Councils chalk out game plan

By Tania Martin
HILLS soccer players scratching for pitch space can now have their say on the future of the sport with consultation beginning on an eastern regional soccer strategy.
The strategy is a collaborative initiative between three councils in the southeast, the State Government and Football Federation Victoria (FFV).
The bordering shires of Yarra Ranges and Cardinia and the City of Casey are now urging residents to have their say.
Soccer is one of the fastest growing sports in the region and has led to problems, as there are not enough pitch spaces to meet the increasing need.
Yarra Ranges deputy mayor Graham Warren said it was now important to gauge community feedback for the strategy.
Cr Warren said the feedback would play an important role in helping to develop the joint strategy.
“Providing appropriate grounds and resources to cater for the current and future growth of the sport is of increasing importance to many councils,” he said.
“We’re pleased to be able to work with our neighbouring councils and the FFV to identify ways that we can cater for growth of soccer, not only in the Yarra Ranges, but throughout the region.”
Cr Warren said a specialist leisure planning company had recently been appointed to help develop the strategy and will oversee a number of consultation meetings, surveys and interviews as part of the planning process.
Michael Haley of Cardinia Shire said that the aim of the strategy was to explore potential ways for supporting the future development of the sport.
“Soccer is becoming popular and council wants to ensure it’s planning for the future,” he said.
An on-line survey will be posted on each council’s website for people to have their say.
Residents can also send written submissions to the planners at Insight Leisure Planning, suite 129/199 Toorak Road, South Yarra.
Submissions are now open but close on Friday 7 March.
Meanwhile, Knox City Council has also joined an Eastern Region Soccer Strategy with Maroondah City Council and the City of Whitehorse to achieve the same outcomes as the southeast.
Mayor Jim Penna said the strategy was vitally important for all councils to help them manage the rising popularity of the sport.
“Soccer is absolutely booming. Not just in Knox, but right across Australia, and we expect this trend to continue,” he said.
“Council needs to find ways to accommodate extra players, clubs and the increased demands on facilities.”
Cr Penna said one of the key outcomes of the strategy would be to develop soccer forums to discuss the future of the sport in Knox.
“We will also conduct an audit of our sports grounds to assess where we can assist in the development of soccer and encourage its growth,” he said.
“We’re looking at all avenues to make sure soccer has a future in Knox.”
It is anticipated that both draft strategies will be released to the public for comment later this year.