for expansion of the competition, as currently the only venue in Victoria is the Icehouse located at the Docklands. Issues and Opportunities

The 2011 Darebin Sports Strategy recommended that the Sullivan Stadium was not in the preferred location for the retention of the facility as a venue for indoor sports such as basketball or netball.

The current operator provides a valuable service by supporting minority sports such as indoor hockey and roller derby. Council will need to consider the merits of redeveloping the facility to support ice sports.

5.2 Recommended Actions

Based on the consultation and key findings the tables on the following page details recommended strategy actions for the future provision of major sports facilities in the Darebin area. The recommended actions are presented under the following headings:

Action

Responsibility

Timeline/Staging

Resource Implications

The timeline/staging column within the tables indicates a priority for each recommended action/output and includes the following key.

Short term 2015 - 2018

Medium term 2018 - 2020

Long term 2020 - 2026

The resources required column identifies if the action can be achieved within existing resources or additional one off resources are required (operational and/or capital)


Direction One: Redevelopment of the Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre

Ref. Action Responsibility Timeframe/Staging

Resource Implication Indicative Costs

1.1 Commence detailed feasibility planning for a new Aquatic and Leisure Facility to be located on the existing site of NARC. This should include determining the facility scope and priority facility components for a District level facility. The design should also consider the opportunities to include up to 4 indoor sports courts and opportunities to integrate the childcare care service

Leisure

Short term (2015-2016)

External resources may be required

$40K - $50K

1.3 Complete detailed design and business plan by 2016/17 Leisure Short term (2018 -2024)

Within existing internal resources External resources required inclusive of an architect

$2M

1.4 Complete funding strategy by 2016/17 Leisure Short term (2016 -2027)


$20K

1.5 Construct New facility Leisure Short term (2017 -2018)


$20M - $30M

Direction Two: Detailed Operational Review and redevelopment of Reservoir Leisure Centre



2.1 Continue to review the usage and participation of the Reservoir Leisure Centre to identify strategies and opportunities to improve the operational performance of the facility.

Leisure Short Term (2016 -2027)

Within existing resources NA

2.2 Commence detailed feasibility planning for the redevelopment of the Reservoir Leisure Centre based on the priorities identified within the 2013 Master Plan. This should include determining the facility scope and priority facility components for a local level facility

Leisure Long Term (2022 –

2023)


2.3 Complete detailed design and business plan Leisure Long Term (2023 –

2024)

Within existing internal resources External resources required inclusive of an architect

$2M

2.4 Complete funding strategy Leisure Long Term (2024 –

2025)


$20K

2.5 Construct New facility Leisure Long Term (2025 –

2027)


$20M - $30M


Direction Three: Planning for Additional Outdoor Sports Courts in the South of the Municipality Ref. Action Responsibility Timeframe/

Staging Resource Implication Indicative Costs

3.1 Undertake the development of a Feasibility Study for the provision of additional outdoor netball and basketball facilities in the south of the municipality. This study should consider the actions and strategies required to support the increased participation in netball and basketball and should include:

Identification of suitable sites

Identification of the priority facility components including court numbers and support infrastructure requirements

Capital cost estimates

Management and governance structures

Leisure Short term (2015 -2016)

Funding recommended by Council $100K

3.2 That based on the Feasibility Study Findings and the key recommendations from this report an implementation plan be established that identifies the actions and priorities that are to be funded via the Citizen Jury Funding allocation of $300,000.

Leisure

Short term (2015 -2016)

Funding recommended by the Citizens Jury August 2014

$300K

Direction Four: Council School Partnership Opportunities



4.1 That Council continue discussion with relevant schools about the opportunity to jointly redevelop and or extend school indoor sports courts on Department of Education and Early Childhood land as a short term strategy for providing increased access to indoor sports courts for residents.


Within existing internal resources and external resources

-

Direction Five: Resurfacing of Outdoor Courts Ref. Action Responsibility Timeframe/


5.1 Determine the costs and timing for resurfacing the 3 outdoor courts at the Darebin Community Sports Centre to address the short term needs of Netball


Within existing internal resources and external resources

$100K

5.2 Determine the costs and timing for resurfacing the 2 outdoor courts at the Preston High School to address the short term needs of netball

Leisure

Short term (2015 -2016)

Funding required

$100K


Direction Six: Sports Development Ref. Action Responsibility Timeframe/


6.1 That Council works in collaboration with the Darebin Netball Association and Netball Victoria to assist with increasing participation

Leisure Ongoing Within existing resources NA

6.2 That Council works in collaboration with the Darebin Basketball Association and Basketball Victoria to assist with increasing participation.


6.3 That Council works with the YMCA to improve access to the Darebin Community Sports Centre by Darebin based clubs.



6.4 That Council works in collaboration with the City of Banyule to determine the opportunity for Darebin based clubs to access the proposed Banksia Stadium (if built).



6.5 That Council continues discussions with Latrobe University about the recent master plans and the planning and community access for the proposed sporting and recreation facilities.


6.6 That Council work with the proponent for the ice sports facility at Sullivan Stadium to confirm the merit of the proposed development



Draft Issues and Options Report Major Regional Facilities Report 10-10-14 (VIC 23.2014) APP 1 - 1 Commercial in Confidence. SGL Consulting Group Australia Pty Ltd www.sglgroup.net

