Wyndham’s booming population will result in a massive demand for sports facilities before 2045, according to a council report.
The Wyndham Sports Strategy 2045 predicts that within the next three decades, Wyndham’s population will reach between 400,000 to 450,000.
The report states this would fuel a need for more recreational areas and buildings, including an additional 59 soccer fields, 48 netball courts, 46 tennis courts, 45 basketball courts, 42 cricket ovals and 20 football fields.
The council estimated it would need a total of $971 million to build all the new sports facilities outlined in the report.
According to the document, the council expects to be able to provide $622 million of the total required, including developer contributions and the community infrastructure levy.
It did not specify where the rest of the money would come from, but stated the council would encourage private investment.
Among the report’s many recommendations were for the council to consider planning an athletics facility and hockey field in Truganina; installing skate facilities at Lawrie Emmins Reserve in Laverton North; and identifying locations for a soft surface cycling and running loop, similar to The Tan at the Botanical Gardens in Melbourne.
The report stated that the council could build soccer pitches at existing, and future, areas of open space in Point Cook, Manor Lakes and Tarneit.
It also recommended a feasibility study into building a soccer facility at the proposed aquatic and leisure centre planned for 1160 Sayers Road in Tarneit.
The council should also investigate building a minimum of nine courts, which could be used for sports such as netball and basketball, at the centre.
More than 2000 residents, sports clubs and sports industry representatives took part in the council’s community consultation for the Wyndham Sports Strategy 2045.
Cr Peter Maynard said the report would be reviewed every five years, with a view to providing a diverse range of sports in Wyndham.
“Our research shows that more than three quarters of residents are involved in some form of physical activity,” he said.
