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Final Report
Version 2
February 2008
Ballina Shire Council
Indoor Sports Complex
Pre Feasibility Research
Final Report
Version 2
Prepared by:
February 2008
3. RECOMMENDATIONS ............................................................................................................................. 5
4. STUDY PURPOSE....................................................................................................................................... 6
4.1. AIM ........................................................................................................................................................ 6
4.2. STUDY ELEMENTS .................................................................................................................................. 6
4.3. STUDY APPROACH.................................................................................................................................. 7
5. POTENTIAL SITE SELECTION .............................................................................................................. 8
5.1. SITE NUMBER 1 ...................................................................................................................................... 8
5.2. SITE NUMBER 2 .................................................................................................................................... 10
6. SITE ASSESSMENT ................................................................................................................................. 11
6.1. SITE 1 – KINGSFORD SMITH DRIVE....................................................................................................... 11
6.2. SITE 2 - GALLANS ROAD ...................................................................................................................... 11
6.3. SITE RECOMMENDATION ...................................................................................................................... 12
7. THE BALLINA COMMUNITY ............................................................................................................... 13
7.1. “GALLANS ROAD” CATCHMENT POPULATION ..................................................................................... 14
7.1.1. Current Population Statistics...................................................................................................... 14
7.1.2. Future Projections ...................................................................................................................... 15
7.1.3. Age Profile .................................................................................................................................. 15
7.1.4. Implications for Indoor Sports Planning .................................................................................... 16
8. TRENDS IN INDOOR SPORTS PARTICIPATION ............................................................................. 17
8.1.1. Australian Sports Participation .................................................................................................. 17
8.1.2. NSW Indoor Sports Participation Trends ................................................................................... 17
8.2. ORGANISED PARTICIPATION ................................................................................................................. 18
8.2.1. Type of Activity ........................................................................................................................... 18
9. INDOOR SPORT AND RECREATION TRENDS................................................................................. 19
9.1. FACILITY DESIGN TRENDS ................................................................................................................... 19
9.2. EXAMPLES OF CONTEMPORARY INDOOR DEVELOPMENTS ................................................................... 21
10. LITERATURE REVIEW...................................................................................................................... 22
1. A CKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The Strategic Leisure Group is grateful for the assistance and support of Mr Chris Allison,
Ballina Shire Council Project and Contract Co-ordinator; and
Their assistance and the valuable contributions to the research and recommendations contained in
the ‘Ballina Indoor Sports Centre Pre Feasibility Report’ is gratefully acknowledged.
We also acknowledge the support, intellectual property and photographic materials used in the trends
section and several of the photographs used throughout the report which were provided by the
architectural firm of Sutors, Prior and Cheney and in particular the cooperation afforded by
Mr Stephen Cheney.
Finally we would also like to acknowledge and thank the Centre of Environment and Recreation
Management from the University of South Australia for the use of the CERM® PI data from the
National Benchmarking Survey for Sports and Leisure Centres 2007.
Ballina Shire Council: Multi- Purpose Indoor Sports Centre Pre Feasibility Report 2
A ‘pre feasibility’ report provides an overview of the key issues associated with a proposed project
and is generally used to determine:
This report is not intended to provide the required level of detail to support or otherwise determine the
need to develop an indoor sports centre in Ballina Shire Council. It does however identify sufficient
preliminary evidence to suggest that Ballina is under provided for in terms of community and school
access to ‘suitable’ indoor sports courts for the sports of basketball, netball, volleyball, badminton and
indoor soccer (Futsal).
The findings also suggest that as the community of Ballina is over represented in all age groups of 50
years and over, that there may be need to plan for the provision of suitable indoor spaces suitable for
‘active recreation’ and meetings other than sporting competition and training needs.
The community research also indicated a level of demand for inclusion of aquatic facilities in any
future indoor sports and leisure centre development. While the size and nature of the swimming pool
would need to be established, the development of ‘wet’ and ‘dry’ indoor sporting facilities is consistent
with contemporary planning for and development of leisure facilities in communities the size of
Ballina.
The inclusion of a swimming pool(s) (indoor and/ or outdoor) at any future indoor sports and leisure
centre could be consistent with Council’s planning for the future of the existing Ballina swimming pool
and water slides currently situated on the river in Kingsford Smith Drive.
The most significant component is to determine the actual size and facility mix components of any
recommended indoor sports centre.
Sections of the community have nominated the development of four (4) indoor sports courts as the
immediate requirement. While the report does not contain their detailed rationale for this many
courts, current use and participation in Ballina would be unlikely to support the development of four
indoor courts in the first stage of any new facility.
Ballina Shire Council: Multi- Purpose Indoor Sports Centre Pre Feasibility Report 3
Currently Netball is played outdoors at Kingsford Smith Park and ‘traditionally’ this sport continues to
offer outdoor competitions and will only move the more expensive to run indoor competitions for elite
and A Grade comps.
Futsal is a sport experiencing large growth and participation figures over recent years and currently
this sport is based out of the Alstonville Leisure & Entertainment Centre 5 nights a week. Additional
courts could be used but it is not established that this translate into use of 4 courts on multiple nights.
Basketball is played three nights a week at the Southern Cross High School which is a single court
stadium. The research supports that the current shared use arrangements cause regular disruption
to the association and the arrangements are less than ideal in terms of growing and promoting the
sport. However, it is also evidenced by industry data and anecdotal facility reports that basketball as
a sport has experienced a down turn in participation levels over the past decade.