Appendix One: Darebin Community Sports Centre Occupancy Table

Darebin Community Sports Centre

TIME-SLOT MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY

1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

Off-Peak Time

9.00am – 10.00am RDSC RDSC RDSC RDSC SOC RDSC RDSC RDSC RDSC RDSC RDSC RDSC RDSC DNA DNA DNA DNA DBA VOL

10.00am – 11.00am GO RDSC RDSC AAN AAN RDSC RDSC GO SOC

RDSC RDSC RDSC RDSC RDSC RDSC HG RDSC RDSC DNA DNA DNA DNA DBA BAD VOL

11.00am - 12 noon GO RDSC RDSC AAN AAN RDSC RDSC GO SOC

RDSC RDSC RDSC RDSC RDSC RDSC RDSC RDSC DNA DNA DNA DNA DBA VOL BT

12 noon - 1.00pm RDSC RDSC AAN AAN RDSC RDSC SOC

RDSC RDSC RDSC RDSC RDSC RDSC RDSC RDSC DNA DNA DNA DNA VOL

1.00pm - 2.00pm RDSC RDSC AAN AAN RDSC RDSC RDSC RDSC RDSC RDSC RDSC RDSC WBA WBA WBA WBA VO VOL BAD

2.00pm - 3.00pm RDSC RDSC RDSC RDSC RDSC RDSC RDSC RDSC RDSC RDSC WBA WBA WBA WBA BT VOL VOL BAD

3.00pm - 4.00pm RDSC RDSC BT BT RDSC RDSC RDSC RDSC RDSC RDSC WBA WBA WBA WBA BAD VOL

Peak Time WBA WBA WBA WBA

4.00pm - 5.00pm SOC SOC NJN BT SOC NT NT NT NT NT NT NT NT WBA WBA WBA WBA SOC BAD VOL SOC

5.00pm - 6.00pm BT BT NJN NJN SOC VOL NT NT NT NT NT NT NT DBA DBA NT NT WBA WBA WBA WBA SOC NT NT

6.00pm - 7.00pm DBA DBA Futsal Futsal DBA DBA DBA DBA VOL DBA VOL NT NT DBA SOC ST WBA WBA WBA WBA DBA VOL NT NT

7.00pm - 8.00pm DBA DBA Futsa BT DBA BAD DBA VOL DBA DNA DNA VOL NT NT NT DBA SOC BAD VOL WBA WBA WBA WBA DBA VOL SOC BT

8.00pm - 9.00pm DBA DBA BT BT VOL BAD RD VOL SOC DNA SOC VOL NT NT RD DBA SOC BAD VOL WBA WBA WBA WBA SOC SOC BT

9.00pm - 10.00pm DBA DBA DNA BAD VOL BAD RD RD VOL SOC DNA SOC VOL NT NT RD DBA BAD VOL SOC

10.00pm – 11.00pm DBA DBA DNA RD RD

Total Court Hours

Available Per Day 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14

Total Court Hours Used 7. 7 14 14 8 10 11 11 7 9 12 12 10 9 12 12 6 6 13 12 12 12 12 12 8 9 12 8

Total Peak Hours Used 7 7 7 6 4 6 4 4 5 5 5 5 6 5 5 5 6 5 6 5 5 5 5 5 4 5 5 5

Total % Court Hours

Used 50% 50% 100% 100% 57% 71% 79% 79% 50 64 86% 86% 71% 64% 86% 86% 43% 43% 93% 86% 86% 86% 86% 86% 57% 64% 86% 57%

Key: RDSC - Reservoir District Secondary College SOC – Soccer DBA - Darebin Basketball Association DNA - Darebin Netball Association

VOL – Volleyball BAD - Badminton WBA - Whittlesea Basketball Association NT - Netball Training BT - Basketball Training GO - Golden Oldies HG - Happy Group AAA - Northcote Juniors Access All Abilities Netball


Appendix Two: User Survey Comments

Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre Number Response Text

1 Better music in gym please.

More high intensity group fitness alternatives please.

New ab-wheel please.

Overall VERY HAPPY :-)

2 Needs newer gym equipment and upgraded change rooms and spa area. Not comparable to other centres such as docklands YMCA. More variety of classes in the evenings.

3 Change room in need of urgent upgrade - I would use the pool if the change rooms were a decent standard.

I am pleased with the quality of the trainers and staff at reception are pleasant and helpful.

More interaction of the trainers on the floor - would like more interactive and helpful if I am not doing an exercise correctly.

4 Can you afford a group fitness class at 7 or 7.30am?

5 Regular equipment checks as 6km medicine ball is broke and grips are worn on the triangle bar attachment used on cable machine.

6 Would be great if centre opened 30 min earlier - 0530.

Too crowded - needs to expand

7 Tailor programs to senior participants, i.e. not just watered down generic fitness classes but a program that specifically addresses the news and capabilities of the over 65's. Can get a bit crowded in the stretching area.

8 The temp of the outdoor pool is not always warm enough. The quality and cleanliness and maintenance is not up to scratch and the equipment is WAY out of date. The showers in the change rooms are petty awful.

9 Food in cafe is unhealthy and the smell of frying goes into the gym - awe full.

10 Too often in daytime there are no lanes available for lap swimming indoors in the winter.

Excellent staff at gym and I enjoy the variety of people that use the facilities including people needing accessibility access.

11 Longer crèche sessions

BBQ out on the grass.

More shade outside and less teenage idiots in summer.

12 Too many high active classes when people are ageing. Bodyvive on Sat good class and shouldn't be axed. As all other Sat classes in morning are high active.

Room upstairs for classes never very clean.

Equipment shabby.

Many private gyms in High St, as your main competition. Need to improve or you will lose customers.

13 It would be great to add Tai Chi. More aqua group classes in the afternoon. Enjoy the music in the gym.

14 Some of the language trainers’ use in meetings could be improved. Not all trainers, some are great and communicate professionally.

15 Change rooms are below an acceptable health and safety standard - Very Poor Condition

16 The costs need to be more affordable for families. The recent price increase means I may have to cancel my membership and go to a gym closer to home that is cheaper.

17 I think the emphasis it has on older customers is outstanding.

18 Thank you

19 Family change room near pool disgusting.

Leaking roof

Service great

Car park 2 hour limit ridiculous

Crèche excellent

20 More mats for yoga and sweep room before class.

21 Still miss the belly dancing class

Yoga facilities: more mats & belts, blankets (they are nice and clean at the moment)

Bolsters an yoga chairs would be GREAT

22 The centre is great. My biggest issue is how you can justify 2 hr parking limit when I take my family for a swim on a hot day and now we have to leave. It is outrageous illogical and downright stupid.


Number Response Text

23 Better equipment for Yoga. Current equipment old and inadequate.

Cleaner facilities, change areas dirty.

Upgrade change rooms

24 Could we please have more Yoga mats, long pink yoga straps, yoga bolsters?

Pam is wonderful instructor!

