2.5 Role of Devonport City in Recreation
Australia has a long history of involvement by Local Government in the delivery of recreation programs and services.
In developing a municipal recreation strategy and related policy/ies it is strategically important to ascertain the future role and responsibilities of local government, as contrasted against Federal Government bodies, State Government, Sporting Associations/Peak bodies, non-profit clubs and associations, private health clubs and other commercial groups.
Devonport City Council per local authorities across Australia has had a strong background in sporting and recreation provision and from the expectations and community values cited by respondents in the consultative phase an important ongoing future role in regards to enhancing and furthering such provision.
Over the course of the study a number of community values were apparent which impact on the provision of recreation, leisure and sport opportunities across the municipality. These themes are consistent with the community consultation findings, and will shape any future recreation policy, recreation services and program delivery and infrastructure development. The Devonport City is made up of the major commercial centre at Devonport, and smaller population bases at East Devonport, Spreyton, Ambleside and Don. Maintaining high quality sporting facilities in a way, which is perceived to be accessible and equitable to all residents is a significant challenge for the City to manage.
Australia has a long history of involvement by Local Government in the delivery of recreation programs and services.
In developing a municipal recreation strategy and related policy/ies it is strategically important to ascertain the future role and responsibilities of local government, as contrasted against Federal Government bodies, State Government, Sporting Associations/Peak bodies, non-profit clubs and associations, private health clubs and other commercial groups.
Devonport City Council per local authorities across Australia has had a strong background in sporting and recreation provision and from the expectations and community values cited by respondents in the consultative phase an important ongoing future role in regards to enhancing and furthering such provision.
Over the course of the study a number of community values were apparent which impact on the provision of recreation, leisure and sport opportunities across the municipality. These themes are consistent with the community consultation findings, and will shape any future recreation policy, recreation services and program delivery and infrastructure development. The Devonport City is made up of the major commercial centre at Devonport, and smaller population bases at East Devonport, Spreyton, Ambleside and Don. Maintaining high quality sporting facilities in a way, which is perceived to be accessible and equitable to all residents is a significant challenge for the City to manage.
2.6 Rationale for Local Government Involvement in Recreation
The regional Cradle Coast Recreation Planning Framework states:
“Australian Local Government has traditionally played a major role in provision of parks and recreation infrastructure,programs and services. This level of involvement of the past century has increased to a high level of involvement and funding by local government. Traditionally, recreation clubs programs and activities were exclusively community based. Public land was provided for communities, and operated by not for profit clubs and organizations. Over the course of local government’s development it has assumed an increasing level of responsibility for the maintenance and management of these recreation areas and now spends a significant amount of its budget on recreational infrastructure and program provision.
The reason why local government has a direct responsibility for the provision of recreation is as follows:
- Historical – communities, residents and ratepayers expect local government to provide land, facilities and funds to assist in the provision of recreation opportunities and activities
- Councils own and/or control recreation assets - including sportsgrounds, major indoor facilities, stadiums,bowling clubs, regional parks, gardens and reserves. Part of Council’s charter is to ensure these assets aremanaged as efficiently and effectively as possible, optimising usage and minimising duplication.
- Recreation facilities and open space are regarded as basic components of local government infrastructure provision - as is highlighted by its value and hierarchy within local government planning schemes. It is Councils role to provide such infrastructure at a level satisfactory to the local community, which meets the needs of the community and is within council's ability of finance and maintain.
- Recreation is recognized as offering communities significant health benefits, and these benefits are reflected in both federal and state government policies and practices, which encourage greater public participation in leisure activities eg. Active Australia Program.
- Inequitable provision of sporting and recreation resources across the state exists, and Councils have a responsibility to provide basic facilities across their municipalities and ensure an equitable distribution of resources.
- Municipalities are proud of their sporting prowess and like to promote their high quality facilities, in order to attract residents to the local area, provide a better quality of life for existing residents and to maintain their sporting competitiveness at a local, regional, state, national and even international level.
- Recreation provides economic benefit to the local community, through the development and maintenance of facilities; events and competitions, which attract visitors to the local area and through the indirect support of local sporting/recreational groups, offers a boost to the local economy.
- Social cohesion is important to the social fabric of a community, and recreation and sporting activities are a key part in development of healthy and happy communities, where friendship, family and relationships are valued.
- Recreational and sporting clubs offer key community venues and opportunities for communities to interact and socialize.”
Cradle Coast Recreation Planning Framework, 2001
The Cradle Coast Recreation Planning Framework offers some excellent planning processes and frameworks worthy of consideration at Devonport, and as such is a valuable reference document for Devonport staff responsible for recreation provision and planning.
2.7 Roles and Responsibilities of Local Government
The role which local government across Australia plays in relation to the provision of sporting and recreation opportunities is traditionally as follows:
- Asset and risk manager, by maintaining infrastructure assets for the municipality
- Planner and co-coordinator of recreation and sports information and opportunities
- Supporter and developer of agencies providing sporting and recreational opportunities
- Advocate for improving recreation opportunities
- Catalyst for the development of recreation opportunities
- Direct provider of recreation programs and activities.
Councils are involved to a degree in all 6 roles. The major factor for Devonport City is weighting to the provision of the aforementioned roles, and whether increased responsibility or resources should be given to certain aspects of Councils provision.
In deciding on its role, Council must decide on the role of its partners in also supporting sport and recreation for the municipality, namely;
In deciding on its role, Council must decide on the role of its partners in also supporting sport and recreation for the municipality, namely;
- Sporting clubs
- Recreation groups
- Parent bodies of recreation and sporting bodies eg. Associations
- Community organisations
- State and Federal Government departments
