“While the majority of the key user groups were well represented at the community workshops in December, council and their consultants, Ross Planning, are still very keen to hear from as many community groups and members as possible,” Bega Valley Shire Council (BVSC) said.

Council’s leisure and recreation coordinator, Justin Welsford, said the master plans will direct how key sites should look and function and provide a framework for ongoing improvements.

“There are some exciting elements proposed in the draft plans such as an expanded indoor centre including seating and viewing areas, change rooms, and kiosks servicing both fields in Bega,” Mr Welsford said.

“Additionally, we are looking at the development of the southern area at Pambula into two soccer fields and a designated equestrian facility along with a new pavilion building.

“If you have identified issues or have further suggestions on the draft plans or conversely if you feel they are exactly what you want to see, now is the time to let us know by making a submission.

“Community feedback is a very important aspect to getting this planning stage right so the best possible result can be achieved moving forward.”

The Ross Planning master plan found that almost 60 percent of respondents to the community survey rated the quality of sporting facilities in the area as either poor or very poor.

†Over half of respondents thought the shire needed new or upgraded indoor sports centres and† the “complete lack of facilities (except toilets) at Valley Fields was noted”.

Other findings by Ross Planning noted that “the existing indoor centre is not being utilised to its full potential as a sporting facility” and recommended lighting and extending the Bega Skate Park.

Ross Planning are a town planning consultancy firm based in Wynnum in Queensland.

A draft of the plans can be viewed and feedback submitted by visiting the BVSC’s Have Your Say website.

Hard copies can also be viewed at the council offices, in any of the shire’s libraries and at the Sapphire Aquatic Centre.

For further information contact council’s leisure and recreation coordinator Justin Welsford on 6499 2155.