Please pass on my thanks.

I miss the Belly dancing class.

Occasional rude staff at desk.

25 Very poor top level management of the violence that happens every summer where the top level management leave it to completely up to young lifeguards to deal with violent young men. Particularly no protection given to the lifeguards who keep getting pushed into the pool. The manager will respond that he had security guards posted but they could not be seen standing around not getting involved while young makes harass people. The general manager is either incompetent, out of his depth or lazy.

26 Overhaul Northcote 50m pool excellent, Staff Justin, Michelle, Alex etc. excellent. Shift worker, live Kingsbury, swim 1500m in outside pool 3-4 times a week, sleep in at times, no time to travel to Northcote but live 2km from Reservoir, should be able to go to Reservoir when caught out. Only when caught out not going back to Reservoir, very happy at Northcote.

27 Might change gyms based on price, there are cheaper options available with more modern facilities.

28 Very expensive for what you get. Lots of new gyms in Darebin that have up to date equipment and facilities. Very old equipment. Not even allowing to use bouncing medicine ball for bouncing, they are so old they are splitting! Told they are too expensive to buy more! Only 1 set for whole gym and can't use for the purpose they were made for. That’s only lone example of many problems in the gym and management not listening to the needs of members.

29 Steve McIntosh is a helpful personal trainer/pryme gym instructor. Staff and facilities are good. Maybe extra help at front desk at peak times required.

30 It’s unsafe with buckets needed for leaks when it rains Workcover need to be informed! Lack of weights etc. in gym for women - plenty of heavy weights, kettle bells etc. for men but very few lighter equipment kettle bells, hand weights for women often only one set!

Showers only have 1 drain for 6 stalls which means you are standing in inches of other people’s dirty water.

31 Don't use the pools

32 Staff are friendly. Good to see so many people with disabilities being well looked after in the gym. Price of a 3 month pass is very reasonable.

33 Car Park - Longer parking times!!!

34 Stay open till 9pm on weekends!

35 Indoor and outdoor pools need cleaning more. Parents take risks with young kids around pools.

36 Increased membership numbers but no increased in classes offered.

I can rarely get a place in a spin class - need more classes! Especially with the new development at Bowls.

37 The pools have too many lanes roped off for lap swimmers. This should be adjusted so that kids and non-lap swimmers get equal access to a fair area of the pools.

The gym trainers on duty need to be more involved in getting patrons to unload weights and to pack up rather than busily ignoring the mess.

38 Please replace the ancient cross trainers at Northcote.

39 Some spin bike in the main gym would be great for when spin classes are on and you can't do a warm up upstairs.

Happy with my Personal Trainer.

Improved family change rooms would be great.

40 Change rooms/showers need an upgrade.

Equipment is old, buy some new ones.

41 Car parking 2 hours limit terrible, not long enough for family e.g. Crèche and family swim.

Terrible capital e.g. roofs leaking outside change rooms and in gym.

Concourse around inside pool very old.

Staff fantastic and programs e.g. Cycle and Crèche is excellent.

42 I have made suggestions via the suggestion box that haven't been responded yet.

Insufficient dry change facilities.

Posters in gym by Bolster Trading only show men, should have female figures too.

43 Gym, lunchtime 16 July - crap music. DJs talking, ads, dance music. Got anything better?



44 Shower have mould in there and need better cleaning.

Weights room is often way too noisy. I'm too old for loud music especially if heavy metal.

Fitness/Aerobics instructor are terrific at Northcote as is Maddy on Reception.

45 Gets very crowded during swimming programs.

Kids can't have good play time after lesson.

46 Getting old but still a great centre.

Parking is a huge problem sometimes and a 2 hour restriction for a public venue is enough to make me and my family go elsewhere.

47 Great staff, always helpful

48 Phones should be banned in gym

Facility overall needs major upgrade

Staff are generally very good

49 I would like to use the pools but the change rooms put me off.

Upgrade aerobic equipment e.g. bikes, to ensure accurate heart rate measurement.

All staff are very happy to answer any of my questions or assist with any program needs.

I would like to see the gym floor staff be more interactive and advise if they see you using the equipment incorrectly or performing an exercise stretch properly.

50 The cleanliness of the group fitness rooms is really below average. The floor is NEVER clean and we are on it!!!

Yoga - desperately need new mats, belts and more blocks.

51 I would like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation of the splendid effort made by all staff generally and in particular to thank you for the efforts you have made to try and achieve a more consistent and stable temperature in the outdoor pool.

52 Gym equipment outdated, not enough to go round.

Sound system in group fitness room needs adjustment to even up sound in room and counteract noise bouncing off the glass walls.

53 Improve gym, change rooms and spa/sauna.

54 I have been attending the Centre for five years. My work-out routines (10 so far) have been overseen by Frances.

Viki A and Danielle Pilates sessions draw me here at least 2 x week.

Thank you to the entire staff of this hospitable and well run facility.

55 Please fix the problem with the Outdoor pool, it has been dirty/slimy for months.

Change rooms need a renovation

More regular yoga and Pilates please

56 Reception staff excellent

Frances Fabulous

Gym is just old/tired

Would like addition of body balance, used to participate at previous gym.

57 What's with the new "no child under 6 of opposite gender" policy? This seems ridiculous to me.

58 Is there any way to have men’s and women’s times, at least partially in the spa/sauna at Northcote. Sometimes I feel uncomfortable if there are mostly men there, who stay in a long time.

Water in indoor lap pools sometimes looks dirty.

59 The recent increase in PT Sessions are significant and will mean that I reconsider if I continue. It is a significant cost on top of gym membership.

60 Good gym, but overall the place in need of serious upgrading.

Looks like an old abandoned school.

61 I was last a member several years ago and it’s very obvious the gym equipment is very old and the toilets are similarly ancient.

62 Northcote Aquatic and Rec Centre makes all ages and all types of people (including disabled) feel welcome. Very good values for the community.

63 Praise for the Pryme Program, especially having older professional trainers.

Female toilets could be cleaner.

