Local Government throughout Australia is an important provider of sport and recreation infrastructure and services to the community. In recognition of Local Government’s role in the Active Australia framework, funding has been made available to the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) from the National Office of Local Government’s Local Government Development Program (LGDP).
These funds will enable the ASC to undertake Active Australia projects which focus on Local Government’s involvement in the concept.
These projects must demonstrate the following.
- Develop stronger strategic links between Local Government and other key players in the planning and provision of sporting and recreational services to the benefit of local communities.
- Establish ongoing links between State Local Government Associations, State Government Sport and Recreation Departments, regional Local Government groupings and relevant Commonwealth agencies.
- Establish and promote a best practice culture of continuous improvement in the management, provision and usage of sporting/recreational facilities at the local level.
During April 1998 the first round of projects was approved. Details of the successful applicants are as follows.
SA Office for Recreation and Sport
Data analysis project investigating the impact of recreation and sporting facilities and events in both rural and urban settings in SA and linking this information to how Active Australia objectives can be met.
Contact Mike Schetter Telephone (08) 8416 6713
Burnie City Council
Project involving developing a participation strategy for Burnie City Council public facilities and recreation areas as part of the Burnie Take Heart Active Australia project.
Contact Patrick Earle Telephone (03) 6431 1033
Yarra Ranges Shire
Project to develop a draft study brief for the Active Participation development strategy for the Shire.
Contact Lesley Humphreys Telephone (03) 9735 8298
Launceston City Council
Project focusing upon enhancing the retention rates of youth in sport to arrest the youth sport dropout in the region of northern Tasmania.
Contact Rod Sweetnam Telephone (03) 6337 1288
Ballarat City Council
Project to establish a Ballarat Recreation Commission as a link to council and an advocate for the development of Active Australia in the Ballarat region.
Contact David Ronaldson Telephone (03) 5320 5500
Participation Division, ASC
Project to establish a national data base of Local Government sport and recreation best practice models targeting people with disabilities, women and people from non English speaking backgrounds.
Contact Jeff Dry Telephone (08) 8416 6730
A major objective of each project is to provide a report on the outcomes of the project in order that other Councils may benefit from the findings and recommendations that are developed.
Those interested in finding out more information on any of the projects in the immediate future should make contact with the project coordinator as indicated above. A detailed report of all projects will be made available upon their completion.
