FAQs

A review of the Outdoor Sports Infrastructure Policy and Sporting Facilities Allocation Policy was undertaken to consolidate the policies and ensure they are contemporary and responsive to the changing sport and recreation landscape. This includes alignment with the State Government’s Fair Access Policy, consideration of cost escalation for infrastructure developments, and responds to ongoing participation growth.

Your feedback was valuable in shaping the final Policy. All feedback received was carefully considered to refine the Policy, ensuring it best serves the needs of our community. The updated Policy has now been endorsed by Council, reflecting the collective input of our community.

The new Policy was endorsed by Council in August 2024. Implementation will occur as a staged approach in accordance with the following dates:

1 April 2025 – Implementation of the sports facility allocations component to align with 2025 winter allocations.

1 July 2025 – Implementation of the infrastructure and financial contributions component to align with the 2025/26 budget.

In general, existing lease agreements will remain unaffected. However, upon renewal, lease agreements will now include a special condition requiring the lessee to provide Council with a Usage Plan. This plan will outline the range of activities and benefits provided through the use of Council-owned facilities.

While the process remains largely unchanged, there are some adjustments. Seasonal and annual user groups are now required to submit a Usage Plan as part of their application. The Usage Plan will be built into the online application process. Usage plans are not required for casual bookings. This change aims to streamline the application process and ensure transparency in facility allocations.

There has been no change. Preseason training and practice match bookings will still require a casual booking. Priority is given to user groups with existing seasonal allocations. Applicants must apply at least 10 business days in advance, demonstrating community benefit and responsible use, and complying with insurance and liability requirements.

A set of weighted scoring criteria will be applied in instances where multiple user groups seek to use the same outdoor sporting facility simultaneously and a shared use agreement is not achievable. The criteria consider factors such as:

• History in Manningham.
  • Length of tenure at the facility.
  • Previous financial investment into the facility.
  • Community participation.
  • Community programs and initiatives.
  • Fair Access alignment.
  • Breaches of licence agreement.
  • Governance.

The draft Policy identifies ‘regional’ and ‘district’ level facilities as being suitable for match standard lighting infrastructure but does not support match standard lighting at ‘local’ level facilities. Requests for night matches require a casual allocation and are subject to varying requirements at each facility, which include consideration for parking, distance to residents etc.

The Policy focuses on new projects and facility upgrades in accordance with Council's Capital Works program. Projects within this program are assessed and prioritised using established recreation capital works criteria to ensure resources are allocated effectively and transparently.