Frequently Asked Questions
- current challenges, needs and opportunities across Council-owned and jointly managed indoor sports facilities.
- how future demand may change as our community grows and participation trends evolve.
- options to help meet future demand, including opportunities to improve access and participation, strengthen partnerships, optimise existing facilities and explore infrastructure needs.
- future directions to guide investment and advocacy priorities.
What is the draft Indoor Sports Facility Framework?
The draft Indoor Sports Facility Framework a long-term plan that will help guide how we plan, manage and invest in indoor sports facilities across Manningham.
The Framework looks at:
Why are we preparing this Framework?
Demand for indoor sports facilities continues to grow. Our facilities support more than 528,000 annual visits and over 50 regular user groups. This Framework will provide a strategic approach to managing demand, improving access, and planning for the future.
What benefits do indoor sports facilities provide to the community?
Indoor sports facilities support physical activity, health and wellbeing, social connection, community participation and inclusive recreation opportunities. They are important community hubs that help bring people together and support people of all ages and abilities.
Does the Framework commit Council to building new stadiums?
No. The Framework does not commit Council to any specific capital projects. Instead, it identifies opportunities that may be investigated in the future and provides a basis for planning, advocacy, partnership discussions and future decision-making. Any major redevelopment or expansion projects will be influenced by demand, partnership opportunities, funding availability and our long-term financial capacity. As a result, many opportunities will require further investigation, business case development, partnership negotiations and external funding support before implementation can be considered.
How many indoor courts does Manningham currently have?
We own or manage 18 indoor courts across 9 venues throughout Manningham. This includes 5 Council-owned facilities and 4 facilities operated through Joint Use Agreements with local schools.
What are the Indoor Court Allocation Guidelines?
Demand for indoor court space continues to grow, particularly during peak periods, and there is not enough court capacity to accommodate all requests. The Indoor Court Allocation Guidelines are currently being trialled to support a more transparent, equitable and evidence-based approach to allocating court space across Council's indoor sports facilities. The trial will allow us and facility operators to test the Guidelines in practice, gather feedback from users, and make any necessary refinements before they are finalised. The aim is to ensure limited court space is allocated fairly, consistently and in a way that delivers the greatest benefit to the Manningham community.
Why don’t you build more courts?
Indoor sports facilities are expensive and complex to deliver. Construction costs can exceed $8 million per court, and suitable land for new facilities is extremely limited. Future capacity increases are likely to involve a combination of facility upgrades, partnerships and improvements to existing facilities, and will be dependent on external funding support.
What improvements could be considered in the future?
Potential opportunities identified in the Framework include upgrades to existing facilities, accessibility improvements, expanded partnerships with schools, better utilisation of existing facilities, and investigation of future expansion opportunities at selected sites. Any future projects would be subject to further planning and funding.
How will you fund future facility improvements?
Funding may come from a combination of Council investment, State and Federal Governments, peak bodies, private and commercial providers, and other partnerships and funding bodies. For larger projects, a co-funding approach involving multiple providers is expected.
How can provide feedback the Framework?
Feedback on the draft Indoor Sports Facility Framework is open until 4 pm Thursday 3 December.
To view the draft Indoor Sports Facility Framework and provide your feedback, visit: yoursay.manningham.vic.gov.au/indoor-sports-facility-framework