WESTERN METROPOLITAN REGION FOOTBALL FACILITIES STRATEGY - STRATEGY | MAY 2016
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WESTERN METROPOLITAN REGION
FOOTBALL FACILITIES STRATEGY
STRATEGY | MAY 2016
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
PROJECT PARTNERS
The preparation of the Western Metropolitan Region Football Facilities
Strategy has been a collaborative effort of a number of partner
organisations including AFL Victoria and the five Local Government
Authorities comprising the Western Metropolitan Region.
Input and advice from the Western Region Football League and the
Western Metropolitan Region football community has also assisted
the development of this document.
PROJECT CONSULTANTS
insideEDGE Sport and Leisure Planning
Whitten Oval | 417 Barkly Street
Footscray West | VIC 3012 | Australia
Telephone +61 3 9680 6370
Email info@ieslp.com.au
Web www.ieslp.com.au
WESTERN METROPOLITAN REGION FOOTBALL FACILITIES STRATEGY | MAY 2016 PAGE | 2
Contents
THE WESTERN METROPOLITAN
REGION FOOTBALL FACILITIES
STRATEGY IS DELIVERED IN
THREE SEPARATE REPORTS.
VOLUMES 2 AND 3 ARE
BACKGROUND DOCUMENTS
THAT INFORM THE STRATEGY.
SECTION PAGE
Volume 1 – Football Facilities
Strategy
► INTRODUCTION 06
(THIS DOCUMENT)
► CURRENT FACILITY CLASSIFICATION 13
Volume 1 provides the principles and
► KEY FINDINGS 15
strategic framework to support the future
► VISION 24 development, governance and growth of
football throughout the Western
► STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK 25
Metropolitan Region. It provides key
► OBJECTIVE 1 26 regional strategic directions and
► OBJECTIVE 2 30 recommendations, as well as identifying
key objectives and actions for AFL
► OBJECTIVE 3 33 Victoria and participating Leagues and
► OBJECTIVE 4 35 municipalities. Importantly, this is a
Football Facilities Strategy and relates to
► OBJECTIVE 5 38 facility provision, which is driven by
► KEY FOCUS AREAS 41 participation, clubs and volunteer
capacity. Whilst this is a football facilities
► OBJECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION PLAN 43 strategy, consideration of participation,
► APPENDICES 49 clubs and volunteer capacity has been
included.
Volume 2 – State of Play Report
Volume 2 provided an overview of team
statistics and demographics for the
Region. It also provided commentary on
the state of local clubs and the future
directions and strategic initiatives of the
sport and information on capital
investment into local football facilities.
Volume 3 – SWOT Analysis and
Facility Audit Outcomes Report
Volume 3 provided detailed project,
Region and football context and
associated analysis for the Strategy. It
also provided analysis of the issues,
opportunities and challenges impacting
football across the Western Metropolitan
Region. The Report highlights potential
opportunities for facility improvement
based on facility audit outcomes, which
provides the basis for Volume 1 –
Football Facilities Strategy.
WESTERN METROPOLITAN REGION FOOTBALL FACILITIES STRATEGY | MAY 2016 PAGE | 3
DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS
The following definitions and abbreviated terms are used within this document.
ABBREVIATION DEFINITION
Access All Abilities - AAA is a Victorian Government initiative coordinated by Sport and Recreation
AAA Victoria. The program supports and develops inclusive sport and recreation opportunities for
people with a disability throughout Victoria.
Australian Bureau of Statistics – Statistical report on Children’s Participation in Cultural and
ABS Leisure Activities, produced by the Australian Bureau of Statistics used to examine trends in
football participation and to project future growth and demand.
AFL Australian Football League
AFL Vic AFL Victoria
BFL Ballarat Football League
CALD Culturally and Linguistically Diverse communities
EDFL Essendon and District Football League
Football Development Manager - AFL Victoria staff employed to assist region leagues and clubs
FDM with participation pathways and development programs, foster club sustainability and maintain
strong community connections.
FIDA Football Integration Development Association
GDFL Geelong and District Football League
AFL Victoria Growing the Heartland Football Facilities Development Strategy 2014-2020 which
Heartland Strategy
sets the strategic direction for future investment in facility development in Victoria.
LGA Local Government Authority.
RDFNL Riddell District Football Netball League
State League U18 Australian Football pathway competition. The competition is based on
TAC Cup geographic regions throughout country Victoria and metropolitan Melbourne and provides an
avenue for young Victorian under-18 players to transition to the AFL.
NV Netball Victoria
VFL Victorian Football League
VCMAFL Victorian Country Masters Australian Football League
VAFA Victorian Amateur Football Association
VMSL Victorian Metropolitan Superules League
VWFL Victorian Women’s Football League
WRFL Western Region Football League
SRV Sport and Recreation Victoria
References throughout this the document are made to the ‘Strategy’. The term ‘Strategy’ refers to
Strategy
the project as a whole.
Also referred to as Artificial Grass made from synthetic fibres that can withstand significantly more
Synthetic turf
use than natural grass .
WESTERN METROPOLITAN REGION FOOTBALL FACILITIES STRATEGY | MAY 2016 PAGE | 4
1. CONTEXT WESTERN METROPOLITAN REGION FOOTBALL FACILITIES STRATEGY | MAY 2016 PAGE | 5
INTRODUCTION
The Western Metropolitan Region Football Facilities Strategy provides an integrated and strategic
approach to the provision of football facilities across Melbourne’s Western Region. The Strategy
addresses current and future infrastructure demand to support the growth of football, as well as
establishing clear objectives to guide future investment into community football facilities.
For the purposes of this Strategy, the Western The Western Metropolitan Region Football
Metropolitan Region incorporates the five Local Facilities Strategy investigates the issues and
Government Authorities (LGA’s) of Hobsons Bay City opportunities facing football on a regional scale,
Council, Melton City Council, Wyndham City Council, utilising the knowledge and resources from each of the
Maribyrnong City Council and Brimbank City Council. five represented LGAs of the Region, AFL Victoria and
local leagues in the area, particularly the Western
The Western Metropolitan Region is one of the fastest
Region Football League, other leagues operating in the
growing regions in Australia. Collectively the LGAs
area and clubs.
within the Region are expected to grow by 198,000
people over the next 10 years to 2025. Funding for the project has been provided by AFL
Victoria and each of the five participating LGAs.
