Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Donald Recreation Reserve
Master Plan 2011 – 2020
Disclaimer
The information contained in this report is intended for the specific use of
the within named party to which it is addressed ("the communityvibe
client") only. All recommendations by communityvibe are based on
information provided by or on behalf of the communityvibe client and
communityvibe has relied on such information being correct at the time
this report is prepared. communityvibe shall take no responsibility for any
loss or damage caused to the communityvibe client or to any third party
whether direct or consequential as a result of or in any way arising from any
unauthorised use of this report or any recommendations contained within.
Report Date: September 2011
Prepared By
communityvibe
Wendy Holland and Shaun Quayle
5 Allison St, BENDIGO VIC 3550.
Ph: 0438 433 555.
W: www.communityvibe.com.au
www.communityvibe.org.au
Plans for People
Keith Nancarrow
434 Hargreaves St,
BENDIGO VIC 3550.
Ph: 5441 8789
www.communityvibe.org.au
Contents
1.0 Executive Summary .................................................. 1
2.0 Introduction ............................................................. 4
3.0 Methodology ........................................................... 4
4.0 Policy Context .......................................................... 5
5.0 Demographic Summary ............................................ 8
6.0 Participation in Sport and Recreation ....................... 9
7.0 Benefits of Sport and Recreation ............................ 10
8.0 Trends in Sport and Recreation .............................. 13
9.0 Vision and Planning Principles ................................ 14
9.1 Vision ............................................................................................... 14
9.2 Planning Principles .......................................................................... 14
10.0 Facilities and Infrastructure Overview .................. 16
10.1 Goff Letts Oval (main oval) ........................................................... 16
10.2 Donald Netball Courts ................................................................... 18
10.3 A.A. Dunstan Pavilion Stadium and Blue Room ............................ 19
10.4 Jeffcott Oval .................................................................................. 21
10.5 Jeffcott Oval Pavilion ..................................................................... 23
10.6 Jeffcott Oval Toilet Block ............................................................... 23
10.7 Hockey Field .................................................................................. 24
10.8 Horse Stalls .................................................................................... 25
10.9 Public Toilet Block near Hockey Field............................................ 25
10.10 Federation Trail ........................................................................... 26
10.11 Old Kiosk ...................................................................................... 27
10.12 Men’s Shed .................................................................................. 27
10.13 Pastoral and Agricultural Society Hall ......................................... 28
10.14 Agricultural Museum ................................................................... 28
10.15 G.M. Bolden Memorial Building .................................................. 29
10.16 Toilet Block behind Pavilion ........................................................ 29
10.17 Main Entrance ............................................................................. 29
10.18 Shed near Middle Entrance ......................................................... 30
10.19 External Bar ................................................................................. 30
10.20 Fire Brigade Running Track ......................................................... 31
10.21 Old Shearing Shed ....................................................................... 31
10.22 Play Facilities ............................................................................... 32
10.23 Landscaping / Surrounds ............................................................. 33
10.24 Internal Roadways and Car Parks ............................................... 34
10.25 Signage ........................................................................................ 35
10.26 Water Access ............................................................................... 35
10.27 Public Transport Access .............................................................. 37
10.28 Monty Burton Oval ..................................................................... 37
10.29 Other Sporting and Community Facilities in Donald .................. 37
11.0 Community Needs ................................................ 38
12.0 Management and Maintenance ........................... 46
12.1 Management ................................................................................. 46
12.2 Hierarchy of Recreation Reserves ................................................. 47
12.3 Maintenance Roles and Responsibilities ...................................... 48
12.4 Ground and Building Inspections .................................................. 49
12.5 Maintenance Requirements for Turf Playing Fields...................... 49
13.0 Action Plan ........................................................... 50
14.0 Appendix .............................................................. 58
14.1 Best Practice Planning Considerations .......................................... 58
14.1.1 Universal Design Principles .................................................... 58
14.1.2 Environmentally Sustainable Design Principles ..................... 60
14.1.3 Healthy By Design .................................................................. 61
14.1.4 Disability Discrimination Act (1992) ....................................... 62
14.1.5 DSE Safer Design Guidelines (2005) ....................................... 62
14.1.6 Child Friendly Cities / Communities ....................................... 64
14.2 Needs Expressed through Community Consultation .................... 65
14.3 Needs Expressed through Key Stakeholder Interviews ................ 68
14.4 Community Survey ........................................................................ 69
15.3 Potential Funding Sources ............................................................. 73
15.4 Site Plans – Existing First Floor ...................................................... 78
15.5 Site Plans - Existing Ground Floor ................................................. 79
15.6 Site Plans – Proposed Ground Floor .............................................. 80
15.7 Site Plan – Proposed Jeffcott Oval Pavilion Upgrade .................... 81
15.8 Master Plan – Site Plan ................................................................. 82
Page | 1
1.0 Executive Summary To ensure that Donald Recreation Reserve can continue to cater for the
existing needs of its community and the future demands placed upon it, a
ten year master plan has been prepared with input from user groups,
Buloke Shire Council and the broader community. This master plan
identifies a number of priorities that the Donald community believes are
of critical importance in ensuring sustainability and the continuation of
quality sport and recreation opportunities. The Donald community will
use this master plan to guide their decision making in relation to
infrastructure developments, maintenance regimes, operational systems
and management structures over the next ten years.
Due to competing demands for limited resources, Buloke Shire Council is
unable to make a definite financial commitment to the developments
proposed within this Plan. However, Buloke Shire Council will assist
wherever possible in helping the community to achieve its priorities at
Donald Recreation Reserve through activities such as providing
information about relevant funding programs; assisting with the writing
of funding applications where possible; and advocating to funding bodies
for assistance.
Proposed developments at Donald Recreation Reserve have been
identified and prioritised, based on a number of factors including whether
or not the development is consistent with the vision and planning
principles identified for the site. Developments have been included if the
proposed works:
1. are consistent with the vision, mission and planning principles
developed for the Reserve
2. have been demonstrated through a number of sources such
as community plans, previous master plans, surveys, etc, as
needed by the community
3. are consistent with the grading of the reserve and the type of
infrastructure and facilities expected within each grading, i.e.
regional, municipal or local level facility
4. will help to maintain and / or increase participation in sport
and recreation opportunities
5. are likely to benefit the broader community (from a social,
physical, economic and / or environmental perspective) and
involve the community in operations or management
6. create improved access for people of all abilities, ages,
genders, etc
7. increase the opportunity for the site to be used for a variety
of different and / or new activities
8. are likely to increase safety of users and reduce risk
management issues
9. are likely to allow the site to meet industry standards,
regulations and legislation
10. reflect best practice and current industry trends
11. are likely to decrease the impact on the environment and
natural resources, e.g. installation of water saving devices,
double glazing on windows, etc
12. are likely to be financially sustainable in the long term and
take into consideration whole of life funding costs, including
development of replacement schedules
13. are likely to decrease operational costs
Page | 2
14. are likely to reduce the demands on volunteers time (for
activities such as mowing, watering, line marking, etc)
15. will rectify existing infrastructure that is currently in a very
poor state or beyond repair
16. are likely to attract external funding
17. are within the resource capacity of communities to achieve,
i.e. plans are cost effective, user groups have sufficient
resources to make the required financial contribution, user
groups can provide some in-kind labour, user groups can
assist with project management, suitable plans have been
developed, etc
18. enhance the appearance and usability of the site, e.g.
improved landscaping, heating / cooling, marked car parking
bays, etc
19. involve a number of partners to assist with funding and / or
operations, management and maintenance
20. do not duplicate existing facilities.
The key areas identified in this master plan for further development or
upgrading are:
Power Supply: Upgrade the power supply to cater for future developments at the site. Jeffcott Pavilion Upgrade: Upgrade Jeffcott Oval pavilion to create a shared pavilion for cricket, junior cricket, hockey and P&A Society with change facilities (including internally and externally accessible toilets and showers – this would enable toilet block near hockey and horse stalls to be demolished), meeting room and basic kitchenette. Connect the facility to the sewerage system. Construct a paved pathway with landscaping to create a visual and physical link between the pavilion and
the hockey ground. If this facility is not constructed prior to 2012 hockey season, a portable building needs to be installed until such time as this development can take place. Hockey Shelter and Lights: Construct a shelter and storage shed next to the hockey field and upgrade lights. Indoor Stadium: Demolish the existing stadium and build a new stadium incorporating:
An indoor sports court that meets regulation run-off
Male and female change rooms (including access for people with disabilities) that are accessible from inside and outside so that they can also be used by netball
A verandah along the front of the building and an upstairs viewing area that blends in with the upstairs viewing area in the blue room
Two squash courts with glass backs
Score bench for basketball
Storage space
Catering facilities that meet health regulations
Café style area in front of the kiosk
Heating and cooling. Main entrance to reserve: Improve safety of main entrance by converting it to pedestrian traffic only (which can be closed on game days). Develop a new entrance near the netball courts and develop a new ticket box in this area. Internal roadways and parking: Improve internal roadways and parking:
Develop a dedicated pedestrian movement area around the stadium and netball court area which is free of cars
Seal the major internal road around Goff Letts Oval
Formalise car parking spaces near the Stadium
Page | 3
Develop overflow car parking between the two ovals, once the ground has been built up and the shearing shed relocated.
Goff Letts Oval: Upgrade Goff Letts Oval:
improve playing surface.
plant drought tolerant grasses.
improve drainage at the top end of the Reserve to prevent pooling of water.
upgrade player shelters.
install underground cabling to speakers on each of the four training tower light Install a new underground irrigation system on Goff Letts Oval to improve water efficiency and reduce volunteer time.
AA Dunstan Pavilion / Blue Room:
install heating and cooling.
improve acoustics.
install external power outlets.
install solar electricity and / or solar hot water panels on the roof of the pavilion.
improve plumbing.
develop a gym.
Develop a play space for children aged 2-8 years of age close to netball courts and stadium in the designated pedestrian zone. Play space to incorporate both active and social play opportunities. Suitable landscaping and under-surfacing need to be provided. Play space should not be fenced, although it may be appropriate to incorporate a barrier on at least one side. Improve landscaping of entire Recreation Reserve:
Plant suitable drought tolerant trees and shrubs around the Reserve and in car parking areas
Remove dead trees from the site.
Establish a picnic area near the play space incorporating picnic tables and seats.
Create attractive low-maintenance, drought tolerant landscaping at the entrance to the Reserve.
Plant trees as a windbreak and install seats near netball courts.
Install way finding and directional signage at the entrance to the Recreation Reserve and around the Reserve. Also install signage to warn motorists to slow down near children playing. Determine the feasibility of constructing a small skate park at the Recreation Reserve in the old fire brigade training track area. Jeffcott Oval:
Give further consideration to relocating hockey to Jeffcott Oval in the future.
Level the ground and upgrade the irrigation system. Remove old football booth when it reaches the end of its lifespan. Old shearing shed: Demolish the white toilet block near the hockey ground and relocate the old shearing shed to this site (additional toilets will be created in Jeffcott Oval Pavilion development). Build up the current site of the old shearing shed to cater for informal car parking. Retain Monty Burton Oval in the short term, but consider decommissioning the oval in the long term as an active recreation ground and converting it to a different public use, e.g. passive open space parkland.
Page | 4
2.0 Introduction Donald Recreation Reserve is situated on the outskirts of Donald between
the Borung Highway and the Richardson River on land owned by Buloke
Shire Council. Facilities at the Reserve include:
Goff Letts Oval (main football / cricket oval)
Jeffcott Oval (cricket oval)
A.A. Dunstan Pavilion (change rooms, function room, bar, toilets
and kitchen)
Stadium (indoor sports court used for basketball, netball, tennis,
etc; two squash courts, change facilities)
Two outdoor netball courts
Hockey field
Jeffcott Oval Pavilion
Cricket practice nets
Public toilets
Men’s Shed
Agricultural Show sheds and offices
Agricultural Museum
Internal roads
A variety of storage sheds, pump sheds, ticket box, etc.
There is also another oval, Monty Burton Oval, directly across the road
which is used for archery at present and as an overflow ground for
cricket.
3.0 Methodology The process used to obtain the necessary information on which to base
recommendations contained within this plan is as follows:
Review of relevant literature and reports
Demographic analysis
Assessment of the benefits of Recreation Reserves
Analysis of local and state sport and recreation participation
statistics
Review of current state and national leisure trends and their
impact on sport and recreation programs, services and facilities
Surveys of user groups of the Reserve
Interviews with key stakeholders
Community consultation
Site inspection of the grounds and buildings
Examination of potential funding options
Analysis of community needs and preparation of a series of
prioritised recommendations
Page | 5
4.0 Policy Context
Buloke Shire Recreation Plan (2005)
The purpose of the Buloke Shire Recreation Plan is to identify key
priorities and a strategic framework for Council in the provision and
facilitation of sport and active recreational opportunities for the
community.
Specific recommendations from this Plan of relevance to Donald
Recreation Reserve include:
Stadium: It is recommended that council arrange for a
professional engineering assessment to be undertaken in
consultation with stadium users, in order to assess the
compliance and users need in respect to eventual building
upgrade
Hockey Field: It is recommended that in-ground water irrigation
outlets be reviewed and if there is potential of player injury,
appropriate action be taken to reset the water outlets.
Netball Courts: It is recommended that netball club
representatives meet with council engineering staff to discuss
and agree a solution for the reinstatement to competition
standard of the current courts. In reviewing such, issues of
removal of over-court electricity wires, court run-off
requirements and the need for power supply to courtside
timekeeper facilities should also be addressed.
Junior Cricket: It is recommended that the use of Monty Burton
be reassessed and council support be provided to upgrade the
reserve as soon resources become available.
Buloke Shire Council Plan (2009-2013)
The Buloke Council Plan provides an overview of Council’s priorities over
the period 2009-2013. Council’s vision is identified in this plan as: “a
sustainable community where everyone is actively encouraged to
participate in community life to enrich the cultural, social and economic
viability of our Shire and to care for our most important asset, the natural
environment”.
