Two new Council policies set to increase local sporting participation

Baw Baw Shire Councillors unanimously endorsed two new policies at a Council meeting on Wednesday afternoon, both of which will help to foster community participation in local sports, by increasing access to facilities.  

The Sports Pavilion Design and Development Policy and Fair Access Policy both underwent community engagement in October last year. In addition to the public exhibition of these draft policies on Baw Baw Connect, Council officers also hosted three in-person sessions to meet with residents and sporting groups, to hear their thoughts and ideas.  

Council has 40 pavilions at Council-managed sporting venues and The Sports Pavilion Design and Development Policy will support the Shire’s need to develop a consistent and transparent position regarding sports pavilion projects. This policy will also address design standards, funding options and prioritisation criteria, and provide both Council and the community with a structured framework to guide future pavilion projects, providing consistent and equitable outcomes across the Shire. 

The Fair Access Policy seeks to address the barriers faced by women and girls in accessing and using community sports infrastructure and facilities throughout the Shire and aims to increase equality and accessibility.  

Council Officers consulted extensively with GippSport, the Office for Women in Sport and Recreation, and Sport and Recreation Victoria throughout the creation and finalisation of this policy.  

At the Council meeting on Wednesday 5 June, Councillors spoke highly of both policies, stating how great they were and hoped they encouraged even more people to follow sporting paths in Baw Baw. 

Baw Baw Shire Mayor Cr Annemarie McCabe commended the policies and what they seek to achieve.  

“These policies address important issues in our Shire,” the Mayor said. 

“The Sports Pavilion Design and Development Policy ensures officers have a robust policy to follow when supporting and facilitating pavilion upgrades across Baw Baw, ensuring fair and consistent treatment for our sporting clubs and user groups. 

“The Fair Access Policy speaks volumes about Council’s commitment to ensuring equal access for all members of our community when it comes to participating in sport, and aims to eliminate the systemic causes of gender inequality.”