The Region currently has a relatively low football
participation base (over 12,800 players in 2014) when The Western Metropolitan Region Football
compared to other metropolitan regions. Participation Facilities Strategy builds on the information provided
categories include football, school, youth girls and within the State of Play Report (Volume 2) and SWOT
women’s participants, FIDA and NAB AFL Auskick Analysis and Facility Audit Outcomes Report (Volume
players. 3).
The Region also has a low provision of facilities per The State of Play Report reviews AFL Victoria player
head of population when compared to other information and trends against municipal and local area
Metropolitan areas, a challenge when facility provision demographics and population projections to identify
and access are recognised as key factors impacting football penetration rates, growth and facility forecasts
sports participation. and required investment.
There are 65 local football clubs accessing 79 grounds The SWOT Analysis and Facility Audit Outcomes
throughout the season with these venues in most cases Report provides analysis on the Region’s overall
being shared with other sports, particularly cricket, existing football facility provision against facility
providing year round usage outcomes. strengths, weaknesses, AFL Victoria and League
requirements, usage and demand information and
The financial pressures of rate capping, ageing
identifies key directions in-line with opportunities and
facilities with restricted opportunity for growth and
their likely impact on the sport and the local community.
expansion in inner West locations, combined with
planned development of new facilities in growth areas This Strategy draws on the information, analysis and
and anticipated growth in both football player numbers feedback from both Reports and provides clear
and in sport generally, has required a shift in how local direction on the recommended strategies and actions
government approaches sport infrastructure required to better provide for and support football in the
investment. This shift supports the need to further Western Metropolitan Region for the next 10 years.
investigate current and future requirements for football The Strategy acts as a guide for all stakeholders.
within the Region. However, works outlined in the Strategy will continue
to be subject to consideration via future budget
There is also a need to develop sustainable support
processes and analysis of various priorities by project
structures and strategies to enhance all forms of
partner LGA’s.
football’s development.
WESTERN METROPOLITAN REGION FOOTBALL FACILITIES STRATEGY | MAY 2016 PAGE | 6
PROJECT GOVERNANCE
The following project governance structure was
established for the delivery of this project.
PROJECT CONTROL GROUP (PCG)
► To provide high level strategic direction on key
issues, opportunities and approve draft and final
reports – includes representatives from all five
participating LGA’s, AFL Victoria and WRFL.
PROJECT METHODOLOGY PROJECT REFERENCE GROUP (PRG)
The following diagram visually represents the ► To provide technical advice and input into the
project methodology and steps undertaken in the project from a local perspective – includes
preparation of this Strategy. representatives from AFL Victoria, WRFL, Essendon
District Football League (EDFL), Victorian Amateur
Football Association (VAFA), Riddell District Football
League (RDFL), Football Integration Development
STAGE ONE
Association (FIDA), Victorian Women’s Football
► PROJECT ESTABLISHMENT League (VWFL), Victorian Metropolitan Superules
League, Victorian Country Masters Australian
Football League, Ballarat Football League (BFL) and
STAGE TWO Geelong and District Football League (GDFL).
► SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS
STAGE THREE QUICK FACTS
► FACILITY AUDIT AND ANALYSIS OF ALL CLUB
FACILITIES IN THE REGION 5 Local Government Authorities
633,000+ residents in 2031
STAGE FOUR 11 football leagues
8 umpire associations
► STRATEGY DEVELOPMENT AND PUBLIC
65 clubs
EXHIBITION OF STRATEGY
79 grounds
500+ football teams
STAGE FIVE 12,800+ registered football players
► PRESENTATION AND FINAL REPORTING 275 registered female participants
75 registered FIDA participants
3,786 NAB AFL Auskick participants
PROJECT STUDY AREA
The study area for the Western Metropolitan Region
Football Facilities Strategy covers the
municipalities of Brimbank, Hobsons Bay,
Maribyrnong, Melton and Wyndham.
These LGA’s had previously come together to
undertake regional planning which developed into
strategic planning of football facilities through the
development of this Strategy.
As part of this Strategy’s development, every Club
facility within project partner LGA’s has been audited, FIGURE 01 | WESTERN
regardless of League or AFL Victoria Commission METROPOLITAN REGION
STUDY AREA
affiliation.
WESTERN METROPOLITAN REGION FOOTBALL FACILITIES STRATEGY | MAY 2016 PAGE | 7
WHY INVEST IN FOOTBALL?
The Value of a Community Football Club
study undertaken by La Trobe University in
2015 (see Appendix 7) found that for every $1
spent to run a community football club, there
is at least a $4.40 return in social value.
This “social value” is measured in terms of increased
social connectedness, wellbeing, and mental health
status; employment outcomes; personal development;
Each project partner LGA has their own strategic
physical health; civic pride and support of other
commitment as to why investment in sport is important,
community groups. The study identified that the reach
supporting sport and recreation and associated facility
of a football club is significant and extends beyond club
improvement. In general, project partners have an aim
players and volunteers within the club; “for every 1
of increasing access to football participation
player, football clubs reach 10 people in their
opportunities for the local and regional community.
community”.
Strategies aimed at achieving this include the
The economic impact of football is well known. AFL development and improvement of ageing infrastructure,
Victoria’s Heartland Strategy estimates that football commitment to new development, providing a diverse
participation is worth $2.4billion per annum across range of programming and participation opportunities
Victoria, highlighting the significant impact the sport has and supporting exposure of the sport to new migrants
on local communities. and CALD communities.
WHY A REGIONAL APPROACH?
Addressing the issues concerning football facility provision on a regional scale provides many
benefits to project partners. Participation isn’t constrained to municipal boundaries. Similarly some
facilities (those that service a broad catchment area) do not need to be duplicated in every
municipality. As such, regional planning allows consideration of these issues.
As the focus of the Strategy is at a higher level, State Key deliverables through the development of this
and Local Governments have the opportunity to Strategy included the auditing of all facilities within the
implement actions in a planned, prioritised and region, a participation snapshot of Australian Football in
coordinated manner. The commitment of Government the region, identification of the need and indicative
and peak sporting bodies allows for greater location for new facilities, resolution of key regional
collaboration which assists the targeted provision and issues such as League finals venues, umpires
future investment in facilities and services, impacting a headquarters and administration bases, identification of
larger portion of the Victorian community. The Strategy key issues relating to access to suitable facilities and
will also assist project partners to advocate for and facilities required for sustainable clubs and identification
attract additional funding for community football of opportunities to increase the utilisation of existing
facilities. facilities.