64 The pricing of PT services is ridiculous, I'd like to know were the YMCA is putting that extra money as it’s not going to the PT's (which I'd be more comfortable with) thus I do my PT elsewhere for affordability.

65 Fees need to be cheaper to make it more accessible to all.

Would be good if it were open until 10 on Sat and Sun also.

Pool temperature too cold.



66 Whole centre needs upgrade - very old looking.

Expand Centre with more change rooms and Facilities (more group fitness rooms). This Centre has plenty of land to use.

67 It has been difficult to access stroke correction classes for advantaged/fit adult.

Sometimes indoor pool temp is cold and my children get cold by end of swim lesson.

The area needs a comprehensive sport hub to encourage health and fitness activities - move team sport activities to bring the community together.

68 NARC service is great but the building and facilities need a serious upgrade. There are holes in the roof that leak, the floor needs re surfacing and the change rooms/disabled and family/quick change are disgusting. There should be an extra group fitness room.

69 Needs major renovation!

70 Appreciate Pryme program very much. 8am access to gym very suitable.

Frances is an excellent and encouraging director for older people!

71 Family change rooms terrible.

Car parking limits of 2 hours are not enough.

Crèche is great.

72 Your implementation of parking hours are over the top! Came here to NOT worry about parking and pay for services that include this but now it’s something that hinders my stay and use of centre. This is the same for my friends too.

Also, staff here are getting fines and are not granted parking permits even though they work here!

What is your punishment for parking about?

Shows nothing except that council just wants money!

73 They should provide club rooms for Northcote swimming club.

74 Thank you for looking after us so well.

75 Longer hours of operation for the childcare would encourage me use the facility more

76 It is a shame the cafe is not open some days (Two days last week, not sure what hours it should operate).

Lack of heating in the Change Rooms is an issue

77 Redo flooring - particularly steps

Revamp of changing facilities

78 The Pryme classes could be added to include more scope and value for membership.

79 Have used the facility myself and for family for over 20 years. Northcote Swimming Club desperately need Club Rooms for meetings, dry land activities and storage of equipment and trophies/awards/memorabilia.

Northcote Swim Club with over 200 members. No Club Rooms, even though been based at the pool for ever!

80 Re Northcote - change rooms are sub-standard, not cleaned properly, dangerous and unhealthy floor mats; floor surface - pool deck and passages and especially pool deck steps are dangerously torn, patched and trip hazard.

81 Space is available for additional facilities.

Air ventilation and heating in change rooms is appalling - auto louvres to purge the hot air are required and shading on windows.

Parking will be impacted when residential units are open.

82 The men's showers at Darebin need an upgrade. The pressure is poor, as are the shower heads and availability of soap.

83 Crèche is very important service for mothers.

Facilities are old and run down. Change rooms are Soviet era.

2 hour party is far too short.

Service and programs are excellent, but the facility is let down by lack of upgrades to important areas like change rooms.

84 As a 15+ year member there should be an incentive for long term members as a discount fee to keep these loyal and dedicated members. Also, there should be more RLC staff members in the gym attending to the members. The music on the TV is too REPETITIVE and TOO LOUD!!

85 Would like to see more Boxing Classes

86 Not to have a number of equipment in the same area e.g. have the try in its own area rather attached to the pulley weight stand, often busy.

87 Workers should be given permits to park longer hours in the car park. They should not come to work to provide us a service, only to be fined.

The indoor pool needs some care. Too many cones as cover ups. Issues such a grates and tiles



should be fixed to avoid injury, not covered up.

It's nice to see the gym is getting refurbished. It will look great when it's done.

(All applies to Northcote recreation and aquatic centre)

88 The change rooms are awful and need renovating. I know they were done not that long ago but I think cheap fittings were used and there has been no consideration of colours or design. Maybe employ an architect or interior designer to pick materials and taps that are cheap but look good and are durable. The whole place does not have to have ugly colours and cheap fittings. I generally try and shower at home as they are filled with hair and the shower roses are terrible.

The quick change room near the inside pool is cheap and disgusting and often has water dripping into it from the coolers above. They are a good idea, however nicer materials should be used and there should be more of them. They are so ugly and cheap they make the pool look cheap. A rolling box with timber cladding would look a lot nicer.

Providing only one family change room makes it very awkward if I am there with my children as I don't want my son going to the change rooms alone so we often have to wait for long periods of time while getting cold.

The inside pool needs to be twice the size to cater for all the multi-residential and high rise buildings being built in Northcote, Fairfield, Alphington and Thornbury. The whole place is completely inadequate to cater for all the extra residents. Does the council realise how many apartments are being built in the area? Has the planning team been asked about the number of applications there are?

The pool area is also very old. The bridge is all rusty underneath. The caterpillars in the children's area are dangerous as kids want to climb on top and then slip. More fun stuff for kids would be great such as a slide. It does not have to be another Watermarc as kids just love waterslides.

The exercise classroom is awful. I have done yoga there but have been turned off due to the fluorescent lighting and old walls and ceiling. Classes such as yoga and Pilates need a quieter, more comfortable room that is soundproofed from the aerobics style classes. More exercise classes are needed to cope with the rapidly increased population.

89 Car parking is a major issue particularly on Monday nights and Saturday mornings which will only become worse when the new apartments are occupied.

90 The water temperature at outdoor pool at Northcote fluctuates a lot. One day it will be 30 degrees which is too warm and then the next day it is 25 which is too cool. Occasionally it's at around 27 which is perfect. The fluctuations are very annoying.

91 I have been bullied on Facebook by customer service staff at Northcote Leisure Centre and management ignored my evidence of this. I have found them to be rude and hostile on many occasions and I know I'm not alone!

92 The Northcote facility is old and tired and in need a substantive refurbishment to bring it up to a suitable standard. The entrance area needs to be bigger, change rooms need expansion and preferably a second dry change and more family change areas are required.

93 Review process for classes is flawed, as you offer a partly funded community service, not just a numbers scenario. I get very annoyed to have to protest time again, when a favourite class is threatened with stopping because of bean counting, when I have limited ability to attend other more intense classes. I am speaking of body Vive classes.

