Open playing field for new sports facilities in north Butler

A report on tonight’s Wanneroo City Council agenda said there were 237 submissions during consultation periods earlier this year, with 95 per cent of completed submissions supporting the proposal.

Due to be built in four stages over the next five years, plans for the $22.3 million facility include two ovals, little athletics facilities, 16 hard courts and a multi-purpose building.

They also include a path network, open space for informal exercise, community art, lighting, picnic facilities, amenities, play space, car parking and a possible performing arts centre.

The November 3 council briefing said the City did an online survey in July-August and a mail-out in September-October. “A total of 237 submissions were received, of which 189 were complete; 95 per cent (180) supported the proposed design and 5 per cent did not,” it said.

The report said supportive comments included that it was greatly needed, would benefit schools, the community and encourage sports groups to grow.

“Of the 5 per cent unsupportive comments, most indicated a preference for an increased level of provision such as a regional swimming pool, regional athletics and cycling facilities,” it said.

As well as the requests above, respondents asked for lawn bowls, an indoor sports facility, baseball backnets and batting cages, tennis courts, a water playground, dog exercise area, council-run gym and café or bar.

At last week’s briefing session, Councillor Sabine Winton asked what sporting groups other than Northern Beaches Cycling Club had been consulted.

The City’s community programs and services manager Shane Spinks said cycling was noted because it was discussed at a previous council meeting.

“That’s a sport that we haven’t routinely focused on within the City,” he said.

With councillors simply asked to note the results of consultation and that planning discussions were ongoing tonight, Cr Winton also has a motion to form a North Coast community reference and sport user group.

Her motion said it would help guide development of the North Coast Ward Active Reserves Master Plan, which includes existing sports facilities and the Butler north and Yanchep playing fields.