Through regional planning, project partners have These key deliverables have resulted in a regionally
sought to achieve a coordinated and aligned approach focused Strategy that provides a communication and
to developing a future program of facility provision that decision making tool for government and sport that
optimises planning policies and resource allocation, clearly identifies the regional and local priorities for
facility usage levels, and improves financial viability and football facility provision, sport development and
sustainability. In addition, regional planning ensures associated investment.
greater access to higher quality facilities for current and
Finally, the collaboration between a wide range of
future residential populations, critical as the population
stakeholders through this project and the continued
changes.
ongoing relationship building as a result, will ensure that
A regional approach supports AFL Victoria’s strategic community sport remains resilient and sustainable and
drive to adopt region based governance structures that the infrastructure is in place to facilitate the
better reflect local football needs. development and growth of football.
WESTERN METROPOLITAN REGION FOOTBALL FACILITIES STRATEGY | MAY 2016 PAGE | 8
THE STRATEGY STUDY LIMITATIONS
In developing the Western Metropolitan Region The proposed project methodology was
Football Facilities Strategy, the following endorsed by the PCG prior to the
stakeholder consultation activities have been commencement of the study. Although due
undertaken: diligence and a rigorous approach to
• Ongoing project meetings with the Project Control
analysis and data collection was undertaken
Group (PCG). by project consultants, a number of
limitations to data have been identified.
• Presentation of State of Play Report to PCG (May
2015). The scope of the project was to focus on football
infrastructure within the Region and provide
• Strategic directions workshop with PRG
meaningful analysis on existing and projected
representatives (May 2015).
regional and local football participation, facility and
• Sports development workshop with PCG and AFL development information.
Victoria representatives (May 2015).
Participant data was provided by AFL Victoria.
• Internal LGA PCG workshops with presentation back Assumptions on participant numbers are based on
to PCG (May 2015). Club team numbers of 25 players per team. Specific
participant age and postcode data and gender cohorts
• Online Facilities Audit completed by LGAs
for NAB AFL Auskick participants was not provided.
(February to May 2015).
Participant data also does not include school
• Presentation and detailed review of SWOT Analysis participation statistics.
and Facility Audit Outcomes Report to PCG (July
Population and penetration analysis has been based
2015).
on population data grouped by 5 year age cohorts but
• Development of Draft Strategy and Public Exhibition does not specifically relate to individual player ages.
process for stakeholder review and comment Population and demographic information has been
(September 2015 to January 2016). sourced through relevant LGA forecast.id population
statistics.
• Project newsletter distributed to all clubs, leagues
and key stakeholders. Facility location data and renewal / development
investments was sourced from AFL Victoria and from
available LGA and club information.
Whilst every effort has been made to address
potential gaps and limitations in these areas, readers
should be mindful of these factors when considering
this document and the key focus areas and issues
presented.
It is recognised that future State of Play participation
reports, as recommended under Objective 5.3 of this
Strategy require access to improved player
registration data. It is understood that the integrity of
this data will improve as player registration processes
improve.
Finally, as a regional plan involving both sport and
government stakeholders, the Strategy, recognises
that priorities and decision making processes differ
across each project partner organisation.
Furthermore, local government is responsible for the
provision of a diverse range of sport and recreation
infrastructure and services, not just football. This
Strategy recognises and aims to complement these
processes and priorities to help inform and guide
investment decisions specifically for football.
WESTERN METROPOLITAN REGION FOOTBALL FACILITIES STRATEGY | MAY 2016 PAGE | 9
PRIORITY 1
FACILITY AUDITS - PROCESS AND RATINGS
The condition of 64 facilities across the Where a club has access to multiple facilities, such as
Western Metropolitan Region was audited by two ovals, the rating is based on the primary facility
project partner LGA’s between April and May (that is, the main oval).
2015. Audits were carried out using the Sports Lux level readings for lighting are estimates, as night
Facility Auditor - AFL audit tool. time light meter readings were not completed.
This audit program assesses provision and conditions Priority weighting has been given to amenities and
and analyses compliance with Australian Standards, infrastructure that have the greatest influence and
AFL Preferred Facilities Guidelines and criteria directly impact on football participation, competition
identified during extensive consultation with AFL requirements and growth. These are:
Victoria staff.
• home and away and umpire change rooms and the
Audit data was then used to provide a rating for each capability of change rooms to cater for female
facility, identifying gaps in provision (what amenities a participants;
facility has) and standards (condition, size and general
• ground surface condition;
provision).
• pavilion size and condition; and
Facility Conditions Ratings (provided in Appendix 1)
are a guide to identify strengths and gaps in football • lighting lux levels.
facility and amenity provision. They will also support Upgrades to existing club facilities should aim to
prioritisation of investment into facility renewal and address these key criteria with collective investment
development at a regional level. from the sport, government, clubs and other funding
Ratings range from 0 to 15 with a possible overall score partners.
of 132. Ratings used to determine the condition of club Improvements in all of these areas will have a positive
facilities are detailed in Criteria for Rating Facility effect on increasing venue capacity. This directly links
Infrastructure and Amenities also provided in to the strategic direction set through AFL Victoria’s
Appendix 1. Heartland Strategy encouraging growth in participation,
When reviewing ratings it is important to note that the maximising facility usage and accommodating diversity
audits do not consider “functional issues” with facilities in the game.
and that condition ratings are a guide only, referencing
cosmetic not structural issues.
WESTERN METROPOLITAN REGION FOOTBALL FACILITIES STRATEGY | MAY 2016 PAGE | 10PRIORITY 1
FACILITY CLASSIFICATIONS
AFL Victoria’s Heartland Strategy recognises that the principle purpose of a local facility is to
accommodate local club level programs and competitions.
