Chamber drops the ball

Tenterfield councillors apparently don’t have their eye on the ball when it comes to sport. A request by the Tenterfield Sport and Recreation Group (SPARG) asking the council to form a 355 committee didn’t even hit first base when the recommendation went before the last general meeting.
Taking a united approach to planning, the Sport and Recreation Group had successfully engaged the local community in discussion about the future needs of Tenterfield’s sporting facilities.
The body has enjoyed a successful start to their endeavours after they formed in May 2010, raising up to $18,000 in funds in the short timeframe, including two State grants.
As most of the town’s sporting facilities are on council land, a request that the council form a 355 committee seemed like a logical next step. But even with a hired consultant on hand, and MP Richard Torbay cheering on the initiative, their efforts didn’t register a hit at the February 23 meeting of the council.
SPARG was hoping the Shire would lend expertise and resources to progress the community venture but the recommendation failed to score any points with elected representatives in the chamber.
Not one saw fit to speak up in support of the venture. The report and recommendation subsequently lapsed. Mayor Toby Smith commented that councillors felt the committee had been doing such a good job they couldn’t see why it should be taken over by the council. Cr Lucy Sullivan suggested there was concern over the impost it would be on resources.
Undeterred by the lack of political muscle, the sporting committee (SPARG) has been actively pursuing the game plan.
The group met early this month with consultant Brian Downes of Venue Group Consulting and the Shire’s acting general manager Glen Inglis to forge a submission and a 10-year strategic plan.
SPARG Committee president Christine Forster said Mr Inglis (a former general manager from Tamworth) subsequently provided some positive advice and direction.
“The next step is to prepare a general survey to be sent to all groups to help us compile an annual calendar of events and a 10-year wish list.” That is, she explained, “We want to ask what each group thinks they will need in the next 10 years.” She said, “It’s not just sporting groups (we are canvassing); recreational groups are also encouraged to be involved.”
The key focus for the first phase of the plan will be the town swimming pool, Memorial Hall and the tennis courts.  “We are still keen to work with the council on a 355 committee and believe it will happen in the future,” Mrs Forster told the Free Times.
The volunteer community based committee is essentially doing work that is the province of a local council. It is believed that, once their strategic 10-year plan comes into place, it will be more readily adopted by the sitting members of the Shire.
But given their initial reluctance, The Free Times asked Mr Inglis, who was standing in for general manager Jim Gossage, for his take on the issue last week.
He regarded the apparent anti-sports attitude of Councillors to be more a matter of “miscommunication” and was quick to applaud the vision of the sports project.
“Remember sport is an industry,” he said, describing how improved facilities and infrastructure can deliver real economic benefits to a town. “It also contributes to the social capital of the community.”
Mr Inglis said active sports and recreation bring many community benefits. From the economic benefits of visitors for carnivals, there are also direct community and social positives through health and fitness and  improved opportunities  for youth being engaged in productive pursuits. “That’s why it’s all good. We are looking at a 10-year priority program and the strategic investigation (the initial survey study) is most important.
“The council is in partnership with this project. It has to be because all these facilities are on council land. A 10-year infrastructure improvement plan is important for future funding. If you don’t have one, your project goes to the bottom of the pile.”
Community groups will be contacted for input into the survey shortly.  Mrs Forster meanwhile is grateful for the continued support and encouragement of the local Member Mr Torbay. Keeping the SPARG ball rolling, ratepayers will be watching to see if their councillors can kick a town goal next time. The Mayor is expecting the matter to be revisited.