94 I would like to see reception staff in warmer clothes in winter, maybe a colourful puffer vest - Black is depressing.

Definitely change rooms update & the quick change rooms area needs fixing.

New blue mats for the Pilates classes - they are Threadbare!

Also the area where the dive pool was - can that be rehabilitated or made better use of - An eye sore

95 Toilets and change rooms very run down and tired - poor atmosphere.

Room for activities like Pilates need to be more user friendly and some of the equipment like exercise mats and balls are past 'use by' date.

96 We have used your facilities for almost 10 months now, for me to continue to take my child for swimming lessons at your centre for many years to come things will need to change - payment structure needs flexibility/needs to offer the ability to suspend throughout the school year/provide option to do make-up swimming classes-kids get sick often. The water & pool air temperature need to be consistently warm at all times-these are all over the place.

The leisure pool where the kids have their swimming lessons feels very grizzly under your feet - I have cut both my toe & knee on 2 separate occasions, these were only minor but my point is that it should not be happening.

The reasons as to why we attend your centre: - it is close to home & Katrina is a great swimming



teacher. You have an indoor pool & the swim program that Katrina offers works for us.

Thank you for your time & allowing us this opportunity to voice our opinions.

97 Cleaning is hit and miss in the gym and change rooms

The roof in the gym leaks and needs to be repaired to stop mould growing on the carpets

98 The gym roof has leaked for years and has never been repaired it wets the carpets and causes mould to grow this needs to be fixed as a matter of urgency - it's an OH&S issue. Cleaning of facilities is sporadic.

The staff tend to treat personal training customers differently the get to enter the facility before the rest of those waiting outside even if the arrive later - creating two classes" of membership,

99 I like swimming in the pools but the toilet and change facilities are disgusting. They are old and the rubber mats are awful and the whole room feels unhygienic. The flooring and tiles are awful and the paint is peeling in places. The drainage is a problem as well. I think having really clean and updated facilities is critical and was disappointed to note that you are spending a lot of money on flooring and nothing on the toilets and change facilities. They are well used with all the swimming classes you run. Balwyn pool sets a good example for facilities and cleanliness.

100 Longer/earlier opening hours please

Cleaner bathrooms and toilets and consider bathroom/shower facility upgrades, taps and sinks are outdated and horrible

Gym equipment needs to be cleaned, on the leg press etc., you can see the dust mites on top of the weights, and this is the same for all the equipment

101 In general I think this is a great facility with a large amount of activities on offer. I wish the classes would always run on time, this makes it very difficult especially in terms of coordinating with pick up from crèche. The crèche and its staff are excellent though.

102 New fans

More TV's

Bathroom/toilets, perhaps consider an upgrade to smaller cubicles - where you can shower, and then have a dry area that is within the cubicle so that you can change.

Bathroom, sinks and taps area need an upgrade - basins are old, tired looking. consider more powerpoints in the bathroom so women can use their hairdryers/straighteners

103 Am concerned that they are constantly flagging the 4.30 classes.

They are convenient for some & relieve pressure on later classes. Also concerned about the effect on parking & crowding when the units next to Northcote are finished

104 Outdoor pool temperature fluctuates enormously. The pool can be very unpleasant on hot days with poor behaviour by young adults with little control by staff

105 EARLIER OPENING HOURS ON WEEKDAYS! 6am is too late

Change rooms and toilets are gross, and the ceiling is flaking.

Carpet in the gym has holes

Please add one more TV in the middle section where there is currently one TV; and two to the back section where the weights are.

In general, the cardio equipment needs an update. Monitors are wobbly, paint or the surface is chipping or peeling; and the inside of where the water bottle stands are always filthy.

New cardio board is nice though.

Need more spray and wipe stations with paper towel and paper around the place.

106 Change rooms are terrible, toilets dirty, cannot believe the centre has let this go on for so long.

107 I get sick each time I use the pool, and wonder about hygiene. More health education towards those who use the centre would be good.

108 Change rooms and toilets are inadequate, they are old and rarely clean. Far too small for the enormous number of schools/kids that come to the pool in summer.

109 It is such a shame that Darebin City Council clearly haven't invested any money at all into the maintenance of Northcote Aquatic Centre. I have been attending the Centre since I was 2, first in swimming lessons, then part of the swim club and now as an adult using the gym. The only reason I stay is because I have a group of friends who I swam with and we all go to the gym together. Most of the staff are really fabulous, welcoming and friendly, it's just such a shame that the Centre itself is really in complete disrepair. It's pretty appalling really, and now that the car-parking is two hours, it's just a way for council to steal money and I think it's pretty pathetic.

I have definitely been looking for another Centre to attend, at the rate BSC is looking like a winner, even though their gym is smaller than NARC! At least their facility is beautiful and clean.

110 Cleanliness, and lack of family type change facilities an ongoing problem

111 Only use them in summer - they're good and well-supervised by lifesavers.



112 Ladies changing rooms much cleaner now but could do with fresh coat of paint/upgrade and regular power hose of floors. Please keep music lower in changing rooms.

113 The showers have seen better days and the cleaning regime is not working at all. The showers need to be cleaned more frequently.

114 Northcote pool desperately needs to be renovated! It has so much potential but there is not enough money spent on it and so it is falling apart, I feel sorry for the staff there because they take the blame for the council's neglect.

115 The change rooms need to be modernised. The family change rooms in particular are inadequate, and frankly unpleasant to use.

116 Clean up the toilet facilities and change rooms.

117 The centre is becoming old and tired, you can't keep making cosmetic cover ups. It would be great for Darebin to have a modern facility like other council areas. The outdoor pool is amazing it would be great to keep this.

118 The facilities and staff are great. With rigorous cleaning and upkeep no changes are necessary.

119 More options for members to suggest activities. A members committee to give feedback to management. More options for new classes - e.g. a class a month to trial something different at a specific time such as Sunday early afternoon e.g. Body Jam, Body Combat, Grit, etc.

120 The place needs a complete upgrade, it’s below others in the area, something’s haven't improved or changed in over 40 years

121 The spa is really old and not very inviting

The change rooms are also very old.