Council’s mission is: “to ensure that the community has the practical tools
to make Buloke an amazing place to live. We do this by:
Providing a range of needed services
Engaging with the community to understand emerging needs
Advocating on behalf of the community for services to meet
needs
Good governance and sound financial and risk management
practices
Involving the community in making decisions that affect them
directly and indirectly; and
Page | 6
Celebrating community achievements and milestones together”.
Relevant values from the Plan include:
To build something amazing, we must build it upon a strong base.
Maintenance and improvement of our current asset and
infrastructure base is therefore, a higher priority for us than new
facilities.
We will value the work of volunteers and actively encourage and
further develop the volunteer ethic that has characterised the
history of the Shire.
Relevant priorities from the Plan include:
Promote participation in community and sporting activities by
providing and maintaining a range of Council-owned facilities.
Continue the development and implementation of plans to
protect and manage public assets in the Shire for the long term.
Roll out a program of upgrades to parks, reserves, playgrounds
and sporting facilities as part of Council’s Capital Works program.
Develop a Sports Facility Management Plan to ensure the best
possible use is made of Buloke’s sports facilities.
Ensure infrastructure developments provide equitable access for
all abilities.
Maintain and upgrade community facilities such as halls,
recreation centres, pavilions, swimming pools, senior citizen’s
centres, preschools and other community assets.
Continue to implement Council Principal Recreation Reserve
Improvement Program.
Donald Community Opportunity Workshop – Preliminary Report (2007)
The objective of the report is for it to act as a ‘launching pad’ for further
discussion about the future of developments in Donald.
Of relevance to the Donald Recreation Reserve, this report identified the
need to:
find other sources of water for sports facilities
maintain the Agricultural Show
develop / attract more diverse activities and clubs
develop a community centre
develop a health and fitness centre
develop a Men’s shed
retain and upgrade community facilities / sporting facilities
Public Health and Wellbeing Plan (2010-2013)
This strategy identifies Council’s role in the provision of facilities and the
development of infrastructure to encourage physical, recreational and
social activity. There are no specific recommendations contained within
the report of relevance to Donald Recreation Reserve.
Page | 7
Water Options for Football Grounds in North Central Football League -
Victorian Country Football League (2009)
This report, prepared during the drought, provided an overview of the
major sports grounds used in the North Central Football League in terms
of water options. Recommendations identified for the Donald Recreation
Reserve are:
Introduce drought tolerant turf
Install sub-surface irrigation
Continue to pursue current urban storm water projects including
connection of the caravan park dam and second dam to the
football ground
Consider connection to recycled water – high capital costs but
low ongoing charges.
Page | 8
5.0 Demographic Summary Demographic data provides information which can be used by clubs and
committees of management to understand the current make up of the
community. Potential markets can be determined by examining the
number of people in specific age groups. Other details such as household
income may help decision making in terms of setting fees and languages
spoken at home may indicate a need to have information translated into
other languages for example. A brief summary of the demographic make-
up of the Donald community follows (with more detailed information
available in the Appendix):
The Donald community comprises of 1,697 people.
Compared with Australian figures, Donald has a higher
percentage of people aged over 55 years of age.
Older adults (those over 55 years of age) comprise 39% of the
population, compared with 23% of the total population of
Australia
Indigenous people make up 1.1% of the population compared
with 2.3% for Australia
The majority of residents were born in Australia (91% compared
with the national figure of 70.9%), with a further 1.7% of
residents born in England, China and Scotland.
The majority of residents speak English at home. Only 1.2% of
residents speak other languages including Mandarin, Sinhalese
and Hindi.
120 (7.1%) people in Donald have a core activity need for
assistance compared with 4.1% for Australia
38% of people carry out voluntary work compared with 17.9% for
Australia
The majority of dwellings have 1 (34%) or 2 (37.5%) motor
vehicles compared with 36% and 35% in Australia respectively
678 people were employed at the time of the 2006 ABS Census,
predominantly in Sheep, Beef Cattle and Grain Farming (17.1%);
school education (7.5%); and Local Government Administration
(4.7%).
Donald features a higher percentage of residents employed in
managerial roles compared with Australian figures (26.0% and
13.2% respectively), as well as a higher percentage of people
employed as labourers (15.6% and 10.5% respectively). The third
highest category of occupational types is Technicians and Trades
Workers, 14.5% compared to 14.4% in Australia overall.
The percentage of people listed as unemployed is 3.3% compared
with a rate of 5.2% for Australia. 631 people aged 15 years and
over are not in the labour force.
The median weekly household income is $613, compared with
the Australian median household income of $1,027.
The most common form of household composition is a family
household (66% compared with 67% for Australia), and of family
households, the most common form is a couple living together
without children at home (48% compared with Australia at 37%).
The percentage of lone households in Donald is significantly
higher than for Australia overall (30% compared with 23%)
reflecting the ageing of the community.
There is much higher home ownership in Donald than in Australia
(53% compared with 33%) and much lower percentage of homes
rented (17% compared with 27%).
For those paying off homes, the median loan repayment in
Donald is $563 per month, compared with $1,300 for Australia
Page | 9
overall, and for those who are renting homes, the median weekly
rental amount is $96 compared with the Australian median of
$190.
42% of dwellings are connected to the internet in some way
compared with 61% for Australia
Source: ABS 2006 Census QuickStats: Donald (L) (State Suburb)
http://www.censusdata.abs.gov.au
6.0 Participation in Sport and Recreation
In recent years, there has been a shift away from organised sport to more
informal recreational activities that can be undertaken in small groups,
alone, or at varying times of the day. The following table1 shows the most
popular physical activities (organised and non-organised) for people 15
years of age and over in Victoria at present:
Ranking Activity % of Participants over 15 years of age at least once per year
Non-organised
Organised participation
Total participation
1 Walking (other) 35.2 1.9 35.9 2 Aerobics / fitness 17.4 7.6 23.5 3 Swimming 12.5 1.8 13.9 4 Cycling 12.3 1.5 12.8 5 Running 10.7 1.9 11.7 6 Tennis 4.1 3.6 6.9 7 Golf 4.3 3.1 6.5 8 Basketball 2.0 4.0 5.4 9 Australian Rules
Football 1.3 4.1 5.1
10 Netball 1.3 4.3 5.1 11 Bushwalking 4.2 0.5 4.4 12 Cricket (outdoor) 1.3 3.1 4.2 21 Squash /
racquetball 0.9 0.4 1.2
27 Hockey (outdoor) 0.1 0.9 1.0
1 Australian Government: Participation in Exercise Sport and Recreation – Annual Report 2009: http://www.ausport.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/377077/ERASS_Report_2009_State_Tables_VIC.pdf
Population by Age Groups
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
0-4 5-14 15-19 20-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65-74 75-84 85+Age
Nu
mb
er
of
pe
rso
ns
Page | 10
NB: Some people have answered that they take part in specific activities
in both an organised and non-organised capacity, hence figures organised
rate plus non-organised rate do not necessarily equate to the total
number of participants.
Facilities that are multi-purpose in design and clubs that are innovative in
their thinking will be best adapted to take advantage of the changing
participation patterns and consequently remain as strong, viable clubs.
7.0 Benefits of Sport and Recreation The benefits of participating in sport and recreation are well documented.
Not only do individuals benefit from a health and wellbeing perspective,
but the whole community benefits from a greater sense of community,
economic opportunities, improvement to the environment, reduction in
crime and a healthier society.
Participation in physical activity in rural communities, such as Buloke
Shire, brings a different set of benefits to those achieved in regional or
metropolitan settings. In rural communities, leisure provides one of the
few social outlets where people who may spend much of their time
isolated on farms or in small townships, come together to take part in
activities with friends and neighbours in an atmosphere of camaraderie.
The activity is sometimes secondary to the social benefits and enhanced
sense of community connectedness achieved. Driscoll and Wood, in their
report Sporting Capital – Changes and Challenges for Rural Communities
in Victoria2 identify three key components of a successful and functioning
community as trust, goodwill and interaction; all three of which can be
achieved through participation in sport and recreation by its ability to act
as a ‘social glue’.
Some of the benefits that can occur through participation in sport and
recreation are:
2 RMIT (Driscoll, Kate and Wood, Liz) – “Sporting Capital – Changes and Challenges for Rural Communities in Victoria”, 1999
Page | 11
Benefits
Individual and Community
Physical and Mental Health
Reduced risk of colon cancer, heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure
Less likely to become overweight or obese
Improved balance and coordination, resulting in fewer falls
Stronger muscles, joints and bones
Improved confidence and self-esteem
Improved body image
Improved motor skills
Less likely to suffer from depression and anxiety
Greater sense of achievement
Reduced stress levels
Higher energy and concentration levels
Reduction in incidence and severity of illness and disability
Increased life expectancy.
Social Greater sense of community
Stronger, more self-reliant communities
Greater social and friendship networks
Reduced anti-social behaviour and vandalism
Helps to develop shared attitudes, values and codes of behaviour in the community
Breaks down barriers between different sectors of the community
Stronger family relationships.
Page | 12
Benefits
Individual and Community
Economic Employment in sport and recreation activities, events, venues, clubs
Improvements to local business viability through sale of sport and recreation equipment, services or programs
Reduction in health care costs – According to VicHealth3, physical inactivity by Australians “costs the health system at least $400m in direct health care costs”, and is responsible for approximately 8,000 deaths annually
Increases productivity of workers and reduces number of sick days
Potential to attract businesses to the region if quality sport and active recreation settings, programs and services exist
Flow on benefits to tourism businesses from people participating in sport and recreation events and activities.
Environment Protection of habitats, biodiversity and ecological integrity
More attractive living environments
A greater appreciation and awareness of the natural environment.
3 VicHealth – “Physical Activity Fact Sheet”, April 2007
Page | 13
8.0 Trends in Sport and Recreation In terms of sports participation, management and infrastructure, there
has been a trend in recent years towards the:
movement away from many traditional organised sports such as football, cricket, netball and tennis to more individual or small group non-organised activities, e.g. walking, aerobics, fitness classes, cycling, swimming, running, etc
installation of sports surfaces that help to reduce injuries and increase player comfort, e.g. sprung wooden floors, plexipave tennis courts
installation of improved spectator facilities, e.g. retractable seating, shaded viewing areas
installation of facilities to encourage participation by people of all abilities, e.g. use of ramps, unisex toilets with change tables, single storey buildings to allow for wheelchair access, Braille signs, etc
utilisation of indoor sporting facilities such as Leisure Centres with swimming pools for games and aspects of the training and recovery program for a range of different sports
installation of lighting or higher standard of lighting to allow games and training to take place in the evenings
development of environmentally responsible practices such as solar hot water, recycled water systems, etc to reduce the impact of sports facilities and their users on the environment
development or upgrading of facilities and equipment so that they meet the safety requirements of their designated sport, e.g. extension of netball courts to meet recommended run-off distances
master planning of recreation reserves and leisure centres to ensure that needs of all existing and casual users are considered
in the long term – including the linking of cycling / walking paths, development of play spaces, landscaping and BBQ / picnic facilities to encourage family use of facilities
development of multi-use facilities and spaces which can cater for a variety of traditional activities as well as non-traditional or emerging activities, e.g. pilates, yoga, children’s programs, women’s day time social competitions, master’s games, etc
greater emphasis on social competitions mid week during the evenings as opposed to structured competition on a Saturday afternoon
greater use of facilities by personal fitness trainers and their clients
greater demands on some facilities by school groups due to the declining standard of school sporting infrastructure in some areas or the lack of facilities at new schools
greater demand on sporting facilities for special events and tournaments
greater demand for lifestyle/non-traditional forms of sport, i.e. games that can be played on the street or indoors, e.g. street soccer
co-location of several sporting facilities to form recreation precincts to maximise limited resources and to cross-market activities
understanding of the relationship between physical activity participation and improved health, wellbeing and social connectedness
expectation by the community that facilities, programs, services and management will be of a reasonably high standard
expectation that facilities will be available during a range of time slots throughout the week, including weeknight, early morning and weekends
expectation by user groups that draws, ladder, information, etc about local sports competitions are available via the internet.
Page | 14
9.0 Vision and Planning Principles The vision and planning principles developed as part of the Buloke Shire
Recreation Needs Strategy (2005) are still considered to be relevant.
The vision identified in the Plan is: “Buloke Shire is an active community
that supports a range of accessible and sustainable sport, recreational
and cultural opportunities. These opportunities, which are provided by a
range of partners within the Shire, help to meet the interests of the
diverse community and thereby enhance and improve the quality of life
of residents”.
Planning principles developed to help Buloke Shire achieve the vision are:
Sustainability
Access and equity
Development of partnerships
Diversity and choice
Value for investment
Community benefit
Multi-purpose design
Manage risk
Environmental responsibility
Support and recognise local contributions
Both the vision and planning principles have been modified slightly so
that they specifically represent Donald Recreation Reserve and some
changes in government policies and priorities in recent years.
9.1 Vision Donald Recreation Reserve actively supports a range of accessible and
sustainable sport, recreation and cultural opportunities to enhance and
improve the quality of life of residents.
9.2 Planning Principles Planning Principle Wherever possible, Donald Recreation Reserve will
support and encourage:
Community
strengthening and
connectedness
Sport and active recreation initiatives which involve
the community in the planning, implementation and
delivery stages. It will also support initiatives that
encourage positive, lasting interactions between
community members.
Multi use of facilities
Facility developments and upgrades that are multi-
purpose in design to allow for a range of different
groups to use the facility. It will also encourage clubs
and organisations to share and consolidate facilities
so that existing facilities are used to their maximum
capacity and limited resources are best utilised.
Access and equity Initiatives that allow for greater access to facilities,
programs or services for people of all ages, genders,
abilities and socio-economic backgrounds.
Community benefit Initiatives that provide sufficient physical, social,
economic and environmental benefits to the
community.