Regional level facilities service a collection of suburbs These include:
or geographic areas within a municipality and usually
• capacity for player and umpire change rooms to
cater for more than one code or activity. These facilities
cater for female participation through the provision of
ideally have perimeter fencing, capacity to host
pan toilets and lockable shower cubicles;
competition finals and have oval surface quality
maintained to a high standard. • lighting provision is to minimum training standards
(50 lux level);
State level facilities primarily service VFL and TAC Cup
being the second highest level of competition below the • pavilion (social rooms) meet the recommended size
AFL competition. These facilities are also used for of 100m2 , to facilitate social interaction, support
competition finals as they are maintained to a showcase club growth and club sustainability; and
level, offering a higher standard of amenities with • the overall condition of the change rooms, ground
perimeter fencing and the capacity to cater for larger surface and pavilion rated as “moderate”
crowds. (considerable wear but still comfortable for users).
In order to meet the minimum local level facility
requirements, core facility amenities should reflect
minimum standards as outlined in the AFL Preferred
Facilities Guidelines.
CURRENT FACILITY CLASSIFICATIONS AND IDENTIFIED GAPS
The Current Facility Classification and Identified Facility condition categories are:
Gaps chart located on page 13 of this Strategy,
• Facility Gaps: core amenity provision is below AFL
details facility condition and provision based on
audit outcomes. The chart groups venues into one
Preferred Facilities Guidelines minimum standards
according to facility classification;
of five categories following assessment against
minimum standards from the AFL Preferred • Local: venue meets minimum standards for Local
Facilities Guidelines. level classification;
• Regional: venue meets minimum standards for
Regional level classification; and
• State: venue meets minimum standards for State
level classification.
Generally the majority of facilities across the Region
have been identified as requiring some improvement, in
order to reach Local level classification.
It is important to note that facility ratings reflect a
point in time.
Whilst facility information was collected by LGAs,
further review is required by all project stakeholders
prior to formalising commitments to infrastructure
upgrades and/or renewal and determining strategic
directions for the Western Metropolitan Region. This
consultation will continue to occur as directions for this
Strategy are implemented.
WESTERN METROPOLITAN REGION FOOTBALL FACILITIES STRATEGY | MAY 2016 PAGE | 11PROPOSED FACILITY RENEWAL
The Region’s recognised State level facilities,
Williamstown Cricket Ground, Whitten Oval and
Chirnside Park all require improvement to reach
State level minimum standards as outlined in the
AFL Preferred Facilities Guidelines.
Facility audits identified the following gaps in provision
at these facilities:
• Williamstown Cricket Ground – player change rooms
to cater for female participants and sports lighting lux
levels
• Whitten Oval - sports lighting lux levels
• Chirnside Park – player change rooms and umpire
rooms to cater for female participants
With access to finals venues being an ongoing issue for
the region’s Leagues, investment is also required into
selected venues to better cater for finals and reach
Regional level classification. This is further outlined
under Priority 4 of this Strategy.
Two potential facilities Macpherson Park and Dempster
Park have been identified for upgrades which would
result in reclassification of these venues to Regional
level and improve capacity to cater for finals.
As the training base for the Western Jets and as a
venue that has hosted WRFL junior finals matches,
W.L.J. Croft Reserve has also been identified as a
potential Regional level football venue by AFL Victoria.
Hobsons Bay has identified W.L.J. Croft Reserve as It is recognised that project partner LGAs have their
serving an important open space function for the Altona own strategic planning documents that determine
North community where there is an identified shortage facility investment. The Guidelines are not compliance
of public open space. based and are provided as a guide only to inform and
support LGA’s.
The reserve may not be the most appropriate location
for a regional football facility as it provides for a broad The Western Region requires access to six venues that
range of active and passive sport and recreation are capable of hosting finals (including local venues). It
activities. The role of W.L.J. Croft Reserve will be is intended that specific venues will be identified by
further explored during the development of a master project partners during future planning processes.
plan in 2017-2018. Access requirements and identification of proposed
finals venues is outlined further under Objective 4 of
Melton has also identified two land parcels of a size
this Strategy.
capable of being developed into a Regional level
facility. At an appropriate time, Melton and AFL Victoria When prioritising upgrades to existing facilities,
should explore the possibility of these new venues identified need is only one consideration.
becoming Regional level facilities.
LGA’s and sport will need to work collaboratively to
The Proposed Facility Hierarchy chart (page 14) assess funding priorities based on a number of key
reflects these proposed upgrades to existing facilities. principles including participation levels, facility usage,
club / league ability to co-contribute to infrastructure
Proposed facility improvements are based on minimum
improvements and club commitment to supporting
standards from the AFL Preferred Facility Guidelines.
growth initiatives such as NAB AFL Auskick, junior
football and female participation.
WESTERN METROPOLITAN REGION FOOTBALL FACILITIES STRATEGY | MAY 2016 PAGE | 12CURRENT FACILITY CLASSIFICATION AND IDENTIFIED GAPS
REGIONAL LEVEL STATE LEVEL
LOCAL LEVEL CLASSIFICATION
CLASSIFICATION CLASSIFICATION
Facility Gaps Satisfactory Satisfactory Facility Gaps
Macpherson Park Saltwater Williamstown
Delahey Reserve John McLeod Ainsworth
Oval 1 Reserve Cricket Ground
(UR, MP) Reserve (UR) Reserve
(CR, UR) (synthetic oval site) (CR, SL)
Macpherson Park
Errington Reserve JR Parsons Reserve Keilor Recreation
Ovals 2 & 3 Dempster Park Whitten Oval (SL)
(CR, UR, MP) (CR) Reserve
(CR, UR, MP)
Robert Bruce Keilor Park Rec Burnside Heights
Green Gully Chirnside Park
Reserve Reserve Recreation Reserve
Reserve (CR, UR)
(CR, UR) (CR) (CR)
Caroline Springs Town
Kings Park Reserve (CR) Lionheart Reserve Altona Green
Centre Recreation
(CR) Park
Reserve (MP)
Diggers Rest
Donald McLean Reserve A.W. Langshaws JK Grant
Recreation Reserve
(CR) Reserve (UR) Reserve
(CR, UR)
Hillside Recreation Arnolds Creek
Fearon Reserve Bayside Secondary
Reserve Recreation
(CR) College (UR, MP) FACILITY GAP CODES
(CR) Reserve
Ian Cowie The following codes have
W.L.J. Crofts Reserve Bryan Martyn Oval Glen Orden
Recreation Reserve been applied to facilities
(CR, UR) (CR, SL) Reserve
(CR) where there is a gap in
Taylors Hill facility amenities,
Hansen Reserve Wootten Road
Laverton Park (CR) Recreation Reserve highlighted under
(CR, UR, SL) Reserve
(MP) FACILITY GAPS. This is
Melton Recreation according to outcomes of
Durnnings Road Reserve Hanmer Reserve Wyndhamvale
Reserve
(MP) (CR, UR, SL) North Reserve facility audits conducted in
(CR, UR)
April/May 2015.
