The council has expectations for Goodwood Oval. These were first espoused in my 1^st term on Council.

 

Expectations that were formed by significant public consultation at the time, including two open days. Around 2012. Expectations that aimed to continue meeting the multitude of needs of our diverse community. These are expectations that, thus far, have only partially been fulfilled.

Since the erection of the new clubrooms, Goodwood Oval has had no more work done on it. Other open space projects have had a higher priority. Projects like the Millswood Croquet clubrooms. Others include the resurfacing of Unley Oval and the master planning of Ridge Park.

Before reading on I suggest you read my blog post titled “Goodwood Oval is in Council’s budget deliberations”. “Expectations for Goodwood Oval” hopefully expands on that blog post.

 

In response to representations to our annual business plan and budget consultation, and subsequent to that blog post, I drafted a motion on notice.

 

The motion was moved by Cr Bonham on my behalf as I missed the meeting due to respiratory complications. The motion was thankfully seconded by my co-councillor, Rebekah Rogers and passed unanimously.

It is a motion that attempts to identify what are potential projects. A motion that also identifies that there will be public consultation and notably pinning that down for a time when hopefully we will have something to consider for consultation.

 

The motion identifies two projects and that have already been given consideration and have in-principle support.

 

Extending the tennis courts was identified during the 2012 master planning. The focus is on the need for increased backdrops to make the court pennant legal.

That said, the current proposal by Tennis SA has not received our approval as a detailed proposition has not been provided by them. We (Council) must be satisfied that any improvement is appropriate and suitable.

That includes ensuring the significant tree in the northwest corner of the Hockey Field is not compromised. That any extension is no longer than it needs to be.

It also needs to ensure that the public courts remain readily available for the public. Courts that I would suggest don’t need the same backdrops as the Pennant courts.

The other project and the one I have maintained my focus on is the resurfacing of the Oval and the provision of underground drainage. In other words, replicating what we have just done at Unley Oval. This has always been and always will be a non-negotiable for me.

The Oval needs this to make it a facility that can be used by ALL who use it whenever they use it. An oval that is not churned up by Football. An oval, therefore, that is easy to set up in between seasons for Cricket. Likewise, for all other users to access. To the whole oval, not just sections that remain in good or fair condition. Not having to avoid churned-up areas.

 

Importantly, my motion ensures that any expectations for Goodwood Oval outside of these two WILL BE the subject of public consultation.

 

Trusting that our administration can provide a concept worth Council considering as suitable for consultation in the time envisaged, consultation will be in the last quarter of the year. Such consultation will not include resurfacing the Oval, but how to make the cricket nets safe for their use and the safety of the wider public. The creation of additional green space instead of the carpark. Other ancillary projects that may or may not yet have been considered.

Relocating those cricket nets is a request by the cricket club. A request that has not been examined by Council. With those cricket nets, I am not convinced they must be relocated to address the various safety issues that need addressing. I will ensure this is considered in any report received by Council for consideration for consultation.

They (admin) will have three months to prepare something for us to consider. I trust they can resource this.