Diversity and choice The development of a range of sport and active
Page | 15
Planning Principle Wherever possible, Donald Recreation Reserve will
support and encourage:
recreation facilities and initiatives that meet the
diverse needs of the community.
Volunteer
Involvement and
Support
Initiatives that involve volunteer labour, funding and
expertise in the planning, implementation and
delivery components.
Sustainability Initiatives, that following suitable planning and
research, are considered sustainable from
participation, longevity, economic, environmental
and social perspectives.
Value for money Initiatives that represent value for money to the
community.
Partnerships Initiatives that include a range of relevant partners,
so that limited resources are maximised and facilities,
programs or services are not duplicated.
Safety Initiatives provide a safe environment for all users.
Page | 16
10.0 Facilities and Infrastructure Overview
10.1 Goff Letts Oval (main oval) The 2 ha senior sports oval at Donald Recreation Reserve is planted with a
mix of rye and buffalo grasses and is primarily used by Donald Football
Netball Club and Donald Cricket Club, and also by the Donald Pastoral and
Agricultural Society for the annual Donald Show. Donald Primary School
and Donald High School also use the ground for sports days. The ground
receives approximately 16-20 hours of use per week.
In 2001, the Donald Football Club fielded four teams: seniors, reserves,
under 16’s and under 13’s. The club is part of the North Central League,
featuring clubs from Wycheproof-Narraport, Boort, Wedderburn,
Charlton, St Arnaud and Birchip-Watchem.
Although the ground is in reasonable condition, some damage was
sustained to the ground and surrounding roadways during the floods in
October 2010 and in January 2011. The ground also suffered from lack of
water during the drought and was rated as marginal to fair in 2009 by the
Victorian Country Football League4. The club regularly carries out
aeration, seeding, fertilisation, spreading of gypsum, spraying of weeds
and rolling to provide the best possible playing surface. Nevertheless, the
sports ground is in need of an upgrade.
Goff Letts Oval features a sprinkler system which is also in need of
upgrading in the long term. Currently each set of sprinklers has to be
turned on manually. Although an underground drainage pump is installed
at the ground, drainage is still an issue at the top end of the Reserve. In
4 Victorian Country Football League (2009) Water Options for Football Grounds in NCFL, pg 42
addition, the ground between Goff Letts Oval and Jeffcott Oval needs to
be built up, as this area tends to retain water for long periods of time
following rain or flood events and therefore encourages large numbers of
mosquitoes to breed.
Figure 1: Goff Letts Oval
According to the VCFL report5, the 3.6 hectares of sports grounds at
Donald Recreation Reserve (i.e. Goff Letts Oval, Jeffcott Oval and the
Hockey Ground) require around 6.7ML of water per hectare per year, or
an average of 24ML in an average rainfall year and 31ML in a dry year.
Goff Letts Oval on its own used approximately 15 ML of water last year, at
5 Ibid, pg 43-44
Page | 17
a cost of $15,000. Water is sourced through the new pipeline, storm
water harvesting from the roof of the stadium and from natural rainfall.
The oval features a synthetic cricket wicket in the middle of the ground
and is surrounded by external fencing. There are four training level lights
on the ground which meet the current needs of the club. Additional
underground cabling will be required to install a total of eight speakers
for the PA system on the four training light towers. These speakers are
used for the annual show as well as for football matches.
A range of supporting infrastructure exists on site including a ticket box,
scorer’s boxes, scoreboard and player shelters. Mostly these assets are in
fair condition and still suitable for their current purpose and level of use.
However, the player shelters need to be upgraded and made deeper and
the ticket box needs to be replaced.
Figure 2: Scoreboard
Football is played on the sports ground from March through to
September, with training commencing in January. No mergers are
anticipated with any other clubs at this stage, although membership
levels are predicted to decrease somewhat. More than 30 hours of
volunteer labour is required on a weekly basis to keep the football netball
club viable.
Whilst the ground is predominantly used for club and school based sport
and the annual Donald Show, it has potential for a number of community-
based events such as concerts, festivals, open air cinema, dog shows,
exhibition football matches, etc.
In addition to formal sporting use, the sports oval is also used on an
informal basis by people walking their dogs.
Figure 3: Player Shelter
Page | 18
10.2 Donald Netball Courts Donald Recreation Reserve features two synthetic netball courts which
have recently been upgraded to meet Netball Victoria standards for run-
off. New light towers have also been installed. As the netball club does
not have its own clubrooms, it currently uses the toilet facilities in the
Stadium.
The netball courts are used each second Saturday during netball season
from April to September, commencing at 9am and finishing at 4pm.
Training is held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4.15pm to
8pm.
In addition to use by the Donald Football Netball Club, the courts are used
by schools in Donald for sports days, as well as for inter-league matches
and training.
Donald Football Netball Club doesn’t have any difficulties recruiting
volunteers for small weekly jobs, but struggles to find members for the
committee of management and people to coach netballers.
Figure 4: Recently upgraded netball courts
Page | 19
10.3 A.A. Dunstan Pavilion Stadium and Blue Room Donald Recreation Reserve features an indoor sports stadium which is
attached to a change / social facility for sporting clubs, known as the Blue
Room.
Figure 5: AA Dunstone Pavilion Stadium (left) and Blue Room
The Blue Room is essentially the social component of the facility. It is
located on the first floor of the building, overlooking the sports ground. It
features a bar, commercial kitchen, carpeted function space able to seat
150 people, a store room and toilets (including a disabled toilet). There is
an external ramp that leads from the ground level to the first floor, as
well as an internal staircase.
Figure 6: Blue Room Function Area
Figure 7: Commercial Kitchen in Pavilion
Page | 20
On the ground floor there are change facilities and a canteen. Toilet
facilities in this building include two male toilets and a urinal and three
female toilets. There is on female shower and six male showers. Dual
flush toilets, low flow shower heads and water tanks have all been
installed to reduce water usage by patrons. Both male and female
umpires are provided for in relation to change facilities.
The other side of the building features an indoor sports court with a
wooden floor, used for sports such as basketball, indoor tennis, school
sports and training by football, netball, hockey and archery clubs. Other
potential activities could include badminton, aerobics and indoor cricket.
Although the basketball court is regulation size, its run-off area is not.
The wooden floor is in poor condition, with some of the holes covered up
by tape and not sealed properly. The lights are sufficient for
competitions; however, some of the lights are missing their protective
covers (maintenance issue). Next to the court there is a wooden
grandstand. Additional seats are stored under the stairs. Storage space
needs to be increased and a proper score bench needs to be installed.
Donald Basketball Club currently has approximately 120 senior players
(60 male and 60 female) and approximately 90 juniors (50 males and 40
females). Membership levels are expected to remain the same over the
next five years and no mergers are anticipated. The summer basketball
season commences in October and finishes in March. During this season,
games are held on Mondays from 4.15pm to 8.30pm; Tuesdays from
3.45pm – 5.00pm and then 7.00pm – 10.00pm; and Wednesdays from
6.00pm – 8.00pm. The winter season commences in May and finishes in
August. During this season, games are held on Mondays from 6.30pm –
8.30pm. Key areas where assistance is required is with attracting and
retaining basketball coaches and umpires; maintaining facilities and
dealing with regulations.
Donald Indoor Tennis Club also uses the indoor stadium. It begins its
season in April each year and finishes in August. Competitions are held
on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 6.30pm – 8.00pm. There are
currently 21 members (3 adult males, 17 adult females and 1 junior
male). Membership levels are expected to remain the same and no
mergers are anticipated. The club is keen to see the floor and lighting
improved.
From February to November, the Donald Squash Club uses the two
squash courts on Monday and Wednesday nights. Two pennant
competitions are run and players range in age from 10-60 years of age.
The Donald Archery Club uses the indoor stadium on Thursday nights.
The male change rooms in the stadium consist of one cubicle and one
urinal, as well as one shower with four shower heads. The female change
room consists of three toilets and three showers.
Page | 21
Figure 8: Indoor Stadium Sports Court
10.4 Jeffcott Oval Jeffcott Oval is one of three grounds used for cricket in Donald by the
Donald Cricket Club, Donald Junior Cricket Club and the Jeffcott Cricket
Club. The other two grounds are Goff Letts Oval (also at Donald
Recreation Reserve) and Monty Burton Oval, directly across the road
from Donald Recreation Reserve. The cricket clubs top dress and sow
native couch grass on Jeffcott Oval, but struggle to maintain a high quality
ground due to the fact that the irrigation system (pop up sprinklers) is
inadequate; there is no drainage on the oval; and there are rabbit holes
on the ground. There are no lights on the Jeffcott Oval.
Figure 9: Jeffcott Oval
The oval is used from October to March each year during the cricket
season. Juniors train from 5pm-6pm on Friday evenings and seniors train
on Wednesday nights from 6.00pm – 8.00pm and on Thursday nights
from 5.30pm – 7.30pm. Matches are held on Saturdays, commencing at
8.45am for juniors, through to 11.30am. Seniors play from 1pm to 6pm.
Membership levels are expected to decrease or remain the same, and no
mergers are anticipated.
The Donald Junior Cricket Club is finding it difficult to attract new junior
members and need additional people to take on office bearing roles. The
club also finds maintaining facilities; securing water; and the size of the
league in terms of travel time all very challenging. Club members have
stated that they would like assistance to enhance their turf management
skills.
Page | 22
The storage shed used by cricket clubs at Jeffcott Oval is located next to
the cricket nets. During the January 2011 floods, this shed was inundated
with water and equipment was damaged.
Figure 10: Jeffcott Oval Storage Shed
The three cricket nets are located next to the Jeffcott Oval and are in
good condition.
Page | 23
10.5 Jeffcott Oval Pavilion The basic brick pavilion at Jeffcott Oval is used by Donald Cricket Club and
can seat approximately 30 people for meetings or a sit-down dinner.
Donald Hockey Club also uses this facility on occasions and the facility is
sometimes rented out to local residents for parties. This facility received
some damage during the floods in January 2011, e.g. water damaged
internal wooden doors and bar, cricket equipment and the refrigerator.
As there are no steps into the building, access to this facility for people
with disabilities is good.
Figure 11: Jeffcott Oval Pavilion
10.6 Jeffcott Oval Toilet Block The toilet block next to Jeffcott Oval features a female cubicle with one
toilet and hand basin and a male cubicle with a toilet, hand basin and a
urinal. There are no showers and no umpire change facilities and the
toilets are connected to a septic system. None of the fixtures are
environmentally friendly. Donald Hockey Club, and visiting hockey teams,
also uses these toilets on weekends and training nights.
Figure 12: Jeffcott Oval Toilet Block
Page | 24
10.7 Hockey Field The hockey field is located on the northern boundary of the Donald
Recreation Reserve, next to the Richardson River. The hockey field is
situated partially in a ‘flood overlay’ and partly on ‘land subject to
inundation overlay’. During the January 2011 floods, the hockey field was
inundated with water. The site is also prone to rabbit infestation.
There are two light towers at the hockey field, each containing two
training level lights. According to club representatives, the field is
regulation size but there is not quite enough run-off space to meet
regulations. Further, there are no change facilities on site; instead
players use the small 2m x 3m tin shed on site (which has a curtain down
the middle and acts as a change room for all players of both sexes) or
Jeffcott Oval toilets to get changed. There are no showers in the toilet
block. Ideally the club would like to develop a small club house
containing male and female change rooms, toilets, showers, storage
space, meeting area and function space. It has access to a portable room
that could be placed on stumps and developed at the site. However, as
one of the key planning principles is to consolidate rather than duplicate
facilities, the sharing of Jeffcott Oval pavilion, although not immediately
adjacent to the field, is more likely to gain support from funding bodies.
Currently there are approximately 50 senior players (25 males and 25
females) and approximately 40 juniors (20 male and 20 female).
Membership levels are not expected to increase, and no mergers have
been identified.
Hockey matches are linked to the football / netball competition within
the North Central League, hence are played on Saturdays from 10.30am
to 5.15pm. There are five divisions: minkey hockey, junior A grade,
under-age, women’s and men’s. Training is held from Monday to
Wednesday from 3.45pm to 7.45pm. In addition, the club runs its own
intra-club competitions for players who do not wish to or are not able to
play on Saturdays. In total the ground is used for around 11-15 hours per
week (a moderate level of use).
The ground has been planted with rye and couch grasses and is irrigated
by in-ground sprinklers. Water is accessed from Grampians Wimmera
Mallee Water and also from rainwater stored in two tanks at the Reserve.
Volunteers carry out ground maintenance works such as: fertilisation,
weed control / pesticide spraying, rolling, top dressing and replanting. In
total, the club estimates that volunteers contribute approximately 65
hours of labour each week.
In terms of skill development, the club needs assistance to identify, train
and retain umpires and coaches.
Figure 13: Donald Hockey Field
Page | 25
10.8 Horse Stalls The horse stalls located on the north-west boundary of the reserve near
the hockey field is used each year for the annual Donald Show. These
stalls are in average condition.
Figure 14: Horse Stalls
10.9 Public Toilet Block near Hockey Field Of the three external public toilet facilities at Donald Recreation Reserve,
this particular toilet block (near Richardson River and the hockey field) is
in the worst condition and needs to be demolished.
Figure 15: Public Toilet Block near Hockey Field
Page | 26
10.10 Federation Trail Just outside the boundary of the Recreation Reserve is a walking track
that was constructed several years ago by Buloke Shire Council in
partnership with the State Government, as part of the Pride of Place
initiative along the Richardson River. Currently the trail runs commences
at Woods Street and contains two circular loops in close proximity to the
Richardson River.
Figure 16: Walking Track
Page | 27
10.11 Old Kiosk The old kiosk behind the Blue Room is currently used as a storage shed by
the Donald Football Netball Club. It is not quite big enough to meet the
needs of the club; hence consideration should also be given to using the
other old kiosk near the middle entrance to the Reserve for this purpose
also.
Figure 17: Old Kiosk
10.12 Men’s Shed The Donald Men’s Shed group operates from a corrugated iron building
behind the Blue Room and Stadium. A grant has recently been received
to extend this shed. Work commenced on this development in June / July
2011.