Blackwood Drive
Galvin Park Henry Turner North Wyndhamvale
Recreation Reserve
(CR) (CR, UR, SL) South Reserve
(CR) CR – Change Rooms
Saltwater UR – Umpire Rooms
Goddard Street Reserve Kindersmith Reserve Shorten Reserve
Reserve MP – Main Pavilion
(MP) (CR, SL) (UR)
(turf oval site) SL – Sports Lighting
Hogans Road
McIvor Reserve Yarraville Oval
Reserve
(CR) (CR, UR, MP, SL) (SL)
Howqua Way LGA COLOUR CODE
Pennell Reserve
Reserve
(MP) (CR, UR, SL) Brimbank
Prudence Parade Hobsons Bay
Soldiers Reserve
Reserve
(CR) Maribyrnong
(MP)
Little River Reserve (CR, Warringa Reserve Melton
UR) (UR, MP) Wyndham
Windorah Way
Price Reserve
Reserve
(CR, UR, MP) (MP)
Note 1: Facility gaps in change room and umpire room provision may refer to either the condition of the rooms or that the rooms do
not cater for female participants.
Note 2: Facility gaps in main pavilion provision may refer to either the condition of the pavilion or that the pavilion is below the
minimum size recommended in the AFL Preferred Facilities Guidelines.
Note 3: Identified facility gaps are based on minimum standards from the AFL Preferred Facility Guidelines. It is recognised that
project partner LGAs have their own strategic planning documents that determine facility investment. The Guidelines are provided
as a guide only to inform these.
WESTERN METROPOLITAN REGION FOOTBALL FACILITIES STRATEGY | MAY 2016 PAGE | 13PROPOSED FACILITY HIERACHY
REGIONAL LEVEL STATE LEVEL
LOCAL LEVEL CLASSIFICATION
CLASSIFICATION CLASSIFICATION
Saltwater Reserve Williamstown Cricket
Ainsworth Reserve Donald McLean Reserve
(synthetic oval site) Ground
Green Gully Reserve Fearon Reserve Dempster Park Whitten Oval
Delahey Reserve A.W. Langshaws Reserve Keilor Rec Reserve Chirnside Park
Errington Reserve Bayside Secondary College Macpherson Park
Lionheart Reserve Bryan Martyn Oval
Robert Bruce Reserve Laverton Park (F)
John McLeod Reserve (F) Altona Green Park
JR Parsons Reserve JK Grant Reserve (F)
Keilor Park Rec Reserve W.L.J. Crofts Reserve (F) **
Kings Park Reserve Arnolds Creek Recreation Reserve
Hansen Reserve (F) Melton Recreation Reserve
Hanmer Reserve Blackwood Drive Recreation Reserve
Henry Turner North Burnside Heights Recreation Reserve
Caroline Springs Town Centre
Kindersmith Reserve
Recreation Reserve
McIvor Reserve Diggers Rest Recreation Reserve
Pennell Reserve (F) Hillside Recreation Reserve
Shorten Reserve Ian Cowie Recreation Reserve
Yarraville Oval Taylors Hill Recreation Reserve
Little River Reserve Prudence Parade Reserve
Price Reserve Soldiers Reserve
Durnnings Road Reserve Warringa Reserve
Galvin Park Windorah Way Reserve
LGA COLOUR CODE
Goddard Street Reserve Glen Orden Reserve
Brimbank
Hogans Road Reserve Wootten Road Reserve Hobsons Bay
Howqua Way Reserve Wyndhamvale North Reserve Maribyrnong
Saltwater Reserve Melton
Wyndhamvale South Reserve
(turf oval site) Wyndham
Note 1: (F) – Proposed Finals Venue at Local Level Classification
Note 2: Master Plan of W.L.J. Crofts Reserve will determine whether the reserve is classified to a Regional level.
Note 3: The Strategy recognises that the Western Region requires access to six venues that are capable of hosting finals (including
local venues). Specific venues will be identified by project partners during future planning processes and should consider a regional
spread of venues that reflects participation across the region.
WESTERN METROPOLITAN REGION FOOTBALL FACILITIES STRATEGY | MAY 2016 PAGE | 142. KEY FINDINGS
WESTERN METROPOLITAN REGION FOOTBALL FACILITIES STRATEGY | MAY
APRIL2016
2016 PAGE | 15WESTERN METROPOLITAN REGION LEAGUES WITHIN THE WESTERN
# Clubs
FOOTBALL STRUCTURE METROPOLITAN REGION
Ballarat Football League 2
The Western Metropolitan Region football
structure supports 11 football leagues and 8
Essendon and District Football League 5
umpire associations that are responsible for
the promotion, growth and sustainability of
Football Integration Development Association 3
community football in the Region.
The majority of Clubs, 45% (29 clubs) are affiliated with Geelong and District Football League 1
the Western Region Football League, 11% from the
Riddell District Football League (7 clubs), 8% from the
Riddell District Football Netball League 7
Essendon and District Football League (5 clubs) and
8% from the Victorian Amateur Football Association (5
clubs). VFL and TAC Cup 4
The Region also supports 1 AFL team (Western Victorian Country Masters Football League 1
Bulldogs), 3 VFL teams (Werribee FC, Footscray
Bulldogs and Williamstown FC), 1 TAC Cup team
Victoria Amateur Football Association 5
(Western Jets), 4 Women’s Football League teams, 4
Metropolitan Superules teams, 2 Victorian Country
Masters Football teams and 3 Football Integration Victorian Metropolitan Superules League 4
Development Association (FIDA) teams.
Victorian Women’s Football League 4
In 2014 Western Metropolitan clubs reported 12,876
football registrations across all leagues and program
types, an increase of 624 players or 5% across the Western Region Football League 29
Region from 2013. Registrations also included 3,786
NAB AFL Auskick participants and 275 registered Grand Total 65
female players (2% of total player numbers) spread
between junior, youth and senior women’s teams. Note: Two clubs, Hillside FC and Glen Orden FC field teams
in the Victorian Metropolitan Superules League or the
Victorian Country Masters Football League. To avoid
misrepresentation of Club numbers, those Clubs fielding
sides in Masters or Superules Leagues have been included
only once.
