Besides the four “main” towns of Numurkah, Nathalia, Cobram and Yarrawonga, Moira Shire has eight “small towns” (Tungamah, Invergordon, Katunga, Katamatite, Strathmerton, Picola, Yarroweyah, Waaia) that have single-oval sports facilities that also include netball courts, cricket nets and sports pavilions.
For each town to field a sports club in any given sport, they must have the commitment of dozens of players and volunteers. The population of these towns hovers between 500 and 1000 people. This alone makes it incredibly difficult for clubs to thrive and grow, but their difficulties are compounded by the ever-increasing standard of facilities and growth that occurs in the larger towns.
The strategy has been funded by Council in partnership with Sport and Recreation Victoria and will be a first of its kind in Victoria. It will respond directly to the unique issues and opportunities in Moira Shire.
Moira is committing to embracing the strong culture of participation in football, netball and cricket, and using this strength to leverage participation in all sports. As well as the large number of facilities that we have, a commitment is needed to improving them so that all members of the community have equal access to an equal standard of facilities no matter where they reside.
The work will see a suite of high-level masterplans produced for the following sites:
- Tungamah
- Invergordon
- Katunga
- Katamatite
- Strathmerton
- Picola
- Yarroweyah
- Waaia
In addition, a detailed report will be provided, which will analyse the issues and opportunities for increasing sustainability in smaller towns and provide a series of recommendations about how Moira can improve equity and increase participation across our Shire.
Submission are now closed
Thank you to everyone who took the time to submit their feedback to Council.