Figure 18: Men's Shed
Page | 28
10.13 Pastoral and Agricultural Society Hall The Donald Pastoral and Agricultural (P & A) Society operates from a brick
facility located behind the Blue Room and Stadium.
Figure 19: Donald Pastoral and Agricultural Society Hall
10.14 Agricultural Museum Alongside the Borung Highway boundary of the Reserve, is a corrugated
iron shed housing a variety of agricultural equipment and machinery used
in the past. This shed is open along the highway side, but protected by
wire gates. It is understood the Agricultural Museum will develop an
additional shed on some railway owned land behind the Recreation
Reserve to allow it more space to grow.
Figure 20: Agricultural Museum
Page | 29
10.15 G.M. Bolden Memorial Building Located near the main entrance to the Reserve, this building, made of
corrugated iron, is currently home to the Donald Lions Club. A Director’s
meeting is held every second Thursday of the month, commencing at
8.00pm. Dinner meetings are held on the 4th Thursday of the month at
various venues from 6.30pm.
Although the building is in fair condition, it appears to be adequate for
the needs of the Lions Club at this point in time. However, if the stadium
is upgraded, there is a possibility that the Lions Club could relocate from
its existing building to the stadium, or at least use the facilities in the
stadium on an occasional basis.
Figure 21: GM Bolden Memorial Building
10.16 Toilet Block behind Pavilion This toilet block has recently had a roof installed to protect people from
the weather. It is located behind the Blue Room and Stadium. It is in
reasonable condition and should be retained.
Figure 22: Toilet Block behind Pavilion
10.17 Main Entrance The main entrance to the Reserve is located on a sharp angle along
Hammill Street. It is difficult to see oncoming traffic when leaving the
Reserve from this entrance. Works to improve the safety of this entrance
are a priority.
Page | 30
10.18 Shed near Middle Entrance This shed is currently unused. It is located alongside the middle entrance,
near the netball courts and fire brigade running track. It would be an
ideal second storage shed for football and cricket clubs.
Figure 23: Shed near Middle Entrance
10.19 External Bar This external bar is located in close proximity to the netball courts. It is
used on occasions by the cricket club for after game social activities. It is
in poor condition and has a limited lifespan.
Figure 24: External Bar
Page | 31
10.20 Fire Brigade Running Track The fire brigade running track located along the south-east boundary of
the Reserve has not been used for a considerable amount of time. It is in
poor condition and no need has been established to justify retaining this
track. This track could be considered for a variety of other uses, or left as
is for the time being and screened through additional landscaping.
Figure 25: Fire Brigade Running Track
10.21 Old Shearing Shed The old shearing shed is located between the two ovals in a flood prone
area of the Reserve. It is occasionally used for the annual Donald P& A
Show. To prevent further damage to the shed, and to open up this area
for car parking, it is suggested that the shed is relocated to the site
currently occupied by the white toilet block near the hockey field and
horse stalls.
Figure 26: Old Shearing Shed
Page | 32
10.22 Play Facilities Play facilities help to promote a family friendly environment at a
Recreation Reserve and are also an important place to encourage
children’s physical, social and cognitive developmental skills. There are
no formal play spaces at Donald Recreation Reserve. It is recommended
that a play space be developed between the stadium and the netball
courts, in an area to be designated as a vehicle free area. To prevent
children from running onto the track around the ground, there may need
to be some form of barrier developed, however international best
practice suggests that enclosed fences are only used when there are
dangers to children’s safety such as rivers or highways in close proximity.
Figure 27: Site for Play Space
Play equipment developed at this site should primarily be geared towards
children between 2-8 years of age and feature a variety of both natural
play opportunities (e.g. logs, rocks, etc) and equipment purchased from a
play manufacturer that meets Australian Safety Standards. Opportunities
at the site need to be different to those available elsewhere in Donald
and should provide opportunities for creative play, social play, active /
physical play and challenging play. Consideration needs to be given to
designing the play space so that children of all abilities can enjoy the
space and interact with others.
Seats should also be provided to allow parents / carers to watch children
playing and shade trees should be planted to protect people using the
play space in warmer months from the sun. Signage warning motorists of
children crossing the roadway should also be installed.
Page | 33
10.23 Landscaping / Surrounds Although the bank of the Richardson River is well planted with trees just
over the north-west boundary of the Reserve and the north-east
boundary of the reserve (around Jeffcott Oval) is partially planted with
trees, there is a general lack of vegetation around the Donald Recreation
Reserve.
Figure 28: Trees around Jeffcott Oval
Improved landscaping needs to be considered at all entrances to the
Reserve to create a welcoming and inviting environment, as well as
around the pavilion and stadium. Trees should also be planted along the
southern boundary of the Reserve to near the netball courts to provide a
windbreak for players. Some shade in parking areas could also be
advantageous during summer. There are a number of trees that appear
to have died during the drought. These will need to be removed and
replaced. The planting of local, indigenous trees and shrubs should be
considered to improve aesthetics and to provide habitats for birds and
wildlife. Children from local schools may be able to assist with tree
planting and landscaping of the site.
Figure 29: Tree at the Reserve that died during the drought
Page | 34
10.24 Internal Roadways and Car Parks Internal roadways throughout Donald Recreation Reserve are in
reasonable condition, but could be improved by sealing. It is noted that
Buloke Shire Council has recently implemented some traffic calming and
directional devices inside the grounds (e.g. a painted traffic island and
speed humps.
There are currently three entry / exit points to the Recreation Reserve.
The main entrance is situated just over the railway line (heading in an
easterly direction towards Charlton) on the left hand (northern) side of
Hammill Street. This entrance is built on an awkward angle. It is very
difficult for motorists to see what is coming from the left when exiting the
Reserve.
Figure 30: Main Entrance
To reduce the likelihood of a serious car accident, it is recommended that
this entrance is closed to vehicular traffic, but remains open to pedestrian
traffic (except on football home game days).
The middle entrance is located on the southern boundary of the Reserve
between the netball courts and the fire brigade running track. It is
recommended that this entrance is converted to the new main entrance
to the Reserve.
Figure 31: Middle Entrance
The third entrance is located further along Corack Rd (Hammill St) at the
mid-point of the Jeffcott Oval. On football game days, it is recommended
that this becomes an exit only, unless this area is used for another
purpose, in which case it will be closed.
Page | 35
To improve safety for pedestrians around the ground, it is recommended
that a traffic-free zone is developed in line with the stadium and the
netball court to the west, to the end of the other netball court in the east.
This will allow pedestrians and young children playing in the proposed
play area, right of way. Whilst this development may slightly reduce the
amount of parking available right next to the Stadium, it will help to
create a much safer, more family-friendly environment at the Reserve.
Formalisation of car parks behind the stadium may help to improve car
parking capacity in this area, as would the building up of land near the
shearing shed. Ample car parking remains around the perimeter of the
Goff Letts Oval for cars.
10.25 Signage Signage can help to create a sense of place and help people to feel
welcome. They also help people find their way around an area. There are
no signs at the entrance of the Reserve to inform potential users of the
site that they have arrived at their destination, or to let them know what
types of activities are on offer at the site. Some of the buildings at the
Reserve have their name written on the outside. However, directional
signage within the Reserve is non-existent. It is recommended that an
entrance sign is developed, along with directional signage to the stadium,
the Blue Room, P&A Society, Men’s Shed, horse stalls, hockey, toilets,
Jeffcott Oval, netball, etc. Some additional signage is recommended
around the play area to warn motorists to slow down.
10.26 Water Access Due to water restrictions during the drought, Donald Recreation Reserve
was unable to access urban water from Grampians Wimmera Mallee
Water for many years. Instead, it relied on accessing water from the roof
of the pavilion and from water carted in from Harbergers Farm Supply
dam (where there is a wheat bunker runoff dam) at a cost of $3,000 to fill
both tanks at a rate of $5,454 per ML. This water was stored in the two
275,000 litre tanks on site (a total of 0.55ML). These tanks were emptied
in six hours when water was used to irrigate the football and hockey
fields to a depth of 25mmm.
Figure 32: Two 275,000 litre Tanks at the Reserve
During the drought, a number of water options were explored, including
the Richardson River (but this was deemed to be intermittent and
therefore not sufficiently reliable); a weir further upstream for water
Page | 36
cartage (but this water was allocated for watering of stock); and
groundwater (but this was considered to be too deep to access easily and
too salty).
User groups of the Reserve, with Council support, developed a storm
water collection system whereby the old town storage dam (behind the
caravan park) is filled with storm water from the north-west side of
Donald. This water is then pumped to the Donald Recreation Reserve to
irrigate playing surfaces. The dam could potentially use a blanket over it
to reduce evaporation as well as lining to prevent seepage. The two
275,000 litre tanks are filled with storm water captured from the Stadium
roof. These tanks tend to last for 1-2 waterings. There is a pump shed
located alongside Goff Letts Oval to house the pumps required to irrigate
the sports grounds. This shed is in reasonable condition.
The township of Donald is no longer on staged water restrictions whereby
watering of lawns and sports grounds was not permitted, but is instead
now on permanent water restrictions, which means that automatic
watering systems can only be used between 10pm and 10am and that
manual watering systems can only be used between 8pm and 10am.
Another potential source of water is the Wimmera Mallee Pipeline, made
up of 8,800km of reticulated pipeline, which was completed in April 2010.
It supplies stock and domestic water to farms and towns such as Donald.
The use of this water will be dependent upon the cost of purchasing
water (preferably untreated due to potential cost savings) and actual
need (i.e. whether or not water can be accessed from other means at less
cost). The 2011-2013 Tariff Structure and Pricing Proposal prepared by
Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water6 in May 2011, has indicated that it
intends to charge sporting clubs, service clubs and charitable institutions:
“The concessional charge for a 20mm service for water supply
The concessional charge for a wastewater service
The volumetric rate to apply to the particular town with access to
a 15% discount for night watering.”
To reduce water usage at Donald Recreation Reserve, it is recommended
that drought tolerant turf is introduced and that in-ground irrigation
systems are installed when the existing systems reach the end of their
useful life.
Figure 33: Pump Shed
6 Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water (2011) 2011-2013 Tariff Structure and Pricing Proposal: http://www.esc.vic.gov.au/NR/rdonlyres/5E540952-8950-40D5-A7D7-0050E0EF9CB1/0/84TariffStructureandPricingProposal.pdf
Page | 37
10.27 Public Transport Access There is no public transport access to Donald Recreation Reserve,
therefore participants must make their own way there by foot, cycle,
other wheeled vehicle or car.
10.28 Monty Burton Oval Monty Burton Oval is situated across the road from the Donald
Recreation Reserve and is used by Donald Archers. Every third
Wednesday of the month the archers hold a monthly shoot at the oval at
10.00am. The oval is also used for cricket and as flow over for off-road
racing. There are no toilets on site. The long term need for three ovals in
such close proximity is questionable.
10.29 Other Sporting and Community Facilities in
Donald There are a range of other sporting facilities in Donald. During the
preparation of the Master Plan, the Scout Hall was burnt down. The
Scout Club received insurance money to rebuild the hall. Discussions
were held about the possibility of relocating Scouts to Donald Recreation
Reserve – potentially using the insurance money to extend the Jeffcott
Oval Pavilion so that it could cater for Scouts, cricket players, hockey and
any other group looking for a multi-purpose pavilion. It was eventually
decided by the Scouts that their preferred option is at their current site
near the Caravan Park. This site has the advantage of being located close
to the Richardson River, which enables a variety of water-based Scout
activities to be held. The Angling Club will also share the Scout Hall.
Discussions were also held with Donald Tennis Club regarding a possible
relocation to Donald Recreation Reserve. The Tennis Club is not
interested in this option due to the fact that there is inadequate space
and funds available to replicate its 20 lawn courts, two synthetic tennis
courts and pavilion at the Reserve. The lawn tennis courts are also used
by croquet.
Donald Bowls Club is currently located off Woods Street South and the
Donald Swimming Pool is located on Woods Street. There is sufficient
land at Donald Recreation Reserve to consider the relocation of one of
these activities, however, the cost to reestablish a new swimming pool or
lawn bowls greens with a pavilion, does not warrant such a move at this
stage.