WESTERN METROPOLITAN REGION FOOTBALL FACILITIES STRATEGY | MAY 2016 PAGE | 16KEY FINDINGS
The State of Play Report and SWOT Analysis • Junior and female football are recognised as the two
and Facility Audit Outcomes Report most significant growth areas for the sport.
highlighted a range of critical football issues • NAB AFL Auskick was delivered through 46 schools,
that the Western Metropolitan Region faces. centres and clubs to 3,786 children in 2014.
These issues include growth in football
• The Region’s NAB AFL Auskick penetration rate of
participation, facility capacity to cater for the 9.3% is lower than the average rate of 11% for other
diversity of participants and the need to metropolitan regions.
prioritise and plan for infrastructure upgrades
• Compared to other metropolitan areas, the Region
and new development .
also has a low provision of facilities per head of
population, with access impacting on football
KNOWN PARTICIPATION participation.
• In 2014 Western metropolitan clubs reported 12,786 • When considering female participation, Western
registered players across all leagues and all metropolitan clubs had 275 registered female
program types, an increase of 624 players or 5% players (2% of total player numbers) spread
from Season 2013. between junior, youth girls and womens’ teams.
• The Western Metropolitan Region historically has • The region’s average for female participation sits at
had the lowest participation of any of AFL Victoria’s 0.2% of the region’s female population aged 5-39.
metropolitan regions across all player age This is slightly below the metropolitan female
categories. penetration average of 0.6%.
• Wyndham based clubs provided 33% of all Western • Dedicated girl’s clinics at NAB AFL Auskick Centres
Metropolitan Region club registered football presents a significant opportunity to continue to grow
participants. Wyndham will also experience the female participation across the Region.
second largest population growth in the Region in
the next 10 years. • AFL Victoria have increased staff resources across
the Region to address participation rates through the
• Melton sit second to Wyndham with 23% of club appointment of a dedicated North West Planning
registered football participants and largest projected Manager and three additional Football Development
population growth to 2025 of 54%. Managers.
• This growth in Wyndham and Melton is being • Initiatives delivered through these staff has seen
planned for but may fall short where planning and greater connection into schools, NAB AFL Auskick
new facility development does not keep pace with Centres and local clubs and connecting pathways to
participation increases. transition players between these groups.
FIGURE 02 | AFL VICTORIA REGISTERED PARTICIPANTS BY LGA – WESTERN METROPOLITAN REGION 2014
Senior
LGA Auskick Junior Youth Boys Youth Girls Senior Total
Women
Brimbank 499 550 550 75 550 75 2,299
Hobsons Bay 571 500 500 25 450 0 2,046
Maribyrnong 469 300 200 0 375 0 1,344
Melton 824 800 750 0 525 25 2,924
Wyndham 1423 950 950 25 775 50 4,173
Total 3,786 3,100 2,950 125 2,675 150 12,786
WESTERN METROPOLITAN REGION FOOTBALL FACILITIES STRATEGY | MAY 2016 PAGE | 17PROJECTED PARTICIPATION
• The estimated Western Metropolitan Region • The Region has the highest rate of unemployment,
population aged 5–39 (typically the key football approximately 25% higher than the State and
playing age) in 2014, was 346,670. By 2025 the metropolitan rates. This converts to lower levels of
Region’s population within this age cohort is forecast education attainment than other parts of metropolitan
to increase by 27% or 110,981 people. Melbourne, experiencing low school retention rates
and the lowest rate of tertiary qualified graduates in
• The majority of this growth will be in Melton and
Metropolitan Melbourne.
Wyndham. Melton’s 5-39 year old population
forecast is expected to increase by approximately • Hobsons Bay recorded the highest per capita
42,600 people and Wyndham’s by 48,100 people. participation rate for 5-39 year olds with 4.3%
followed by Melton (3.8%) Wyndham (3.5%),
• Maribyrnong is projected to see an additional 9,750
Maribyrnong (2.7%) and Brimbank (2.2%).
people in the 5-39 year old population age cohort.
• Based on just maintaining current (2014) individual
• Brimbank currently has the second largest
LGA participation rates it is anticipated that the
population in the Region. Anticipated growth to 2025
number of football participants to 2025 will increase
is expected to be at 5% or 5,200 people within the 5-
by 4,837 to 17,624, an estimated 38% increase.
39 age cohort.
Using AFL Victoria modelling of 25 players per team
• Hobsons Bay forecast growth sits at 11% and is and 7-14 teams per ground (7 is based on mostly
anticipated to continue to retain the lowest senior male teams, however some junior clubs can
population of all Western Metropolitan LGAs. This have up to 15 teams per ground without overuse),
still equates to an additional 5,200 people within the this equates to the sport requiring access to an
5-39 age cohort for the area, the same as Brimbank. additional 14-28 grounds across the Region by 2025.
• Historically, participation hasn’t necessarily kept • An increase of individual LGA female penetration
pace with population growth in the Western rates of just 1% would result in an additional 1,800
Metropolitan Region with migration from overseas female players or 72 female teams, requiring access
continuing to be the main driver for growth. to an additional 5-10 grounds.
• Over 95 nationalities are represented in the Region • Facility renewal and new development planning for
and Australian Football is not necessarily the natural the Region falls short of projected participation rates
sport that these new migrants are drawn to. AFL and estimated ground requirements (refer to
Victoria Multicultural Programs are focussing on Objective 2 of this Strategy for further detail).
increasing participation within these communities.
• Projected ground requirements also do not take into
• Participation has been further impacted by high consideration any growth in the sport which AFL
levels of disadvantage across the Region, often an Victoria have committed to. Initiatives to develop
indicator of participation in sport. football in the Western Metropolitan Region include
connecting player pathways between schools, NAB
AFL Auskick Centres and junior clubs and the
FIGURE 03 | PROJECTED POPULATION GROWTH integration of female football into existing League
AND PARTICIPANT NUMBERS 2015 TO 2025 BY LGA and club structures.
