385 people responded to the Naracoorte Regional Sports Centre proposal survey
The community of Naracoorte is engaged in discussions regarding the proposed Naracoorte Regional Sports Centre project, with opinions divided on the best course of action. Last November, the Naracoorte-Lucindale Council sought feedback on whether to allocate $8 million for new basketball or netball facilities or invest $35 million in a new sports complex. Residents provided input through various channels, including written submissions, community sessions, and online platforms.
Of the 385 responses received, 55.8% expressed support for advancing the Naracoorte Regional Sports Centre proposal. However, opinions were mixed, with 37.4% suggesting the council should not pursue any project builds. Additionally, 62.6% indicated a preference for either the $8 million or $35 million project, with 23.1% favoring the former and 32.2% the latter.
While the community values the existing Naracoorte & Districts Sports Centre, feedback revealed concerns about the proposed project. Approximately 13% of respondents emphasized the need for an indoor pool, while around 8% questioned the project’s financial feasibility given the current economic climate. Some suggested redistributing funds to benefit all communities within the council area or having sporting clubs contribute to facility upgrades.
The council acknowledged the extensive deliberation and planning invested in the Naracoorte Regional Sports Centre since 2019. It emphasized the importance of providing clear direction on the project’s future and committed to holding a briefing session to discuss community engagement outcomes and next steps.
Councillor Monique Crossling advocated for continued progress on the project, citing community feedback as indicative of support. She stressed the importance of not abandoning years of work on the proposal and proposed further engagement to refine the plans. The motion was seconded by Cr Tom Dennis and approved.
Furthermore, plans for a public meeting at the Naracoorte Town Hall to discuss the proposal were underway, following a recommendation from Councillor Peter Ireland. The meeting date and time are yet to be confirmed by the mayor and elected members.
Option 1, costing $8 million, entails a two-court indoor sports stadium with fixed seating, a community function room, and supporting facilities. Option 2, with a budget of $35 million, proposes a larger complex with four multi-use courts, modern changerooms, and additional amenities. Both options aim to address the community’s sporting needs, with further discussions expected to refine the proposal.