122 No a comment about pools but it would be great if the Spin bikes were upgraded at Northcote. These classes are very popular but the equipment is tired and needs replacing. Also I am happy to have seen many upgrades at the Northcote centre over the last year. It is much appreciated that when I do these surveys there is action taken afterwards.

123 The facility needs a major overhaul and redevelopment. It has the potential to be amazing community hub but the infrastructure at present prohibits this. I love the service and community atmosphere that the centre provides but it is a completely unappealing facility compared to others in the area. The changerooms are disgraceful and dirty, there is not enough to cater for all the users, the decor and general feel is really outdated and there is very limited facilities for children to enjoy or families to take utilise.

124 NARC is so old and run down it is disgusting. I have continued to use this Centre as I have been a part of this community my entire life and love the gym staff. However, the only part of the Centre worth keeping is the outdoor 50m pool. The smaller outdoor pools should be refurbished, and the indoor pool is atrocious. I'm a competitive swimmer and I travel to Boroondara to use their pool because the Swimming Lessons program have been allowed to take over the indoor pool and there is no hydrotherapy area.

You have the land to build an amazing facility at NARC, why on earth has it taken so long to do so?

The change rooms are beyond disgusting. Not only has there been a cockroach problem in the past, but there is also a rat infestation now. Appalling

Parking is ridiculous, I always park on the street or around the corner. Basically I feel whilst the staff for the most part are lovely, the Centre is in complete disrepair and nothing is being done about it. Plus, the council should be ashamed of themselves for the 2hour parking.

What on earth are people meant to do on 40 degree days when they are being told they cannot leave their children unattended? It's just a way for the Council to grab money and it's ridiculous.

125 The filthiness of NARC has to be seen to be believed. There seems to be ongoing problems with rats, cockroaches and faeces in the indoor pool. Having lifeguards chasing vermin does not make the pool a safe place for young children or weak swimmers. Furthermore, having swimming teachers working in cold, dirty water for long hours is a serious OHS issue. Adding toxic amounts of chlorine to the water to deal with children who are not toilet trained poses a serious risk to the health of other pool users. Swim teachers and lifeguards cop the brunt of disgruntled users through no fault of their own. This is an issue for middle and senior management that should be taken very seriously.

126 My family love NARC - it's a fantastic, affordable and tip top public resource. Keep up the good work.

127 Compared to other centres such as Brunswick, Carlton, Kew and Collingwood, Northcote Aquatic Centre is very outdated. Change rooms need a refurbishment, leaks in ceiling, have even seen a mouse running around the pool once. NARC is a large centre with lots of users (probably more members than the other centres I mentioned above) and thus more money should go back into it being renovated! On a positive note, great group fitness classes, bootcamps and staff members make me enjoy my time there.



128 Excellent facility. Could use more bike parking.

129 The pool is often cold and dirty. You seem unable to maintain a constant temperature for the outdoor pool. The changeroom showers are a disgrace in terms of maintenance and cleanliness. It is sad to see such a beautiful facility being run in to the ground.

130 I'd like to see a redevelopment of Northcote aquatic centre. The foot print is huge and the area deserves a state-of-the-art centre with new, clean facilities

Reservoir Leisure Centre Number Response Text

1 Discount for long term members

2 Fix hot water in showers

3 Maintenance of gym is very excellent. Whenever I go to take a shower on the pool is always clean. Specific thanks to the cleaners.

4 I find being here most pleasurable. Thank you also for the wonderful teachers.

5 Great staff

6 Staff are amazing. Always there to help.

7 Membership needs to have choice to have pool access or not in gym membership. Toilets/changerooms are not clean. Crèche needs a major upgrade - room and staff more inviting for parents and children. Aerobic room better since carpet gone, no more hair and ants noted. Aerobics instructors are all fabulous especially Jo Jones, hard working and dedicated. Pool area for children needs upgrade and flooring.

8 Sometimes the water is not warm enough. Quite good otherwise.

9 We are a group of elderly people.

We did complain many times about the temperature of the hydrotherapy pool. It’s cold in the winter. It was warmer before. We are thinking of stopping our memberships.

10 I am writing on behalf of a group of people suffering from arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis and a group who has fibromyoplegia. So the pool for therapy and rehabilitation is not warm enough and it does hurt those people especially in the winter time.

11 Another leisure centre would probably still have plenty of custom as the population group.

12 Membership only for water aerobics and swimming.

13 Male change room - cabinets and lockers are not working for over a year: Nobody working to fix it?

Tall people can't have showers - shower heads are to low and heads are not good.

14 The pools can at times be quite cold

Want more keep active classes

A yoga class in the mornings tailored for those that have a disability

Turn down the music when the older/sick people use the gym

Clean the bathrooms throughout the day, they can be very dirty

15 Spa/Sauna hours can be extended at night

16 Good facilities, nice, care from trainers

17 Male and change room are quite clean as compared to other leisure centres.

18 Larger childcare/crèche times

19 Customer come first!

20 Water temperature is sometimes too cold for children.

21 I feel that the Reservoir Leisure Centre offers a good place for children to learn how to swim. Both of our daughters have been here for a while and have both had great swimming teachers. Livvy first had Joanne and now has Natasha and she has progressed very well.

Emma our other young daughter has mainly had Krissy and she is swimming and has learn many swimming skills. Thank you Teresa Filippe :)

22 I am enjoying my time there.

No complaints from me.

I love the classes I do. Thank you.

23 Love Reservoir Leisure Centre. We're lucky to have it and appreciate the professionalism of the staff.

Old pool pump means occasional outage.

24 I’ve just joined the Leisure Centre and I still haven't been given a wrist bank for my membership. I would like one soon. It’s been 3 weeks.



25 Water not warm enough

26 Skate park nearby would be nice or some kind of volleyball or other sports around like at Edwards Lake!

27 Change rooms/showers need attention and general maintenance overall.

28 In very good condition. Very Hygiene.

29 Overall the centre is run quite well but would like to see a bit of improved hygienic facilities.

30 A big thanks to cleanness

31 I like it!

32 Krissy is the best swimming teacher as Krissy has taught my son to swim since he was 12 months old and I would not have any other teacher but Krissy. I would be very upset if my son was not with Krissy, my son just loves Krissy with all his little heart, he would not swim if he didn't have Krissy.