(AGES 5 TO 39)
160,000
6596
140,000
120,000
100,000 4205
4538
2570
2345
80,000
60,000 2924
1648
40,000 2272 1298
2014
20,000
0
Brimbank Hobsons Bay Melton Maribyrnong Wyndham
2015 2025
WESTERN METROPOLITAN REGION FOOTBALL FACILITIES STRATEGY | MAY 2016 PAGE | 18SPORT DEVELOPMENT
• The AFL Victoria Western and North West Regions • Region LGA’s actively work with their local migrant
Future Directions Report 2013 identified that a communities through dedicated CALD and sport
‘whole of game’ approach was required to grow development programs, expos and regular contact
football in the Western Metropolitan Region with a with community leaders.
focus on female football, improved stakeholder
• Linking into these existing programs and
collaboration, school participation and engagement
relationships provides an opportunity for AFL
of people from multicultural backgrounds.
Victoria Football Development Managers to better
• Schools play an important role in channelling players enhance their roles in the multicultural space.
into NAB AFL Auskick Centres and junior clubs and
• AFL Victoria’s Heartland Strategy states that
exposing migrant and refugee communities to the
provision of appropriate social rooms impacts on a
game.
club’s capacity to be accessible and welcoming,
• AFL Victoria school programs include football clinics, affecting club sustainability. This will need to be
delivery of programs through the Sporting Schools considered as part of facility planning and renewal
Program, addressing school assemblies and AFL into the future to better support diversity, access and
player appearances to schools and community inclusion.
clubs.
• The importance of shared facilities (amongst
• AFL Victoria are actively working to develop AFL competing clubs and sports) will also be a
School Ambassadors through professional consideration into the future to maximise usage.
development opportunities and encouraging Cultural change at the club level will need to be
participation beyond traditional clinics. achieved through promotion of the benefits of shared
usage such as facility provision that is built fit for
• 75% of schools in the Region currently have an AFL
purpose, greater alignment with government funding
School Ambassador.
priorities, increased opportunities to attract
• School participation now also includes dedicated investment from other partners, stronger social
CALD programs such as the AFL Multicultural networks and better asset utilisation.
Schools Football Program.
WESTERN METROPOLITAN REGION FOOTBALL FACILITIES STRATEGY | MAY 2016 PAGE | 19• From a national survey of clubs, participants and • Half of the Region’s home and away change rooms
volunteers in 2015, the top three barriers to female currently do not cater for female participation by not
participation are (in priority order); insufficient providing suitable shower and toilet amenities.
numbers to form full teams, lack of female friendly Addressing this amenities gap will be critical if
change rooms and amenities and on equal third, female participation is to be adequately supported.
lack of female player role models and not enough
• 9.7% of the current umpiring fraternity is now also
promotion of female football.
female, heightening the need to improve umpire
• Options are being provided to girls in the Region to change rooms to cater for female participation.
participate in NAB AFL Auskick through dedicated
• WRFL umpire numbers have trebled in the last 5
female groups with resultant participation growth
years to over 300 umpires.
anticipated.
• 21 facilities in the Region either do not offer umpire
• AFL Victoria projects up to 16 new female teams will
amenities or amenities offered are in poor quality
be established in the Western Metropolitan Region
condition.
by 2018.
• Addressing the provision of suitable umpire change
• Female participation will be further encouraged by
rooms as a regional priority is critical if umpire
AFL’s intentions to establish a national women’s
engagement and retention is to be ensured.
league, realignment of state leagues and
establishment of academies. Linked to this is State • Project stakeholders are currently presented with
Government announcements regarding female considerable opportunity to increase the amount of
participation at the board level in order to ‘qualify’ for female teams in the Region.
government funding.
• The majority of new female teams will be in Melton
and Wyndham but all project partner LGA’s can
expect integration of at least one additional female
team through existing club structures.
WESTERN METROPOLITAN REGION FOOTBALL FACILITIES STRATEGY | MAY 2016 PAGE | 20EXISTING INFRASTRUCTURE
• Region LGA’s have made considerable investment • Prioritisation of lighting improvements and change
into facility upgrades and renewal over the last 5 room upgrades to accommodate female participants
years with an average annual spend of $9m will be critical to the Region’s future strategic
annually. planning.
• Western Metropolitan Region facilities are generally • Anticipated population growth will continue to see
of good quality and condition, however, gaps exist in the establishment of new clubs in growth areas. New
the capacity of facilities to meet diversity of needs, infrastructure has been planned for by the Region’s
female participation or potential growth at the club LGA’s and will be created to service these new /
level. Further investment is required in the provision emerging communities.
of unisex change rooms and pavilion size to cater for
• The WRFL and AFL Victoria have committed to
the diversity of participants attracted to football.
working collaboratively with LGA’s to facilitate the
• Player pathways are generally well catered for with establishment of new football clubs and to advise on
three State level facilities offered in the Region at provision so facilities are “fit for purpose” as
Williamstown Cricket Ground, Chirnside Park and opportunities are presented.
Whitten Oval. Amenities, however, vary at these
• Partnerships developed through this project will
facilities and some improvements are required at all
foster improved communication on key issues whilst
three venues to bring them to State level standards.
optimising facility usage.
• In terms of the key regional facility for the Under 18
• The introduction of rate capping will limit the capacity
pathway (W.L.J. Crofts Reserve), whilst it has
of LGAs to raise revenue. Added to this is the
potential, it is generally considered below the
identification by the Auditor General of a $225 million
standard provided at other TAC Cup facilities across
asset renewal gap due to LGA owned assets
the State.
deteriorating faster than LGA’s can fund their
• Lighting is recognised as a way to assist in maintenance, renewal and replacement.
addressing carrying capacity by spreading training
• The competition for investment in sport and
wear across grounds. 31% of facilities have no
recreation infrastructure is high. Project partner
lighting or less than 50 lux (minimum training
LGAs must consider the needs of all sports, with
standard). All project partner LGA’s have at least 2
many other codes also projecting long term
facilities where lighting could be improved.
increases in participation.
• Playing surfaces across the region are of a high
• Rate capping, renewal gaps and investment
standard which assists in enhancing carrying
competition from other sports will impact on the
capacity.
capacity of project partner LGA’s to fund
• A collaborative, strategic approach between improvements identified in this Strategy.
government and sport is essential if opportunities to
• The need to attract and advocate for alternative
capitalise on growth in participation are to be
funding streams to support Strategy implementation
realised.
will be essential with AFL Victoria to play a key
advocacy role in sourcing multiple funding streams
from government and commercial parties (Developer
Contributions, State Government, Sponsorship,
SSA’s, Leagues and Clubs).