Page | 38
11.0 Community Needs Community needs were identified through a range of different
mechanisms including:
User Group Surveys – distributed to all users of the Reserve
Community Consultation
o Eighty-two (82) community members were interviewed
outside the old Court House in Donald on Friday 31
March 2011 from 11.00am – 5.00pm in order to seek
information from the general public about possible
improvements to the site. Of these 82 people, 33 males
were interviewed, most in the under 20 year age bracket
or 60-70 years of age range; and 49 females were
interviewed, mostly in the 50-60 years of age range or
under 20. As participants were not asked their age, the
ages in the following graph are approximations only,
based on assessment of the interviewer on site.
o 81 surveys were received from the household survey
mailed to residents of Donald
Key Informant Interviews – individual, small group and telephone
interviews with users of the Reserve, Buloke Shire Council staff
and other key stakeholders were also held
Literature Review – analysis of previous studies and policies
A summary of community needs follows: Is
sue
/ F
acili
ty
Ne
ed
Use
r G
rou
p
Surv
ey
Co
mm
un
ity
Co
nsu
ltat
ion
Ke
y In
form
ant
Inte
rvie
ws
Lite
ratu
re
Re
view
Co
mm
un
ity
Surv
ey
Indoor stadium
Need to improve the condition of the Stadium floor and extend run-off so that court meets regulations; improve change facilities, install a score bench, remove grandstand and create additional storage space [stadium needs to be demolished and new one built]
Public toilets Need to upgrade public toilets to improve standard of facilities [develop new public toilets in Jeffcott Oval pavilion]
Page | 39
Issu
e /
Fac
ility
Ne
ed
Use
r G
rou
p
Surv
ey
Co
mm
un
ity
Co
nsu
ltat
ion
Ke
y In
form
ant
Inte
rvie
ws
Lite
ratu
re
Re
view
Co
mm
un
ity
Surv
ey
Main entrance to reserve
Need to improve safety of entrance to reserve to reduce the likelihood of an accident
Netball change facilities
Need to develop change facilities for netballers [to occur in stadium development]
Jeffcott Oval Irrigation
Need to upgrade irrigation system on Jeffcott Oval
Goff Letts Oval playing surface
Need to upgrade sports ground to improve playing surface and install drought tolerant grasses
Goff Letts Oval Irrigation system
Need to install a new underground irrigation system to improve water
Is
sue
/ F
acili
ty
Ne
ed
Use
r G
rou
p
Surv
ey
Co
mm
un
ity
Co
nsu
ltat
ion
Ke
y In
form
ant
Inte
rvie
ws
Lite
ratu
re
Re
view
Co
mm
un
ity
Surv
ey
efficiency and reduce volunteer time
Goff Letts Oval Drainage
Need to improve drainage at the top end of the Reserve to prevent pooling of water
Goff Letts Oval lighting
Need to clean the lights on the sports ground to improve illumination [this has been done]
Hockey change facilities
Need to develop change facilities for hockey
Hockey field Need to develop a synthetic hockey field or relocate to Jeffcott Oval [recent study revealed that this isn’t feasible]
Page | 40
Issu
e /
Fac
ility
Ne
ed
Use
r G
rou
p
Surv
ey
Co
mm
un
ity
Co
nsu
ltat
ion
Ke
y In
form
ant
Inte
rvie
ws
Lite
ratu
re
Re
view
Co
mm
un
ity
Surv
ey
Internal roadways
Need to install traffic calming measures to slow traffic and direct it more appropriately, incorporating dedicated pedestrian movement area [traffic calming measures installed, but zone still required]
AA Dunstan Pavilion / Blue Room
Need to upgrade AA Dunstan Pavilion / Blue Room– including developing additional storage space, developing male and female umpire change rooms, improving
Issu
e /
Fac
ility
Ne
ed
Use
r G
rou
p
Surv
ey
Co
mm
un
ity
Co
nsu
ltat
ion
Ke
y In
form
ant
Inte
rvie
ws
Lite
ratu
re
Re
view
Co
mm
un
ity
Surv
ey
acoustics, installing external power outlets, installing solar electricity / solar hot water panels, developing a gym and installing heating and cooling
Play Space Need to develop a play space for children close to netball courts and stadium
Landscaping Need to improve landscaping of entire Recreation Reserve with trees, picnic tables and seats, (including around netball courts and at entrance)
Walking / Need to continue
Page | 41
Issu
e /
Fac
ility
Ne
ed
Use
r G
rou
p
Surv
ey
Co
mm
un
ity
Co
nsu
ltat
ion
Ke
y In
form
ant
Inte
rvie
ws
Lite
ratu
re
Re
view
Co
mm
un
ity
Surv
ey
Cycling Trails the existing Federation Trail to the Caravan Park Reservoir, provide better links to town and create additional soft surface paths through reserve [links and trails appear to be adequate]
Sport and Recreation Hub
Need to relocate other sport and recreation facilities to the site, e.g. swimming pool (possibly indoor) and lawn bowls [not considered feasible at this point in time].
Squash Courts Need to upgrade existing squash courts by installing glass
Issu
e /
Fac
ility
Ne
ed
Use
r G
rou
p
Surv
ey
Co
mm
un
ity
Co
nsu
ltat
ion
Ke
y In
form
ant
Inte
rvie
ws
Lite
ratu
re
Re
view
Co
mm
un
ity
Surv
ey
backs, non-slippery floor and improved air flow [to be part of stadium development].
Access for People with Disabilities
Need to consider lift access to Blue Room for people with disabilities and additional disabled toilets [ramp access already exists, but improved disabled toilets required].
Program Room and Crèche
Need to develop a program room and a crèche in the Stadium [these facilities provided elsewhere in Donald].
Jeffcott Oval playing field
Need to level the playing field at
Page | 42
Issu
e /
Fac
ility
Ne
ed
Use
r G
rou
p
Surv
ey
Co
mm
un
ity
Co
nsu
ltat
ion
Ke
y In
form
ant
Inte
rvie
ws
Lite
ratu
re
Re
view
Co
mm
un
ity
Surv
ey
Jeffcott Oval to create a better playing surface
Jeffcott Oval Pavilion and toilets
Need to upgrade the Jeffcott Oval Pavilion and toilets
Power Need to upgrade power at the site and ensure that it is available on each light pole
Water access Need to utilise recycled water at Donald Recreation Reserve to irrigate playing surfaces [this is available for use].
Signage Need to install way finding and directional signage around the ground
Skate Park Need to develop
Issu
e /
Fac
ility
Ne
ed
Use
r G
rou
p
Surv
ey
Co
mm
un
ity
Co
nsu
ltat
ion
Ke
y In
form
ant
Inte
rvie
ws
Lite
ratu
re
Re
view
Co
mm
un
ity
Surv
ey
a skate park at the Recreation Reserve
Fence Need to install a fence along the Richardson River side of the Recreation Reserve [this has been done].
Parking Need to formalise car parking at site
Spectator Facilities
Need to install seating and shelter for spectators
Old Football Booth
Need to find an alternative use or remove old football booth
Hockey field irrigation
Need to ensure that in-ground water irrigation outlets do not pose a danger to hockey players
Page | 43
Issu
e /
Fac
ility
Ne
ed
Use
r G
rou
p
Surv
ey
Co
mm
un
ity
Co
nsu
ltat
ion
Ke
y In
form
ant
Inte
rvie
ws
Lite
ratu
re
Re
view
Co
mm
un
ity
Surv
ey
Public Showers
Need to reestablish public showers for use by visitors to Donald near entrance [not supported due to impact on caravan park and the cost]
Netball Courts Need to upgrade netball courts to meet regulations [completed]
Turf Management
Need to enhance turf management skills of volunteers maintaining sports grounds.
Increasing membership
Need to develop initiatives that help to encourage an increase in
Is
sue
/ F
acili
ty
Ne
ed
Use
r G
rou
p
Surv
ey
Co
mm
un
ity
Co
nsu
ltat
ion
Ke
y In
form
ant
Inte
rvie
ws
Lite
ratu
re
Re
view
Co
mm
un
ity
Surv
ey
membership
Attracting and retaining coaches and umpires
Need to offer training and incentives to attract and retain umpires and coaches for local clubs.
Monty Burton Oval
Need to upgrade the reserve [not supported due to oversupply of sports fields].
Water access Need to connect caravan park dam and second dam to Goff Letts Oval
Men’s Shed Need to develop a Men’s Shed [completed]
Men’s Shed Need to increase size of Men’s Shed and install exterior lights [grant received]
New Activities Need to
Page | 44
Issu
e /
Fac
ility
Ne
ed
Use
r G
rou
p
Surv
ey
Co
mm
un
ity
Co
nsu
ltat
ion
Ke
y In
form
ant
Inte
rvie
ws
Lite
ratu
re
Re
view
Co
mm
un
ity
Surv
ey
encourage new activities at the site
Agricultural Museum
Need to increase the size of the Agricultural Museum [this will soon be relocated to railway land]
Flood Mitigation
Need to undertake flood mitigation works to prevent future damage to facilities
Fire Training Track
Need to remove fire training track
Drinking fountain
Need to install a drinking fountain at the Recreation Reserve [only acceptable for regional level facilities].
Shearing Shed Need to retain shearing shed at
Issu
e /
Fac
ility
Ne
ed
Use
r G
rou
p
Surv
ey
Co
mm
un
ity
Co
nsu
ltat
ion
Ke
y In
form
ant
Inte
rvie
ws
Lite
ratu
re
Re
view
Co
mm
un
ity
Surv
ey
the Recreation Reserve
Canteen Need to develop another canteen near the Richardson River toilet block [not supported – duplication of services].
Monty Burton Toilet Block
Need to develop a toilet block at Monty Burton Oval for archers [not supported due to low level of use of site]
Hockey field Need to redevelop hockey field so that it meets regulation run-off
P&A Office Need to upgrade P&A office
Lions Club Building
Need to extend Lions Club
Page | 45
Issu
e /
Fac
ility
Ne
ed
Use
r G
rou
p
Surv
ey
Co
mm
un
ity
Co
nsu
ltat
ion
Ke
y In
form
ant
Inte
rvie
ws
Lite
ratu
re
Re
view
Co
mm
un
ity
Surv
ey
building to cater for additional meals [not supported due to availability of other rooms at site].
Jeffcott Oval Need to develop a turf wicket on the ground [not supported due to maintenance costs and time]
Jeffcott Oval Need to upgrade boggy area between Jeffcott Oval and hockey grounds
Player Shelters Need to upgrade player shelters on Goff Letts Oval – deeper and with a clear barrier at the back
Rationalisation Need to rationalise one
Issu
e /
Fac
ility
Ne
ed
Use
r G
rou
p
Surv
ey
Co
mm
un
ity
Co
nsu
ltat
ion
Ke
y In
form
ant
Inte
rvie
ws
Lite
ratu
re
Re
view
Co
mm
un
ity
Surv
ey
of the sports ovals [Monty Burton preferred option for rationalisation]
Storage Space Need to increase size of football catering booth to allow it to be used for storage of equipment and up to 2-3 trailers [use other old ticket box as a secondary shed].
P&A Show Society Stalls
Need to develop an additional 10 stalls for P&A Show Society [need further information re feasibility].
Page | 46
12.0 Management and Maintenance
12.1 Management Prior to 2005, Donald Recreation Reserve did not have a committee of
management in place to oversee developments at the site, unlike other
recreation reserves in the Shire. After the release of the Recreation
Needs Strategy (2005), a committee of management was formed by
Buloke Shire Council, comprising of user groups and a Councillor.
Feedback from various clubs and organisations indicates that this
committee is not representative of all users and does not meet often. It
is therefore recommended that this committee is reviewed by Council
and that a Deed of Delegation is developed to clearly outline composition
of the committee and roles and responsibilities of all partners. At a
minimum, this committee needs to include one representative from each
user group as well as one community representative. It should meet at
least quarterly. To ensure that the Committee of Management operates
successfully and sustainably in the future, it is important that the
committee has or develops:
A vision for its future
Strong leadership
Strong governance structures with succession planning in place
Appropriate plans in place to guide operations, e.g. business plan,
annual plan, operational plan, maintenance plan, replacement
schedule, master plan
Appropriate policies in place to guide decision making, e.g.
Sunsmart policy, responsible serving of alcohol, hiring
agreements, sponsorship guidelines, etc
Risk management policies and procedures, e.g. chemical spills,
fire, working with children, ‘blood rule’, insurance, etc
Identified and addressed all health, safety and regulatory
requirements, e.g. food handling regulations, sports field
dimensions, etc
Regular evaluation processes
Effective two-way communication with stakeholders
A focus on providing quality customer service
A good understanding of the needs and expectations of
participants and potential participants
A stable or growing number of players, umpires, coaches and
spectators
Strong networks with other relevant partners , e.g. Central
Goldfields Shire, schools, state sporting associations and other
community groups
A welcoming environment where people of all abilities and ages
are encouraged to participate
A range of programs to attract both competitive and casual /
social players
Well run competitions and events
Well managed and maintained facilities and equipment
Sufficient volunteers or paid staff to assist with tasks
Effective volunteer / staff recruitment, management and
retention processes in place
Sufficient funds to meet operational expenses
Sufficient funds set aside to maintain and replace facilities and
infrastructure
A low environmental footprint
Page | 47
12.2 Hierarchy of Recreation Reserves Recreation Reserves can be classified according to the level of
competition that they are likely to host and therefore the type of
infrastructure that is required to host this standard of competition. Most
rural municipalities comprise of local and municipal level recreation
reserves and may sometimes incorporate a regional level facility. Donald
Recreation Reserve is considered to be a municipal level facility. Hence
the type of facilities expected at this Reserve identified in the table
below:
Facility Municipal Grade Ground
Playing surface Good standard of playing surface
Change rooms Separate change facilities for each team
Warm up area Warm up area incorporated into change
facilities
Umpires change
room Separate change facilities for male and
female umpires – basic level
Medical rooms No
Massage tables Yes – 1-2 tables
Coaches box Not usually a designated space
Media facilities No
Timekeepers Designated space
Facility Municipal Grade Ground
area
Ground lighting Training level lighting
Siren Yes
Scoreboard Yes
Public address
system No
Irrigation
system Automatic or manual irrigation system
Underground
drainage Limited or no underground drainage
Fencing Fully fenced
Car parking
facilities Less formal unsealed car parking facilities,
although there may be some areas close to the pavilion that are sealed and designated for disabled parking, emergency vehicles and kitchen deliveries.
Social club
rooms Small social club rooms usually catering for
up to 100 patrons
Public toilets Sufficient number of public toilets to cater for
anticipated crowd level, i.e. 1:250
Cricket pitch Generally concrete or synthetic pitch, but
sometimes turf
Spectator Limited spectator facilities (i.e. rarely
Page | 48
Facility Municipal Grade Ground
facilities grandstands)
Kiosk Basic level kiosk with facilities to heat food
Utilisation Shared use with the community when not in
use by sport
Level of
competition District or senior level
Location May be a stand-alone ground or may form
part of a larger park / recreation precinct
Access Public access restricted during games
Maintenance Medium level of maintenance
12.3 Maintenance Roles and Responsibilities Maintenance of the sports facilities at Donald Recreation Reserve is
currently carried out by volunteers with some assistance from Buloke
Shire for mowing.