33 My children have been attending Reservoir for 7 years. Recently we started private swim lessons with Jackie and were very impressed that our daughter improved immediately with Jackie and moved to bigger class with Chrissy, which she loves her. Our son is still with Jackie and the confidence and improvement in only 2 terms is immense. Would be very disappointed if something was to happen to the centre! Keep up the good work!

34 Although there are many improvements that can be done you have the best staff. My daughter and I have always felt acknowledged and cared for. They are always there with a wonderful meet and greet.

Too many fees and charges increases.

Crèche need to implement a program.

35 Would be great to have SHADE for the babies/toddlers pool and 'dip' pool

Also an outdoor 50m/25m pool would be ace!!

Some kind of covering under the benches so as bags don't get sached also.

36 Pool too dimly lit.

Too few lanes free for lap swimming during day, no lap lanes free often after lessons in evening.

37 I would prefer room temperature water rather than the freezing sort that freezes the brain.

38 Would like to comment on the staff at reception R.L.C. They greet you with a smile and hello nothing is too much trouble for them and very helpful that includes permanent and part-time male and female.

Also the Gym, Aqua and Group Fitness instructors are the same as above. I have been a member for 10 years and go to the R.L.C 6 days a week.

Namaste

39 Lunchtime 50% 12pm-1pm

More day trips planned

Weekends opening at 8.00am

Over 50's special 1/2 price on the quietest day

40 Gym is very clean from inside and I never saw any rubbish on the floor.

Cleanliness is very stable/good here.

41 Pool - increased policing of the pol to ensure people entering shower first, rubbish is netted more frequently, lap lanes are used accordingly and people who clean their nose and spit in the pool are warned and future cases should have membership cancelled.

Worn and deteriorated equipment should be replaced more frequently.

Daily cleaning of change rooms could improve and frequency of cleaning increased.

People attending (before exercising) gym with bad hygiene should be instructed to shower before they attend the centre.

42 Offer partial membership for those not interested or who do not need to use the pool area to make memberships more affordable. I'd be happy to go on a 12 month contract if that was the case.

43 I have been a member for the last 7yrs. I am very happy with this Centre.

44 Aqua aerobic classes, also Arthritis classes need to start at the advertised times. No aqua classes - Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun in main pool.

Beds in car park look terrible - clumps of grass.

45 Staff and service is of good standard but the facilities seem to always break down e.g. Scanners for cards and gates and water!!

46 Loving the MTV in the gym but sometimes it might be nice to hear the other channels.

Love the friendly staff that are always helpful and committed to helping me get fitter.

Sometimes don't feel like our complains are being listened too, even if can't fix, please response



so we know you are listening.

47 Reservoir Leisure Centre pool needs improvement: 1. Its often not clean 2. Doesn't have enough lap lanes available

I sometimes find the ladies toilets not clean, also sometimes there is no toilet paper.

48 Better group fitness rooms, more space. Working air-con with fans on always. I almost collapse from heat exhaustion because of the new "fan policy".

49 The aerobic classes are top notch. There is variety and the routines change regularly throughout the year.

The instructors do a terrific job. A big thank-you to RLC aerobics instructors: Sav, Giulia, Rita/Liz and Pina.

Keep up the good work.

50 At Reservoir, there has been a great improvement on the drafts in the pool area for the winter. The seals around the exit glass doors has perished and huge winds blow in. Could the automatic doors close faster? - stay open less per person? - open if the sensor is closer?

51 More gym equipment in particular benches and seats to do weights on and more space to workout in.

More treadmills

52 More aqua classes. I'm happy

Devonshire yes would go well with coffee

53 More aqua classes e.g. Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday

Very pleasant staff, good coffee. Where is Devonshire tea? Or cookie.

54 Earlier opening times especially at weekends. 8am/9am is getting too late! 5-5.30 Mon-Fri would be good too.

Adding fans to gym area in particular around cardio equipment to reduce temp and stimulate air flow.

Improved cleaning and frequency in members change room.

Change room (members) require some heating.

55 Some of the video clips leave nothing to the imagination for some of the elderly.

56 Water entertainment in kids’ pool - the sprays are never working.

57 I would like the gym area to not play MTV Shows, as most people are much older and don't like these programs, have a radio show on instead.

58 Losing your tag - shouldn't be made to pay $20 very expensive at least first loss free if you're long standing customer and 2nd time a $5.00 fee would be fair.

Cafe area - nicer area - need updating that little area for sitting down for coffee, offer healthy subsidised snacks if possible. Make it more private/secluded with nice chairs cafe style.

Don't like new floor in area of step/attack. Carpet used to be able to take impact - floor too hard/sometimes step slips. Not really safe. Probably only disappointment.

59 More heaters in the Change Rooms PLEASE. More rubber mats in Change Room.

60 Weekend hours extended both morning and afternoon

61 Quality of bikes in RPM is terrible.

There needs to be CCTV cameras in the carpark. It is not safe at night.

62 1. Indoor lap pool needs easier access like ramp for older/disabled

2. Spa jets need to be higher to reach neck

63 Open at 5am

64 My opinion though, they do good job, all of them.

People need this kind of activities.

65 I attend every morning at 6.00am I do all the morning classes Monday to Friday I have been going since last June 2013. The reason I go is that the instructors are fantastic especially Jo Jones she has done wonders for my fitness and there are a great bunch of people that go every morning.

Keep up the great work Jo

66 Can we please get a calf raiser in the gym?

67 Scanning machine never works!

68 More family change rooms are required.

They also need to be cleaned more regularly and need to have operational showers.



69 Nice friendly group

Excellent instruction except for one.

Lots of pool breakdowns.

70 I think the kids would have more fun if there is a waterside in the indoor pools. Thank you

71 I believe that changing area's need an update and Saunas and Spas MUST be separate from Male and Female!

As many women are embarrassed to mix with them. Also for hygiene reasons.