WESTERN METROPOLITAN REGION FOOTBALL FACILITIES STRATEGY | MAY 2016 PAGE | 21SUMMARY OF KEY FINDINGS
Participation in the western
metropolitan region is currently the
Participation is expected to increase
lowest of all metropolitan regions,
to 17,600 by 2025.
there are still however over 12,800
people participating in football.
Participation has traditionally not
The region also has the lowest kept pace with population growth.
provision of facilities per head of The sport has recently made
population in the metropolitan area. significant investment into the
region to address this.
Facilities in the Region are generally
Access to finals venues continues
in good condition. Provision of
to be an issue for leagues with up to
amenities to cater for participation
six suitable facilities required to
diversity however, needs to be
host finals.
addressed.
Participation should be regularly
reviewed by project partners to
Future facility planning currently
ensure future facility investment
does not meet projected
considers football requirements
participation requirements.
based on current and projected
participation growth.
Advocating collaboratively to
source alternative funding streams
Project partners face significant
will be essential if facility
challenges to fund future facility
investment and participation
renewal and development.
opportunities identified in this
Strategy are to harnessed.
WESTERN METROPOLITAN REGION FOOTBALL FACILITIES STRATEGY | MAY 2016 PAGE | 223. THE STRATEGY WESTERN METROPOLITAN REGION FOOTBALL FACILITIES STRATEGY | MAY 2016 PAGE | 23
VISION TO COLLABORATIVELY PLAN FOOTBALL FACILITIES THAT ENHANCE THE OPPORTUNITY FOR PARTICIPATION, INCLUSION, ACCESS AND SUSTAINABILITY ACROSS THE WESTERN REGION COMMUNITY WESTERN METROPOLITAN REGION FOOTBALL FACILITIES STRATEGY | MAY 2016 PAGE | 24
STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK
The following presents the strategic framework and structure for the provision of football facilities
in the Western Metropolitan Region for 2016 – 2031. The PCG have worked together to develop this
Strategy based on this framework. Five key objectives will guide the direction for support and will
be underpinned by strategies and actions that can be implemented at the local level. These
objectives are consistent with AFL Victoria’s Growing the Heartland document.
VISION
“TO COLLABORATIVELY PLAN FOOTBALL FACILITIES THAT ENHANCE THE OPPORTUNITY
FOR PARTICIPATION, INCLUSION, ACCESS AND SUSTAINABILITY ACROSS THE
WESTERN REGION COMMUNITY”
Increase the quality and functionality and maximise the use and carrying capacity of existing
OBJECTIVE 1
facilities.
Plan and develop new facilities in key growth areas across the region in line with community
OBJECTIVE 2
demand.
OBJECTIVE 3 Ensure programs and facilities cater for the diversity of participants in the Western Region.
Improve the provision of administration, State league level training facilities and finals venues via
OBJECTIVE 4
regional collaboration.
Continue to enhance the relationship between football, government and community partners in the
OBJECTIVE 5
planning and provision of facilities and programs.
► STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS
(Defined for each Objective)
WESTERN METROPOLITAN REGION FOOTBALL FACILITIES STRATEGY | MAY 2016 PAGE | 25OBJECTIVE 1
Increase the quality and functionality and maximise
the use and carrying capacity of existing facilities
With three State League level facilities, Club sustainability and the ability to capitalise on
players are generally well catered for as they participation growth are impacted by a lack of amenities,
move through the talented player pathway. particularly in the areas of sports lighting and change-
rooms that cater for both male and female participants.
The gap in local level facility provision and
standards however, continues to widen 31% of the region’s facilities have no lighting or lighting
between the Region’s LGA’s with limited below the minimum training standard. By LGA, all
open space and their growth area facilities within Maribyrnong have lighting below the
counterparts. This ultimately impacts on the minimum 50 lux level training standard on the main oval.
Brimbank has 5 facilities below the minimum levels,
ability of clubs to expand and grow.
Wyndham has 3 facilities, Hobsons Bay 2 facilities and
Strategically approaching facility investment, Melton 1 facility.
sourcing new funding opportunities and Of the State level facilities, only Chirnside Park has
increasing facility access through changed lighting lux levels (100 lux or above) suitable for
amenity provision will be key to addressing community football and State league night games.
the Region’s facility gaps. Objective 1 Other facilities with lighting at this lux level are Delahey
identifies opportunities to grow the sport Reserve, Dempster Park, Errington Reserve, John
through improved ground capacity, lighting McLeod Reserve, Keilor Recreation Reserve, Kings
provision, female participation, collaboration Park Reserve, Robert Bruce Reserve, Burnside Heights
between project partners and club Recreation Reserve, Caroline Springs Town Centre
Recreation Reserve, Hillside Recreation Reserve,
sustainability.
Melton Recreation Reserve, Taylors Hill Recreation
Reserve, Goddard Street Reserve, Howqua Way
Inadequate facilities further limits the capacity of
Reserve, Saltwater Reserve, Warringa Reserve,
Leagues to implement strategic initiatives to better
Windorah Way Reserve, Wooten Reserve and
manage participation growth, address infrastructure
Wyndhamvale South Reserve.
and ground shortages and encourage diversity in
participation through existing initiatives such as Having a select range of venues with match quality
Access All Abilities programs, female participation and lighting is important for a range of reasons, including
AFL 9’s. scheduling flexibility and can be a mechanism to
improve integration of teams into the traditional club
AFL Victoria has outlined a desire for existing facilities
environment. For example, as more women’s teams are
to meet standards outlined in the AFL Preferred
established, to better integrate them into established
Facilities Guidelines. Added to this, lighting provision
clubs, match lighting allows a womens game to be
to minimum training standards (50 lux level) is
played on a Saturday following the traditional Saturday
identified as a key priority and a core component of
afternoon fixture, rather than scheduling them totally
any club facility.
separate to the senior mens fixtures.
WESTERN METROPOLITAN REGION FOOTBALL FACILITIES STRATEGY | MAY 2016 PAGE | 26You can also read