Typical maintenance requirements for a Recreation Reserve include:
Watering playing fields
Mowing playing fields
Line marking playing fields
Playing field preparation, e.g. aerating, fertilising and top dressing
Turf and synthetic cricket wicket preparation
Weed control
Pest control
Sweeping netball courts
Resurfacing netball courts
Litter collection
Public toilet maintenance and cleaning
Tree / garden maintenance
Sprinkler / irrigation system maintenance
Replacement of lights
Line marking of car parks
Repairs to internal roadways
Cleaning, painting and carrying out of basic repairs to built
structures such as pavilions, change rooms, player / spectator
shelters, storage sheds, scoreboards, coach’s boxes, time
keeper’s boxes, ticket boxes, fences, gates, goal posts, seats, etc.
Graffiti removal
Affixing sponsorship signage to fences
Fixing of blocked / corroded drains and sewerage systems
Repairs to hot water systems
Repairs to heating / cooling systems and kitchen equipment.
Donald Recreation Reserve currently receives an annual grant of $43,700
from Buloke Shire Council to assist it with maintenance costs.
Page | 49
12.4 Ground and Building Inspections From a risk and asset management perspective, inspections of sporting
facilities are carried out and signed off by user groups prior to any
competitions being held on site.
The following inspection frequency schedules have been determined
based on Council’s risk exposure in terms of safety; asset preservation
and community / legal expectations.
Infrastructure at Donald Recreation Reserves should be inspected at the
following frequency by Council officers on Council owned sites:
Facility Scheduled Inspection Frequency
Sports Ovals / fields Monthly Netball courts 6 monthly Playground Monthly Surrounds 6 monthly Furniture 6 monthly Trees Annually Buildings Every two years
12.5 Maintenance Requirements for Turf Playing Fields A turf oval has a life cycle of approximately fifty years. Specific
maintenance tasks required to keep a turf sports oval in good condition
during its life cycle on an annual basis include:
Mowing of oval each fortnight
Fertilisation of oval twice per year
Aeration of oval twice per year
Weed control once per year to reduce broadleaf weeds
Promote growth of couch in spring
Over-seeding with rye grass each autumn for winter cover
Strategic top dressing every 2-3 years.
Page | 50
13.0 Action Plan Recommendations have been identified for Donald Recreation Reserve based on needs identified by user groups and other potential users of the site via:
user group surveys
community consultation in the street of Donald
community surveys
interviews with key stakeholders
literature reviews
site inspections
Developments have been included if the proposed works:
1. are consistent with the vision, mission and planning principles developed for the Reserve
2. have been demonstrated through a number of sources such as community plans, previous master plans, surveys, etc, as needed by the community
3. are consistent with the grading of the reserve and the type of infrastructure and facilities expected within each grading, i.e. regional, municipal or
local level facility
4. will help to maintain and / or increase participation in sport and recreation opportunities
5. are likely to benefit the broader community (from a social, physical, economic and / or environmental perspective) and involve the community in
operations or management
6. create improved access for people of all abilities, ages, genders, etc
7. increase the opportunity for the site to be used for a variety of different and / or new activities
8. are likely to increase safety of users and reduce risk management issues
9. are likely to allow the site to meet industry standards, regulations and legislation
10. reflect best practice and current industry trends
11. are likely to decrease the impact on the environment and natural resources, e.g. installation of water saving devices, double glazing on windows,
etc
12. are likely to be financially sustainable in the long term and take into consideration whole of life funding costs, including development of
replacement schedules
13. are likely to decrease operational costs
Page | 51
14. are likely to reduce the demands on volunteers time (for activities such as mowing, watering, line marking, etc)
15. will rectify existing infrastructure that is currently in a very poor state or beyond repair
16. are likely to attract external funding
17. are within the resource capacity of communities to achieve, i.e. plans are cost effective, user groups have sufficient resources to make the required
financial contribution, user groups can provide some in-kind labour, user groups can assist with project management, suitable plans have been
developed, etc
18. enhance the appearance and usability of the site, e.g. improved landscaping, heating / cooling, marked car parking bays, etc
19. involve a number of partners to assist with funding and / or operations, management and maintenance
20. do not duplicate existing facilities.
Proposed timeframes are as follows:
High: 1-5 years Medium: 6-9 years Low: 10+ years
Facility / Issue Works Responsibility / Potential
Partners
Priority Key Planning Principle
Indicative
Costing
1 Power upgrade Upgrade the power supply to cater for future developments at the site.
Donald Recreation Reserve Committee of Management
Buloke Shire Council
High Community benefit
$60,000 (estimation)
2 Jeffcott Pavilion Upgrade
Upgrade Jeffcott Oval pavilion to create a shared pavilion for cricket, junior cricket, hockey and P&A Society with change facilities (including internally and externally accessible toilets and showers – this would enable toilet block near hockey and horse stalls to be demolished), meeting room and basic kitchenette. Connect the facility to the sewerage system. Construct a paved pathway with landscaping to create a visual and
Donald Recreation Reserve Committee of Management
Donald Hockey Club
Donald P&A Show Society
Jeffcott Cricket Club
Buloke Shire Council
Department of Planning and Community
High Multi-use of facilities
$160,000
Page | 52
Facility / Issue Works Responsibility / Potential
Partners
Priority Key Planning Principle
Indicative
Costing
physical link between the pavilion and the hockey ground. If this facility is not constructed prior to 2012 hockey season, a portable building needs to be installed until such time as this development can take place.
Development
3 Hockey Shelter and Lights
Construct a shelter and storage shed next to the hockey field and upgrade lights.
Donald Recreation Reserve Committee of Management
Donald Hockey Club
Buloke Shire Council
High Access and equity
$50,000
4 Indoor stadium Demolish the existing stadium and build a new stadium incorporating:
An indoor sports court that meets regulation run-off
Male and female change rooms (including access for people with disabilities) that are accessible from inside and outside so that they can also be used by netball
A verandah along the front of the building and an upstairs viewing area that blends in with the upstairs viewing area in the blue room
Two squash courts with glass backs
Score bench for basketball
Storage space
Catering facilities that meet health
Donald Recreation Reserve Committee of Management
Donald Basketball Club
Donald Indoor Tennis Club
Donald Squash Club
Donald Football Netball Club
Buloke Shire Council
Department of Planning and Community Development
High Community strengthening and connectedness; Multi-use of facilities; Community benefit
$1,650,000
Page | 53
Facility / Issue Works Responsibility / Potential
Partners
Priority Key Planning Principle
Indicative
Costing
regulations
Café style area in front of the kiosk
Heating and cooling.
5 Main entrance to reserve
Improve safety of main entrance to reserve to reduce the likelihood of an accident by converting it to pedestrian traffic only (which can be closed on game days). Develop a new entrance near the netball courts and develop a new ticket box in this area.
Donald Recreation Reserve Committee of Management
Buloke Shire Council
High Safety $5,000
6 Internal roadways and car parking
Improve internal roadways and parking:
Develop a dedicated pedestrian movement area around the stadium and netball court area which is free of cars
Seal the major internal road around Goff Letts Oval
Formalise car parking spaces near the Stadium
Develop overflow car parking between the two ovals, once the ground has been built up and the shearing shed relocated.
Donald Recreation Reserve Committee of Management
Buloke Shire Council
High Safety $120,000
7 Goff Letts Oval Upgrade Goff Letts Oval:
improve playing surface
plant drought tolerant grasses
improve drainage at the top end of
Donald Recreation Reserve Committee of Management
Donald Football Netball
High Sustainability $140,000
Page | 54
Facility / Issue Works Responsibility / Potential
Partners
Priority Key Planning Principle
Indicative
Costing
the Reserve to prevent pooling of water
upgrade player shelters
install underground cabling to speakers on each of the four training tower lights
install a new underground irrigation system to improve water efficiency and reduce volunteer time.
Club
P&A Show Society
Buloke Shire Council
Department of Planning and Community Development
8 A.A. Dunstan Pavilion / Blue Room
Install heating and cooling in the Dunstan Pavilion / Blue Room.
Donald Recreation Reserve Committee of Management
Donald Football Netball Club
Buloke Shire Council
High Community strengthening and connectedness; Multi-use of facilities
$25,000
9 A.A. Dunstan Pavilion / Blue Room
Upgrade A.A. Dunstan Pavilion / Blue Room:
improve acoustics
install external power outlets
install solar electricity and / or solar hot water panels on the roof of the pavilion
improve plumbing
develop a gym.
Donald Recreation Reserve Committee of Management
Donald Football Netball Club
Buloke Shire Council
Department of Planning and Community Development
Medium Community strengthening and connectedness; Multi-use of facilities
$120,000
10 Play Space Develop a play space for children aged 2-8 years of age close to netball courts and
Donald Recreation Reserve Committee of
Medium Community strengthening
$25,000
Page | 55
Facility / Issue Works Responsibility / Potential
Partners
Priority Key Planning Principle
Indicative
Costing
stadium in the designated pedestrian zone. Play space to incorporate both active and social play opportunities. Suitable landscaping and under-surfacing need to be provided. Play space should not be fenced, although it may be appropriate to incorporate a barrier on at least one side.
Management
Buloke Shire Council
Service clubs
and connectedness; Access and equity; Diversity and choice; Community strengthening and connectedness
11 Landscaping Improve landscaping of entire Recreation Reserve:
Plant suitable drought tolerant trees and shrubs around the Reserve and in car parking areas
Remove dead trees from the site.
Establish a picnic area near the play space incorporating picnic tables and seats.
Create attractive low-maintenance, drought tolerant landscaping at the entrance to the Reserve.
Plant trees as a windbreak and install seats near netball courts.
Donald Recreation Reserve Committee of Management
Buloke Shire Council
Volunteer groups
Local school groups
Medium Community strengthening and connectedness
$25,000
12 Signage Install way finding and directional signage at the entrance to the Recreation Reserve and around the Reserve. Also install signage to warn motorists to slow down near children
Donald Recreation Reserve Committee of Management
Buloke Shire Council
Medium Safety $5,000
Page | 56
Facility / Issue Works Responsibility / Potential
Partners
Priority Key Planning Principle
Indicative
Costing
playing. Volunteer groups
13 Skate Park Determine the feasibility of constructing a small skate park at the Recreation Reserve in the old fire brigade training track area.
Donald Recreation Reserve Committee of Management
Buloke Shire Council
Low Diversity and choice
Buloke Shire staff
14 Jeffcott Oval Upgrade
Jeffcott Oval Upgrade:
Level the ground
Upgrade the irrigation system
Give further consideration to relocating hockey to Jeffcott Oval in the future.
Donald Recreation Reserve Committee of Management
Donald Hockey Club
Donald P&A Show Society
Jeffcott Cricket Club
Buloke Shire Council
Department of Planning and Community Development
Low Multi-use of facilities
$80,000
15 Old Football Booth
Remove old football booth when it reaches the end of its lifespan.
Donald Recreation Reserve Committee of Management
Buloke Shire Council
Low Sustainability $5,000
16 Old Shearing Shed
Demolish the white toilet block near the hockey ground and relocate the old shearing shed to this site (additional toilets will be created in Jeffcott Oval Pavilion development). Build up the current site of
Donald Recreation Reserve Committee of Management
Buloke Shire Council
Low Sustainability $5,000
Page | 57
Facility / Issue Works Responsibility / Potential
Partners
Priority Key Planning Principle
Indicative
Costing
the old shearing shed to cater for informal car parking.
17 Monty Burton Oval
Retain Monty Burton Oval in the short term, but consider decommissioning the oval in the long term as an active recreation ground and converting it to a different public use, e.g. passive open space parkland.
Buloke Shire Council
Low Sustainability $5,000
18 Management Undertake a review of the Committee of Management to ensure that the Committee is representative of all users, to ensure that the Committee meets on a regular basis and carries out its governing responsibilities and to identify any training and support needs
Buloke Shire Council Ongoing Sustainability; Volunteer Support and Involvement; Community Strengthening and Connectedness
Buloke Staff Time
TOTAL $2,480,000
Page | 58
14.0 Appendix
14.1 Best Practice Planning Considerations To ensure that facilities are planned, developed, managed and maintained in a sustainable manner and are accessible for people of all abilities, it is
important that the following best practice planning principles and designs are considered.
14.1.1 Universal Design Principles
Universal design refers to “the design of products and environments to be useable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for
adaptation or specialised design.”7
The Principles of Universal Design include8:
No. Principle Description Guidelines
1 Equitable Use
The design is useful and marketable to people with diverse abilities
1a. Provide the same means of use for all users: identical whenever possible; equivalent when not. 1b. Avoid segregating or stigmatising any users. 1c. Provisions for privacy, security, and safety should be equally available to all users. 1d. Make the design appealing to all users.
2 Flexibility in Use
The design accommodates a wide range of individual preferences and abilities.
2a. Provide choice in methods of use. 2b. Accommodate right- or left-handed access and use. 2c. Facilitate the user's accuracy and precision. 2d. Provide adaptability to the user's pace.
3 Simple and Intuitive Use
Use of the design is easy to understand, regardless of the user's experience, knowledge, language
3a. Eliminate unnecessary complexity. 3b. Be consistent with user expectations and intuition. 3c. Accommodate a wide range of literacy and language skills. 3d. Arrange information consistent with its importance. 3e. Provide effective prompting and feedback during and after task completion.
7 North Carolina State University, The Center for Universal Design: The Principles of Universal Design (Version 2.0 – 1997): http://www.ncsu.edu/www/ncsu/design/sod5/cud/about_ud/udprinciplestext.htm 8 Ibid
Page | 59
No. Principle Description Guidelines
skills, or current concentration level.
4 Perceptible Information
The design communicates necessary information effectively to the user, regardless of ambient conditions or the user's sensory abilities.
4a. Use different modes (pictorial, verbal, tactile) for redundant presentation of essential information. 4b. Provide adequate contrast between essential information and its surroundings. 4c. Maximise "legibility" of essential information. 4d. Differentiate elements in ways that can be described (i.e., make it easy to give instructions or directions). 4e. Provide compatibility with a variety of techniques or devices used by people with sensory limitations.
5 Tolerance for Error
The design minimizes hazards and the adverse consequences of accidental or unintended actions.