72 More secure lockers available, new wristbands do not work in changing area facilities, only gym lockers. I like the different sized lockers available.

73 Like to see an expansion of the gym (there is plenty of room) and a new pool possibility undercover where the existing outdoor pools are. A dive pool would be good.

74 I would also like to see more staff around the children's pool.

75 Please don't close our pool I have been coming here for over 40 years and I love the staff

76 Feel that the Kiosk should offer healthy range of snacks.

The Music Video selection in the Gym sometimes is almost Pornographic I feel, and the music too loud.

Monday AM Hydrotherapy Class is VERY busy; Alisa is GOOD Instructor, but it is hard to actively participate because of the large class size.

77 I love reservoir leisure centre. Great community feel and sense of inclusiveness. My overall 'good' responses are really 'very good', and only not 'excellent' for minor reasons. Keep up the good work!

78 More aerobics classes would be fantastic.

79 Not sure why we are making comments on Darebin Swimming Pools? Aren’t we commenting on the entire Leisure centre?

RLC - It’s the trainers that are highly encouraging, keep you motivated, enjoyable and have a smile every session! If no funding available to repair, replace equipment in the centre, why aren't clients advised? How can the air conditioning be set via the Darebin council, why isn't it controlled at the centre?

80 The reservoir centre is well run and a friendly approachable place, however the cleanliness of the non-member change rooms and the family rooms leaves much to be desired by the end of the day the family change rooms in particular are so bad we never use them

81 A boxing circuit program would be good, box fit class not the same, tried it once or twice too much emphasis on, one on one, prefer punching bags, speed ball etc.

82 Need to make pool open later. 9pm on weekends is too early. Gym shuts later and other pool centres are open later. Even an extra half an hour will make a difference to making it to the pool after work.

83 There need to be more and/or larger pools and better change room facilities.

84 Needs more heating when going through to change rooms.

Needs more change tables to change children

85 Would like to see more Yoga & Combat classes (after 7pm). Very happy with our toddler's swim school instructor Jackie - best ever!

86 There are better used for the outdoor pool. Extend the indoor pool to include the outdoor pool would have lots more lap lanes as it gets crowed with the swimming lessons of a night time

87 Needs better filtration

88 The charges are way too high in comparison with very well equipped private gyms- and this is council owned.

There should at least be an annual fee that is substantially cheaper than paying monthly.

89 Pool area needs to be cleaned more. Found 2 band aids and a couple of tissues on floor in front of sitting area this morning at 9am. Also the credit policy for holidays, sick children is very unreasonable. Other swim schools offer make up sessions or credit for being sick and a hold fee if you’re on holidays for longer than 3 weeks. My children missed out of 5 weeks last term; 3 weeks for holidays and 2 for being sick and I lost all of that money, a total of 10 weeks of swimming lessons.

I'm actually considering leaving and so are a lot of other unhappy parents in my daughter’s classes.

90 I joined RLC to access the gym, and had intended to use the pool as well. I been swimming a few times, and the pool seemed OK. However, even early in the day the water was a bit turbid -- I had a sore throat after swimming on the few occasions I used the pool. This hasn't been a common issue for me elsewhere.



91 Fans and exhaust air ducts needs CLEANING, vacuuming

Floor needs vacuuming.....filthy floor... unpleasant during floor exercises

Shower room needs cleaning...floor is so slimy

Counter needs better service

Need female remedial therapist

Provide hair dryer

Improve water dispensers (sometimes it is so dirty)....

92 The shower room needs CLEANING!!!

93 Love the family change facilities at Reservoir. The Kids Liquid Zone program is amazing and staffed with excellent people!

94 The change rooms are just awful. Cold and grotty. It is brilliant having the crèche, as a new first time mum without family support I cannot put a price on it. COULD BE ADVERTISED BETTER. I only thought about it after becoming aware of the crèche facility at Watermarc. I have mentioned it to other mums who also did not know about it. It is also great that the assuage therapist is there now too! Wanted to make a special mention of 'Erin'. She is an exceptional employee, polite, friendly & efficient both in phone manner and real life. Quite a stand out staff member who deserves recognition for her exemplary customer service.

95 Warmer water would be good

96 At RLC, the gym area plays MTV music. Generally it is quite loud and the music disturbs any sort of socialising or peacefulness that may be found in the gym. I find the music to be obnoxious and very difficult to ignore to enjoy my gym session.

97 Complaints are never taken seriously. Music is terrible in most of the classes, resources for the staff are terrible. Make more use of outdoor areas. I'm sick of paying high fees for crap resources and crap times for health and fitness classes, rarely do they meet my needs...

98 Reservoir is well used and really needs some money spent on it and additional staff. The outdoor pools are almost never open even on really hot days it is such a waste.

99 The reservoir pools do not use the outdoor pools during winter I think this is waste. Would be good to see an expansion of the pool area removing the outdoor pools and extending the lap pool maybe even having a deep diving area as there are none in this area.

100 Open outdoor pool every day in summer. More group classes at 6.30 pm am working 9 -5 in town and never make a 6 pm class. 8pm is too late for sleeping.

101 An instructor change message on the Facebook page would be an amazing warning and keep me from wasting my time attending a class that will disappoint me!

102 Generally well looked after, probably could do more with the space and remove/clear out areas that are not being used for greenhouses, extra shaded areas, larger/longer lap pools. Also the inside cafe area space could be more spacious/welcoming. Would love to see more programs where instructors talk about the science of their programs and get more people from the general gym area to the group fitness classes (in particular males)

103 When my children first started swimming lessons, as long as they were enrolled in the following term swimming during school holidays was free. They now have to pay and I feel that this discourages parents from taking kids swimming - with childhood obesity a massive problem after paying over $100 per term per child I think school holidays should still be free.

104 Water is dirty most of the time

Water is cold most of the time

Outdoor area/pools are outdated

Slides barely work

Lap lines are constantly busy

Water features indoor barely work

Does anyone work at this centre? Because nothing gets done.

105 Have more than one or 2 lanes only available when there are swimming lessons on the weekend.

Major Regional Sports Facility Feasibility...

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