For long-term Emerald resident Clinton Adams, sport and recreation is the fabric of any community.
‘Whether you’re in the Central Highlands or you’re in Brisbane it makes no difference,’ he said.
‘Lifelong friendships are made, children learn to win and lose and from a health point of view it’s essential.’
The passionate local will be hitting the road next week with other members of the Game Plan Advisory Committee to promote council’s new draft plan for organised sport and active recreation in the region.
‘The document sets a new strategic direction for this integral pillar of our community, outlining the goals and aspirations for our sporting clubs, facilities and programs,’ Chairman Cr Alan McIndoe said.
‘The plan and supporting tenure framework aims to ensure best practice, best use of council resources and the best outcomes for local clubs.’
Mr Adams said the Game Plan would result in the creation of a strategic hub for better facility management, insurance and safety, club development and access to grants.
‘There are benefits in linkages,’ he said.
‘A lot of sporting organisations don’t know how to access grants or what’s out there and at the moment if you have no tenure you can’t apply for certain funding. The Game Plan is going to be a game changer.’
Community member Daniella Spiccia is also on the advisory committee and said she saw the plan as an opportunity to streamline processes and make clubs more sustainable.
‘There’s a lot of support coming for strategic planning and financial planning, as well as the ability to upskill committee members, so that our clubs function in a more efficient manner.’
Lyn Brown, the third community member on the committee, agreed saying it was all about good governance and security.
‘The number one thing for clubs is security, security of tenure so that clubs can make plans five or 10 years down the track for where their juniors might be going or there might be opportunity to expand into rep,’ she said.
‘The Game Plan to me really is an opportunity that clubs now need to grab so they can move forward.’
To inform the community of the plan and gather constructive feedback, the Game Plan Advisory Committee will host consultation sessions next week, all kicking off at 6.00 pm.
The roadshow will be at the Blackwater Civic Centre on Monday 13 November, the Emerald Council Chambers on Tuesday 14 November, the Capella Culutral Centre on Wedensday 15 November and the Springsure Multipurpose Clubhouse on Thursday 16 November.
Cr McIndoe said everyone was welcome to come along and have their say.
‘If you can’t make a session, head to council’s website where you will find all of the draft documents and a link to the online survey,’ he said.
For more information or to discuss the plan please contact council’s Sport and Recreation Team on 1300 242 686.