Developing a Sport and Recreation Strategy fit for future champions

From Olympic hockey players to skateboarders, swimmers, surfers, surf lifesavers, footballers, netballers, horseback riders, beach volleyball, cricket, table tennis and every other sport in between, the tweed is known for excelling in sport.

As part of our commitment to providing opportunities for the community to be more active and healthier, Council is working with the Better Cities Group to develop a new strategy for sport and active recreation to guide investment and decision-making over the next 10 years.

The strategy will be an important planning tool to guide future resource priorities, major projects and initiatives that support participation in community sports and active recreation.

Together with the Better Cities Group, Council has already begun reaching out to Tweed’s 80+ sports clubs and are hosting a special community talk today at Seagulls Club to get their views.

Tweed Shire Mayor Chris Cherry said sport and physical activity are an integral part of the Tweed people’s identity.

“With the 2032 Olympics being held just across the border in Brisbane and the Gold Coast, these are indeed exciting times for the entire sports community,” said Cr Cherry.

“Our latest community survey showed that our residents genuinely value an active lifestyle, including sport, and we are committed to providing the best opportunities and facilities that we can to advance. The outcomes of this strategy will detail where the Council is focusing its attention for the fellowship over the next decade.”

Cr Cherry said it was important to note that the sport is built on the backs of community volunteers and the council is committed to supporting their efforts wherever possible.

“A survey of Tweed sports clubs highlights the fact that 80% of clubs in the Shire have no paid staff and 90% of clubs rely entirely on volunteers to operate,” said Cr Cherry.

“Volunteering is a crucial element of the sports and leisure ecosystem and I hope that this will be reflected in the development of the strategy.”

Dan Barr, director of Better Cities Group, whose organization specializes in urban design and planning, said the strategy will be based on an understanding of the Tweed’s changing demographics and take into account projected population growth.

“We all know what a great place the Tweed is – it’s one of the reasons we’re seeing our population growth,” Mr Barr said.

“This will increase demand for sports and leisure facilities. We encourage the community to think about what this means for our sport, our clubs and our facilities. This is an important part of ensuring that the strategy meets the needs of the community today and for the next ten years.

“The strategy will also take into account the benefits leading up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympics and the legacy opportunities after the Games.”

Council manages more than 40 sports grounds and centers across Tweed covering a range of sports including netball, basketball, tennis, hockey, AFL, rugby league, rugby union, football, cricket, swimming, skateboarding and croquet whilst our beaches are home to very active surf and surf life saving communities.

Contacts are being made directly with clubs and associations to understand the current context and future aspirations.

Broader community engagement will take place in April through pop-ups at community events and an online Your Say Tweed poll. The feedback will feed into the draft strategy, which will be on public display and open for comment in June.

Tweed’s sports facilities have undergone a review and the strategy will also include a plan for their continued maintenance and modernization as required.

Visit yoursaytweed.com.au/activerecreation for more information.