The sporting complex master plan for Bega has been agreed to by council.
However, it is unclear at this stage where it will find over $7.5million needed to bring the changes to fruition.
Meanwhile, the Pambula sporting complex master plan remains a deferred matter after two deputations to last week’s council meeting raised concerns about the consultation process.
The passionate discussion at the council meeting followed a period of public exhibition of both sporting master plans from December 2015 to February 2016 when comments, feedback and submissions were received.
The aim of the project was to develop and adopt strategic planning documents for the two identified regional sports grounds located in Bega and Pambula Beach.
Master planning for both sites was carried out concurrently by Ross Planning with a view to the two sites complementing each other, council said.
The master plan documents will be a guide for future development and once adopted, will be a resource in planning both capital renewal and new works on the sites.
At last week’s council meeting, Fraser Buchanan on behalf of the Pambula Penguins Soccer Club and Glen Baker on behalf of the Pambula Panthers AFL Club and the Merimbula Pambula Bulldogs Rugby Club both expressed concern that although there had been consultation, nothing they had said appeared to have been taken into account.
“The grounds do not fit where they are proposed, the club rooms are not in a good position and car parking is too far away. We have between 60-100 cars attending on Sundays and the lighting proposed is inadequate,” Mr Buchanan said.
“Now we’ve received the final draft and there’s been no changes. We’re concerned council is adopting a plan; how has it got to this stage, it’s like the negotiations never took place.”
Mr Baker had similar concerns. “The consultants appeared to have a good understanding of what was required. Despite all our wealth of knowledge that night the information was thrown out of the door.
Mr Baker said the two-storey club house had no disabled access.
He said an extended single-storey building would provide a kitchen and much-needed additional changing rooms.
“There’s no mention of a better surface or upgrade or water reticulation,” Mr Baker said.
“If we’re going to have a great sports complex it’s no good having a bad surface.
“When games are on there’s 60 plus cars parked and between 100 to 150 cars dropping players off.
“There’s no secondary access. The club rooms need to be a priority.
“We would ask council to reconsider the master plan. We want a master plan that works for everyone.”
Mayor Michael Britten said while the Bega plan is acceptable, there is a “big price tag attached to it”, but he hoped a plan for Pambula would follow soon.
Denise Dion, Bega District News
Last Modified on 12/07/2016 11:06