5a. Arrange elements to minimize hazards and errors: most used elements, most accessible; hazardous elements eliminated, isolated, or shielded. 5b. Provide warnings of hazards and errors. 5c. Provide fail safe features. 5d. Discourage unconscious action in tasks that require vigilance.
6 Low Physical Effort
The design can be used efficiently and comfortably and with a minimum of fatigue.
6a. Allow user to maintain a neutral body position. 6b. Use reasonable operating forces. 6c. Minimize repetitive actions. 6d. Minimize sustained physical effort.
7 Size and Space for Approach and Use
Appropriate size and space is provided for approach, reach, manipulation, and use regardless of user's body size, posture, or mobility.
7a. Provide a clear line of sight to important elements for any seated or standing user. 7b. Make reach to all components comfortable for any seated or standing user. 7c. Accommodate variations in hand and grip size. 7d. Provide adequate space for the use of assistive devices or personal assistance.
Page | 60
14.1.2 Environmentally Sustainable Design Principles
Environmentally Sustainable Design Principles9 refers to the use of sensitive design that minimises the impact of the built environment on the natural
environment. Some key features to consider in the development of sport and recreation facilities are:
Water conservation– installing rainwater tanks for rainwater harvesting, using reclaimed water, harvesting storm water, planting or warm season grasses
to reduce amount of water required, installing efficient in-ground irrigation systems, installing dual flush toilets, installing composting toilets, installing low
flow shower heads, using weather based irrigation sensors.
Energy efficiency – ensuring products and buildings are designed to minimise energy use such as fossil fuels, e.g. passive cooling, solar electricity, solar
water, hot water heat recycling, insulation, double glazing of windows.
Use of low impact materials – using products that are made of recycled materials or produced using sustainable processes.
Durability and quality– using materials and products of a high standard with a long life span which don’t need replacing as often as some cheaper options.
Waste prevention – reusing or recycling products where possible, using products that are non-toxic, using products that can compost or are biodegradable.
Sustainable landscape design – planting trees for shade on sports pavilions or wind protection on sports fields, using local materials (e.g. timber, gravel,
rocks, etc), composting on site for garden beds, planting of indigenous and drought tolerant trees and shrubs, buying plants and materials locally to prevent
transportation energy costs, and using recycled materials for seats and other furniture around the reserve.
9 Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sustainable_design
Page | 61
14.1.3 Healthy By Design
The Heart Foundation (Victorian Division) has produced a series of resources to encourage planners to develop Supportive Environments for Physical
Activity10. Some key points to note are:
Design Area Some Key Design Considerations for Recreation Reserves
Open Space
Connect walking and cycling routes within open spaces with the broader network
Ensure that feature parks and parks located on busy roads can be accessed via pedestrian crossings leading to or near park entrances
Provide a range of facilities to create active recreation opportunities for children and youth. For example, children’s play equipment, basketball rings and playground markings to encourage activities like hopscotch.
Provide exercise and training equipment along walking paths to encourage more vigorous activity.
Feature park attractions such as community gardens. These provide a sense of community spirit and local ownership.
Design a variety of paths that allow recreational walking around parks or direct passage through parks.
Landscape open spaces to provide pleasant places for people to sit, meet and talk.
Plant tall trunk, broad leaf, broad canopy trees to provide useful shade and an aesthetically pleasing environment.
Avoid planting trees that require frequent watering and pruning. Consider drought resistant plants.
Select appropriate species and locate trees to maximise access to shade throughout the day, winter and summer. Chose low maintenance varieties.
Provide natural shade or structured shelter within open spaces to promote sitting, meeting and talking and to provide protection from weather extremes.
Maintain open spaces to a high standard to ensure pedestrian spaces are clean and usable.
Provide drinking fountains in parks and open spaces.
Provide secure trip end bicycle parking facilities for people riding to open spaces
Walking and Cycling Routes
Achieve clear and safe connections through signage, landscaping, lighting and edge treatments.
Maintain clear sightlines along walking and cycling routes using low vegetation (up to 700 mm). Trim tree foliage up to an overhead clearance of 2400 mm above ground level (refer AS 1428.1).
Use art to encourage interest and repeated use of the route.
Complement walking and cycling routes with trees for aesthetics and shade.
Maintain walking and cycling routes to a high standard to ensure continuous, accessible paths of travel.
Enable comfortable passage for people in wheelchairs, people with prams, learner cyclists and people walking comfortably side by
10 The Heart Foundation (Victorian Division): Healthy by Design: A Planner’s Guide to Environments for Active Living (2004): http://www.goforyourlife.vic.gov.au/hav/admin.nsf/Images/Healthy_by_Design.pdf/$File/Healthy_by_Design.pdf
Page | 62
Design Area Some Key Design Considerations for Recreation Reserves side with footpaths that are:
- A minimum of 1.5 metres wide along collector or lower order streets.
- A minimum of 2.5 metres wide along arterial roads and approach routes to predictable destinations such as schools, parks and shopping precincts. (Three metre paths or wider are preferred to allow for greater contingency).
Ensure a durable, non-slip surface and even paving designed and constructed for minimum maintenance.
14.1.4 Disability Discrimination Act (1992)
It is unlawful, under the Disability Discrimination Act (1992)11 to discriminate against someone because they have a disability. The Act covers access to
premises such as sports pavilions and also access to sports clubs as a player or potential player. The Disability (Access to Premises – Buildings) Standards
201012 provide details of the Act specifically as it relates to buildings such as sports pavilions including symbols and signs; lighting, hearing augmentation,
emergency warning systems, ramps, toilets, stairways, access ways, doorways, doors, handrails etc.. It also makes reference to the relevant Australian
Standards for facility design. The new standards, due to commence on 1 May 2011, is complemented by the Building Code of Australia.
14.1.5 DSE Safer Design Guidelines (2005)
This document provides guidelines aimed to create well designed, well managed, safe, accessible and livable places that encourage community participation. Some of the key objectives and design suggestions contained within these Design Guidelines of relevance to play spaces include: Objective 4.1: To maximise natural surveillance of parks and open spaces to encourage use and support people’s perceptions of safety:
Ensure that parks, public open spaces or play areas are visible from neighbouring streets, houses, schools and other buildings.
Buildings with active frontages should be located and designed to overlook public open spaces and parks.
11 Commonwealth of Australia Law: Disability Discrimination Act (1992) – start date: 1/8/10: http://www.comlaw.gov.au/ComLaw/Legislation/ActCompilation1.nsf/0/C3380D1AC643D437CA25768E0011A400?OpenDocument 12 Commonwealth of Australia Law: Disability (Access to Premises – Buildings) Standards 2010: http://www.comlaw.gov.au/ComLaw/legislation/LegislativeInstrument1.nsf/0/F1E48F0BD27FFCF4CA2576E2008071DD?OpenDocument
Page | 63
Public open spaces, parks and playgrounds should have active frontages on at least three sides to provide natural surveillance and sightlines deep into the park.
New sub-division layouts should avoid rear fences backing onto public open space and parks.
Avoid cut-off dead spaces or isolated pockets of land within a park that cannot be overlooked. Instead, convert these areas into new residential lots that can overlook the park.
Locate children’s play areas where they are clearly visible from surrounding properties and streets. Install see-through fencing to control access and prevent children from roaming while still providing visibility from the street and surrounding areas.
Objective 4.2: To encourage the use of parks and open space by a range of users at all times of the day to improve the quality of life for the community and improve perceptions of safety in public places:
Provide comfortable places with well-placed seating, good shade and interesting views. These areas are important for encouraging people, particularly the elderly, to use and enjoy public spaces.
Design and position elements such as public furniture, lighting, drinking fountains, public information, public toilets, and play equipment to encourage the informal use of parks.
Provide generous seating opportunities throughout all public open space that is carefully positioned to attract and support its use. Objective 4.4: To ensure landscaping maintains sightlines of paths in parks and open spaces and allows for natural surveillance:
Where possible, park planting and topography should not block views of paths and open spaces from surrounding streets and houses.
Where landscaping is provided in public open spaces, or in adjacent streets or parks, ensure trees or vegetation do not block the field of vision between 0.7 metres and 2.4 metres above ground level.
There should be at least one safe through-route in all parks, with frequent ’escape routes’ linking the through-route to surrounding streets and car parks.
Tall shrubs can provide hiding places and should not be planted close to paths or fences.
Ensure vegetation does not obscure lighting, either during its growth phase or at maturity. Other relevant objectives include:
To ensure streets and public spaces are attractive and well used to signal care and attention and support people’s feeling of safety
To co-locate pedestrian, cycle and vehicle movement routes, where practical, to maximise activity and natural surveillance opportunities
To provide convenient paths with generous proportions to encourage walking and cycling and promote natural surveillance
To maintain long sightlines along paths and into adjacent spaces to maximise visibility
Page | 64
To provide signage to assist in way finding
To ensure all facilities are well maintained and graffiti is promptly removed to promote a perception of safety and encourage use
To design all car parking areas to maximise natural surveillance and pedestrian visibility
To provide public toilets in highly visible and accessible locations to promote their use and enhance people’s perception of safety
To provide cycle parking in highly visible and accessible locations to enhance user safety
To ensure lighting is carefully integrated to further enhance visibility and natural surveillance of parks and open spaces
To design signage that is easy to see, read and understand. This will assist people to interpret their surroundings and help their way-finding.
14.1.6 Child Friendly Cities / Communities
There is a growing shift world-wide to ensure that communities welcome children’s participation in all aspects of community life. The United Nations
Convention on the Rights of the Child has developed the concept of Child Friendly Cities13 to ensure that every child has the right to:
Influence decisions about their city
Express their opinion on the city they want
Participate in family, community and social life
Receive basic services such as health care, education and shelter
Drink safe water and have access to proper sanitation
Be protected from exploitation, violence and abuse
Walk safely in the streets on their own
Meet friends and play
Have green spaces for plants and animals
Live in an unpolluted environment
Participate in cultural and social events
Be an equal citizen of their city with access to every service, regardless of ethnic origin, religion, income, gender or disability.
13 UNICEF Innocenti Research Centre, Building Child Friendly Cities – A Framework for Action (2004): http://www.childfriendlycities.org/documents/view/id/66/lang/en
Page | 65
14.2 Needs Expressed through Community Consultation Eighty-two (82) community members were interviewed outside the old Court House in Donald on Friday 31 March 2011 from 11.00am – 5.00pm in order to
seek information from the general public about possible improvements to the site. Of these 82 people, 33 males were interviewed, most in the under 20
year age bracket or 60-70 years of age range; and 49 females were interviewed, mostly in the 50-60 years of age range or under 20. As participants were
not asked their age, the ages in the following graph are approximations only, based on assessment of the interviewer on site.
Approximate Age of People Interviewed in the Street:
Six people were satisfied with all facilities at the site and could not think of any ways to improve the Donald Recreation Reserve. Of the remaining 76
people, the following comments were received (noting that multiple answers were possible):
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
<20 20 30 40 50 60 70 80
Age
Males
Females
Page | 66
Suggested Improvements
Number of Responses
Upgrade / improve public toilets 26
Upgrade AA Dunstone Pavilion / Blue Room – improve plumbing, improve roof drainage, upgrade kitchen so it meets health standards and is larger in size, improve acoustics, upgrade football change rooms, install a lift for improved access and catering, relocate training door away from oval for ambulance pick up and develop under-cover viewing area
14
Develop skateboard ramps / skate park / BMX facilities 9
Improve drainage / run-off on site / construct levy banks to alleviate flood damage in the future 8
Develop change facilities for hockey club 7
Develop a play space for children with a barrier to protect children from cars 7
Improve landscaping of the site, i.e. plant more trees and plants / replace trees 7
Upgrade hockey playing field to improve surface (develop a synthetic surface or relocate to Jeffcott Oval and ensure that field is rabbit-proof)
6
Upgrade stadium – eliminate white ants, increase size of stadium, develop new court and improve maintenance 6
Encourage new activities at the site such as badminton, kickboxing, horse riding lessons, Little Athletics, dog shows and fishing (by constructing a fishing platform on the Richardson River)
6
Upgrade fence along boundary near Richardson River to prevent children from falling in the River 5
Upgrade walking trail so that it links to Caravan Park Reservoir 5
Consider relocating other facilities to the site to form a sports hub, e.g. swimming pool and tennis courts 5
Place more bins around the ground and improve recycling opportunities 4
Improve condition of internal roadways and parking by grading 4
Upgrade car parking so that there is a larger area, the area is clearly defined and so that disabled parking is made available 4
Increase the size of the Agricultural Museum Shed [this will soon be relocated to Railway Land] 3
Develop additional seating around the ground 3
Plant more trees to provide additional shade around the ground 3
Upgrade squash courts so that they incorporate glass backs, viewing area upstairs and improved ventilation 3
Install traffic calming measures around the internal roads, such as speed humps (particularly between netball courts and stadium) 3
Ensure that the site is accessible for people with disabilities 2
Develop change facilities for netballers 2
Improve landscaping and infrastructure around netball courts, e.g. seats, trees and shelters 2
Page | 67
Suggested Improvements
Number of Responses
Remove disused fire brigade running track 2
Reuse football booth (possibly as shared hockey / netball change facilities) or remove it from the site 2
Upgrade lights on Goff Letts Oval 2
Improve maintenance of Goff Letts Oval, e.g. top dress the oval 2
Extend the Lions Club building so that it can cater for 60-70 people in meetings 2
Upgrade the office or find a different use for this space 2
Improve entrance to the Reserve so that there is one way in and one way out only 2
Develop showers near middle entrance which can be used by truck drivers and people with caravans or recreational vehicles for a small fee
2
Increase the size of the Men’s Shed and upgrade the external lighting to this building 2
Retain shearing shed and raise land in this area to prevent inundation of parking area 2
Develop picnic tables and seats on site 1
Develop a canteen near the toilet next to the Richardson River 1
Develop a gym on site with a crèche 1
Install signage to facilities around the ground 1
Install a drinking fountain at the Reserve 1
Develop a toilet block at Monty Burton Oval for archers 1
Page | 68
14.3 Needs Expressed through Key Stakeholder Interviews
Comments Need to establish a new toilet block where the previous toilet block was demolished (near the netball courts) with showers
Need to upgrade power at the site and ensure that it is available on each light pole
Need to rationalise one of the sports ovals
Need to increase the number of toilets available for special events
Consider relocating Donald Swimming Pool to Donald Recreation Reserve
Need to provide lift up to Blue Room
Need to improve safety of main entrance to Reserve and create a new entrance near the old toilet block that has been removed
Need to realign internal roads to provide for one way traffic only
Need to improve pedestrian links to the centre of town
Need to locate both hockey and cricket on the one oval
Need to upgrade public toilets
Need to upgrade stadium floor
Need to upgrade change room in pavilion and remove sauna
Need to improve drainage between two sports ovals
Need to sewer toilets near Jeffcott Oval
Need to develop shared change rooms in stadium for netball use
Need to install a service lift to Blue Room for catering purposes
Need to alter disabled toilet upstairs in Blue Room so that people using toilet cannot be seen from hallway
Need to upgrade heating and cooling in Blue Room
Need to improve acoustics in Blue Room
Need to convert sauna area to a unisex disabled toilet
Need to decommission ladies toilets at base of AA Dunstan Pavilion and convert to showers for away team
Need to develop a specific umpire change facility for males and females
Need to move external ramp and develop gym in this area
Need to develop storage space in AA Dunstan Pavilion where cool room is located and build in a floor and office
Need to install solar electricity panels on the roof of AA Dunstan Pavilion
Need to develop decking near kiosk and an area for umbrellas
Need to improve drainage near Jeffcott Oval
Need to improve safety at main entrance through installation of speed humps
Need to increase size of football catering booth to allow it to be used for storage of equipment and up to 2-3 trailers
Page | 69
Comments
Need to convert football booth near netball courts to a netball change facility
Need to install power points at front of AA Dunstan Pavilion and Stadium
Need to upgrade sports court in Stadium to meet run-off regulations
Need to remove grandstand area within Stadium
Need to upgrade both male and female change facilities in Stadium
Need to upgrade squash courts
Need to improve landscaping around the Recreation Reserve
Need to install a fully automatic irrigation system on Goff Letts Oval
Need to install a fence around the perimeter of the entire site
Need to develop some tiered seating for spectators
Need to relocate other sporting activities to the site, e.g. swimming pool, tennis courts, croquet
Need to install additional lights on hockey field
Need to develop play space for children and families
Need to upgrade internal roads with gravel
Need to develop an additional 10 stalls for P&A Show Society
Need to upgrade player shelters on Goff Letts Oval – deeper and with a clear barrier at the back
Need to access more recycled water for sports grounds
14.4 Community Survey 81 local households completed a survey sent out in late 2010 to identify which parts of the Donald Recreation Reserve they currently use (if any) and which
areas they believe need to be improved. Of the survey respondents, 67.1% were female and 32.9% were male. There was a good spread of ages from 15 to
75+, with the largest age group 45-54 year olds (21.8%).
