Now that construction has started, where have the kangaroos gone?

    As most of the site is now a construction site, it was necessary to fence off the area where works are underway. The far western portion of the site – which is not visible from Solitary Islands Way - is not fenced and provides north-south access for the kangaroos and access to Poundyard Creek and feeding areas. 

    The WSC site is actually identified in Council’s adopted Kangaroo Management Plan as an area of kangaroo habitat and, under the Plan, any clearing of habitat has to be carried out in a staged way to decrease any impacts on the kangaroos. The fencing of the construction zone was done slowly over a few days to allow the kangaroos the opportunity to move around. It is now enclosed, but the contractor has reported that there are no kangaroos inside the fenced area. 

    Once the WSC is complete, a large part of the space will be playing fields which, as residents will know, is generally shared with local kangaroo populations.

    What facilities will there be for spectators on the outdoor playing fields?

    Similar to other local sport facilities (like Fitzroy Oval in Coffs Harbour), the amenities block to service the fields features a large covered awning to offer plenty of shade and integrated large concrete steps for informal seating.

    Does the design include spaces for meetings and functions?

    The plans for the multipurpose centre include 3 large flexible spaces that can be used individually, or combined to create one large space.  These spaces feature specialised flooring suitable for dance, and integrated AV for meetings and open out onto the plaza area for functions.  In addition, there is a boardroom that can also open up to the plaza area.

    Will the playing fields be fenced?

    There will be fencing with designated pedestrian entries parallel to Solitary Islands Way, and behind the goal ends where required.

    Is the facility accessible?

    The entire WWSC site is surrounded by wide accessible paths offering connectivity across the precinct.  Internal spaces have been designed with accessibility as a priority, including a changing place facility and sensory room.  There are wide all access paths around the perimeter of the site.

    What is the project background?

    The Future West Woolgoolga Sports Complex Masterplan was identified in the Coffs Harbour Sports Facility Plan 2016. This masterplan plan also included a multi-purpose community centre.

    In September 2018, Council endorsed the Coffs Harbour Indoor Sports Study which set out more detailed recommendations to provide a two court facility and a proposed Northern Beaches Multi-Purpose Centre (NBMPC) at the proposed West Woolgoolga Sports Complex (WWSC) to meet current and future demand for the Northern Beaches area.

    At this meeting, Council also resolved to monitor opportunities to fund the project in the short term and, if appropriate, be prepared to bring the project forward to take advantage of any significant funding opportunities should they arise. 

    Why has Council decided to progress this project earlier?

    Council’s adoption of the 19/20 Operational Plan and Delivery Program in June 2019 had the effect of opening the Detailed Design (Phase 1) of the WWSC Project. Since that time Council received further significant funding which was sufficient to execute Construction (Phase 2) of the Project. 

    Construction is now fully funded across all three levels of government.  Some site works are expected to commence later in 2020, with major construction from early 2021 and anticipated to take two years.


    What is the project cost?

    The project is forecast to cost $24.7m. Council has provided $6.7m, the NSW Government $8m and in June 2020 the Australian Government announced a further $10m.

    How have stakeholders been engaged on this project?

    Significant community and stakeholder engagement has already taken place on the WWSC project, dating back for almost a decade, leading to various concept designs with the most recent adopted with the Coffs Harbour Indoor Sport Study in 2018.  

    Engagement will continue to occur on the detailed design phase of the project, specifically as it relates to various uses.


     

    What is the role of the Community Working Group?

    The Community Working Group was set up by the Woolgoolga and Northern Beaches Chamber of Commerce as a way of ensuring local community representation on the WWSC project. 

    The Community Working Group have been working with the WWSC Design Team from the beginning of this project and provided input and feedback on key stages of the project design.

    The Community Working Group includes representatives from the Woolgoolga and Northern Beaches Chamber of Commerce, Residents Association, Diggers Service Club, Woolgoolga Sports Council, Rotary Club, Lions Club, Sikh temples and various sporting and community groups.  The committee also liaises with various groups including Woolgoolga Red Cross, High School, primary schools in the area, Scouts, dancing groups, gymnastics and the Indigenous community.

    For more info on the committee please contact Working Group Convenor, Alastair Milroy on almilroy@icloud.com or 0439 435 040


    What are the impacts of this site on other user groups?

    As the site is currently a greenfield site, there are not impacts to current user groups.

    The WWSC facility will be able to serve as a secondary venue for larger indoor sports events. It is likely that a mix of regular or seasonal users will be priority sports users across the entire WWSC, with casual and event bookings and options for performance hire.

    What future engagement will occur on this project?

    Future engagement will occur to provide the community with the opportunity to consider naming the Northern Beaches Multi-Purpose Centre (NBMPC), subject to Council’s Reserve Naming and Memorial Policy. 

    The indigenous community will also be invited to consider dual naming of the West Woolgoolga Sports Complex site, subject to Council’s Reserve Naming and Memorial Policy.