Five most used facilities (in order):
Public toilets (79.5%)
Blue Room in AA Dunstan Pavilion (including social area, bar and kitchen) (70.55%)
Goff Letts Oval (main oval) (65.4%)
AA Dunstan Pavilion (change rooms) (65.4%)
Page | 70
Open space (for walking / informal games) (52.6%)
Overall condition rating for facilities at the Reserve
Facility Excellent Good Average Poor Very Poor
Goff Letts Oval (main oval)
Jeffcott Oval (cricket)
Monty Burton Oval (archery field – across the road)
A.A. Dunstan Pavilion: Social facility (kitchen, bar, function area)
A.A. Dunstan Pavilion: Change facilities – for males, females, umpires
A.A. Dunstan Pavilion: Trainer / first aid facilities / admin.
A.A. Dunstan Pavilion: Kiosk
Netball Courts
Hockey Field
Agricultural Show Sheds and offices
Stadium: Squash Courts
Stadium: Basketball Courts
Cricket Practice Nets
Public Toilets
Open Space (for walking / informal games, etc)
Men’s Shed
Car Parking
Internal Roads
Pedestrian Access
Lighting of Sports Grounds
Lighting around Reserve
Play opportunities
Picnic / BBQ opportunities
Page | 71
Facility Excellent Good Average Poor Very Poor
Landscaping
Main reasons for non-use of the Reserve (n=12):
Health reasons (25%)
Lack of childcare (25%)
Too far from home (16.7%)
Not interested in any of the activities at the Reserve (16.7%)
Activities too expensive (8.3%)
Activity times are not suitable (8.3%)
Suggested improvement to Donald Recreation Reserve:
Upgrade toilets (26)
Improve change rooms / develop shower facilities (15)
Upgrade stadium Basketball court, netball court, spectator conditions (13)
Improve landscaping (tree planting, shade, lawn area) (11)
Upgrade main entrance to reserve to improve safety (marked lanes, traffic island, roundabout, one way traffic) (9)
Develop play facilities for children (7)
Improve internal roadways so that they are child friendly and develop a dedicated pedestrian movement area (5)
Develop a BBQ area (4)
Upgrade squash courts – glass backs and better airflow, non-slippery surface (4)
Develop seating around the ground (3)
Improve playing surfaces of all grounds (3)
Develop change rooms for netballers (2)
Improve lighting on oval (2)
Top dress and re-sow hockey field (2)
Page | 72
Top dress and re-sow Goff Letts Oval (2)
Upgrade boggy area between Jeffcott Oval and hockey grounds (2)
Develop a skate park (1)
Install way-finding and information signs around Reserve (1)
Upgrade catering facilities (1)
Install disabled toilets (1)
Formalise car parking (1)
Develop an artificial hockey field (1)
Develop change room facilities for hockey club (1)
Undertake flood mitigation works (1)
Develop seating for spectators (1)
Develop shelter for spectators (1)
Improve irrigation on all grounds 1)
Improve drainage on Jeffcott Oval (1)
Upgrade AA Dunstan Pavilion (1)
Develop indoor heated pool (1)
Develop gymnasium and program room (1)
Improve access to Blue Room for elderly people with walking frames (1)
Develop a turf wicket on Jeffcott Oval (1)
Develop a soft low-impact walking track for walking (astrograss or ornamental grass) (1)
Page | 73
15.3 Potential Funding Sources Funding Program and
Website Address
Organisation Grant Amounts Opening Date
(of current or
previous
round)
Closing Date (of
current or
previous
round)
Details
Community Facility Funding
Program - Building
Community Infrastructure –
Major Facilities
http://www.dpcd.vic.gov.au/
home/grants/all-
grants/community-facilities
Department of
Planning and
Community
Development
Up to $650,000
for projects
costing more
than $500,000
(excluding GST).
Funding on the
following basis
DPCD $1 : Local
$1 for rural areas
8 July 2011 24 August 2011 Grants to improve places where communities meet, interact
and participate in sport and recreation. Applications should
focus on developing major sport and recreation facilities that
are innovative, effectively managed, environmentally
sustainable and well-used. Project proposals require
significant justification such as feasibility studies.
Community Facility Funding
Program - Building
Community Infrastructure –
Minor Facilities
http://www.dpcd.vic.gov.au/
home/grants/all-
grants/community-facilities
Department of
Planning and
Community
Development
Up to $100,000
for projects
costing up to
$500,000
(excluding GST).
Funding on the
following basis
DPCD $2: Local
$1 for rural areas
8 July 2011 28 September
2011
Funding will support projects that provide: upgrades to
outdated and non-compliant facilities; change facilities for
junior or female use; shared paths and tracks; sports surface
development; increased participation capacity through
lighting developments; projects for young people and
families such as playgrounds and skate parks or BMX tracks;
multi-use program and meeting spaces; more accessible and
inclusive facilities; projects promoting efficient and
sustainable use of Victoria’s natural resources for
community sport and recreation facilities. Application must
be supported by Council.
Community Facility Funding
Program - Building
Department of
Planning and
Up to $30,000.
Funding on the
8 July 2011 22 November Aiming to assist communities to plan for future community
sport and recreation provision through better information
Page | 74
Funding Program and
Website Address
Organisation Grant Amounts Opening Date
(of current or
previous
round)
Closing Date (of
current or
previous
round)
Details
Community Infrastructure –
Planning
http://www.dpcd.vic.gov.au/
home/grants/all-
grants/community-facilities
Community
Development
following basis
DPCD $2: Local
$1 for rural
areas.
2011
collection, consultation and strategic planning.
Putting Locals First Program:
Improved Local
Infrastructure
http://www.rdv.vic.gov.au/c
ommunity-programs/putting-
locals-first/local-
infrastructure
Regional
Development
Victoria
Up to $300,000.
Funding on the
following basis,
RDV $3: $1
Other for rural
areas.
Over $300,000
to maximum of
$500,000 RDV
$2: $1 Other
excluding land
Applications
can be
submitted at
any time.
Funding to support investment in priority infrastructure that
meets local needs. Examples include: civic revitalisation
initiatives; building or upgrading shared community facilities;
pathway projects connecting communities and attracting
visitors; innovative water projects that improve the use of
recycled water at community facilities.
Putting Locals First Program:
Local Community Initiatives
http://www.rdv.vic.gov.au/c
ommunity-programs/putting-
locals-first/community-
initiatives
Regional
Development
Victoria
Up to $150,000.
Funding on the
following basis,
RDV $3: $1
Other for rural
areas.
Applications
can be
submitted at
any time.
This program will support local community driven initiatives
that assist community skill development and/or better
connect people to resources, services and each other.
Examples include: supporting local community leadership
development; innovative community garden or similar
projects; activities to improve coordination of existing
services; supporting the development of innovative
Page | 75
Funding Program and
Website Address
Organisation Grant Amounts Opening Date
(of current or
previous
round)
Closing Date (of
current or
previous
round)
Details
engagement techniques for hard to reach groups.
Putting Locals First Program:
Project Planning
http://www.rdv.vic.gov.au/c
ommunity-programs/putting-
locals-first/community-
initiatives/project-planning
Regional
Development
Victoria
Up to $30,000.
Funding on the
following basis,
RDV $3: $1
Other for rural
areas.
Applications
can be
submitted at
any time.
Activities that could be supported include: feasibility
planning for infrastructure projects; initial work to bring
together a range of organisations and groups; short term
work testing the viability and support for an innovative
response to a local community problem or issue.
Country Football & Netball
Program
http://www.dpcd.vic.gov.au/
home/grants/all-
grants/country-football-and-
netball
Department of
Planning and
Community
Development
Up to $100,000
Funding on the
following basis
DPCD $2: Local
$1 for rural areas
Applications accepted on an ongoing basis
Funding to assist country football and netball clubs and
umpiring organisations to develop facilities in particular
areas of need including: football, netball and umpire
facilities, shared community, club and social facilities, multi-
use facilities or lighting.
Country Action Grant
Scheme
http://www.dpcd.vic.gov.au/
home/grants/all-
grants/country-action-grant-
Department of
Planning and
Community
Development
Up to $5,000 Currently closed
1 March 2011
For initiatives that help organisations operate more
effectively; e.g. Funding for attendance at relevant training
courses; Initiatives to help organisations provide accessible
sport and active recreation opportunities for members of the
local community
Page | 76
Funding Program and
Website Address
Organisation Grant Amounts Opening Date
(of current or
previous
round)
Closing Date (of
current or
previous
round)
Details
scheme
Small Grants for Small Rural
Communities Program
http://www.frrr.org.au/pr
ogramsDetail.asp?Progra
mID=4
Foundation for
Rural and Regional
Renewal
Up to $5,000 Currently
closed
31 March 2011
Currently
closed
Not-for-profit Organisations can apply for projects and
activities that offer clear public benefit for communities
living in small rural and remote locations in Australia,
contributing to their development in social and community
welfare, economic, environmental, health, education or
cultural areas. Applications from sporting organisations
need to clearly demonstrate a benefit to the wider
community.
Active Club Grants
http://www.vichealth.vic.gov
.au/Programs-and-
Projects/Physical-
Activity/PICSAR/Active-Club-
Grants.aspx
VicHealth Up to $2,500 Currently
closed
9 February
2011
For sports injury prevention equipment, essential sporting
equipment, portable shade and volunteer and club training.
These grants aim to:
- encourage and increase participation opportunities in
physical activity for those who are currently inactive or
traditionally encounter barriers to participation, by providing
equipment or training
- improve the safety of sporting and active recreation
environments and reduce the likelihood of injury while
Page | 77
Funding Program and
Website Address
Organisation Grant Amounts Opening Date
(of current or
previous
round)
Closing Date (of
current or
previous
round)
Details
promoting physical activity.
Sustainable Sports Ground
Program
http://www.dpcd.vic.gov.au/
home/grants/all-
grants/sustainable-sports-
grounds
Department of
Planning and
Community
Development
Maximum grant is up to $100,000
DPCD $2:$1 local
for rural areas
30 June 2011 10 August 2011 The Sustainable Sports Grounds Program will help local
communities implement sustainable water management
practice and achieve high levels of use and participation at
sport and recreation facilities.
The Sustainable Sports Grounds Program will support
projects that provide sustainable reductions in the use of
potable water, including:
– provision of recycled water infrastructure for sports fields
– replacement of turf or red porous surfaces with hard or
synthetic surfaces
– water run-off harvesting, re-use and storage initiatives
– developing fields with drought resistant turf species
– water efficient irrigation systems for sport facilities
– recycling of water used at sporting facilities
– pool blankets for aquatic facilities
– the development and use of alternative water sources.
Applications can only be submitted by Local Government
Authorities.
Page | 78
15.4 Site Plans – Existing First Floor
Page | 79
15.5 Site Plans - Existing Ground Floor
Page | 80
15.6 Site Plans – Proposed Ground Floor
Page | 81
15.7 Site Plan – Proposed Jeffcott Oval Pavilion Upgrade
Page | 82
15.8 Master Plan – Site Plan