The sports of volleyball and badminton are not seen as major drivers for the development of indoor
facilities but this is possibly due to lack of current facilities and/ or associated community interest.
Based on the broad consultation and research to date combined with an analysis of the demographic
profile of the Shire (see section 7), Stage 1 of any future indoor sport and leisure centre would likely
only require the development of two (2) indoor sports courts with provision for other multipurpose
recreation spaces.
Other features of a new indoor sports and leisure centre could include
the following, but their development has not been proven by
preliminary research and is only listed based on the reported success
of equivalent facilities and communities elsewhere in Australia.
The following facility components, assuming ‘all other things being equal’ are often capable of
generating revenues that will offset some of the costs associated with operating and maintaining a
community sports and leisure centre.
Other components of the facility mix that may be appropriate for the Ballina Shire could include;
PREFERRED LOCATION
Two locations were nominated by Council for investigation as possible sites for any future indoor
sports and leisure centre:
While there are significant arguments for considering both sites, in terms of planning for growth and
the potential catchments within a 5 km radius, the Gallans Road site is recommended for further
investigation.
this site would have an immediate 5km catchment radius of approximately 18,000 persons;
as the Shire continues to grow, this site will serve a regional or ‘shire wide’ community of
more than 50,000 persons by 2031.
the site is centrally located;
the site is well situated on the Pacific Highway supporting regional access;
the site is 13Ha (approx) and this could allow for the site to be ‘master planned’ to
accommodate all of Ballina’s future indoor sport and function requirements, provide additional
public open space and community sporting fields and potentially include Ballina’s future
swimming pool facilities should Council determine to progress this site as a preferred location
for future community sport and recreation activities;
Planning for development on this site will need to take into account design and budget
constraints generated by potential flooding and ground conditions1.
The report recommends further investigations be undertaken to determine the scope and potential for
sport and recreation use and to master plan the land parcel described as “Gallans Road Site”
(see section 6) in the report.
3. R ECOMMENDATIONS
The following recommendations are based on the broad information and ‘focussed’ community
research generated by the pre feasibility study. They are intended to guide the next stage of research
given a need for additional indoor sports and leisure facilities appears to exist, although the venue
size and level of service delivery needs further investigation before committing public monies to such
a project.
Council is currently developing other community facilities in the shire (i.e. Lennox Head Community
Centre) and there may also be opportunities to generate operating and management synergies
between these facilities in the future depending on the findings of any subsequent and more detailed
research recommended herein.
1. Council undertake a detailed investigation and feasibility study into the development of a new
Ballina Indoor Sports and Leisure Centre.
Detailed needs analysis supported by local and state indoor sporting organisations;
Number of indoor sports courts required in 2008;
Likely number of indoor sports courts required in future years (5,10,15);
Other detailed facility mix requirements consistent with Ballina demographic profile;
Overall costs and feasibility of Council developing the identified facilities;
A detailed business plan for the recommended facilities;
Rationale and logic for all recommendations supporting the recommendations
Opportunities to establish strategic alliances with Southern Cross University and Leisure
Sport and Tourism.
2. Council investigate the Gallans Road site for development as a Regional Indoor Sports Complex
and further; develop a ‘Master Plan’ for the site to also consider opportunities for public open
space requirements, sports playing fields and any potential/ need to relocate the existing
community swimming pool to this site as part of a ‘Regional Ballina Sports Complex’.
Photo: Noosa Leisure Centre (Qld) 2 Court Indoor Facility built 1993 at a cost of $2.4 million
Ballina Shire Council: Multi- Purpose Indoor Sports Centre Pre Feasibility Report 6
4. S TUDY P URPOSE
The Ballina Shire Council requires the preparation of a pre feasibility report to determine the likely
development needs of a new community multi- purpose indoor sports centre.
The Council is seeking an independent assessment of the demand and likely viability of developing a
multi-purpose indoor sports centre in the Shire.
4.1. AIM
“Undertake a preliminary feasibility study which identifies the preliminary needs and
justifications for future community indoor sport and recreation infrastructure.”
4.2. S T U D Y E LE M E N T S
The study was initiated by the Ballina Shire Council on behalf of the indoor sport organisation and
community.
1. Investigate the current and future demand for multi purpose indoor sports courts and
ancillary facilities by the Ballina community;
2. Based on the demand, comment on the broad design requirements that would logically be
associated with such an Indoor Sports Centre in Ballina;
3. Research and comment on the locational requirements of the ‘Ballina Indoor Sports Centre’;
in the context of the preliminary findings associated with (1) and (2) above;
4. Provide a succinct overview of the likely opportunities and issues thought to be associated
with (1), (2) and (3 ) above;
5. Provide a high level assessment of the likely operating budgets for the ‘Ballina Indoor Sports
Centre’; and
6. Prepare a succinct summary of the research’s key findings and recommendations for a way
forward including the specific requirements for a full feasibility study should the initial
research warrant the need for such a study.
Ballina Shire Council: Multi- Purpose Indoor Sports Centre Pre Feasibility Report 7
Inspection of likely site locations for any future community indoor sports facilities
Identification of likely programs and activities that could be offered
Inspection of previous research
Identification of other facilities in catchment area
Identification of notional catchment area
Examination of population profile and projections within agreed catchment
Analysis of Ballina indoor sports trends in participation by survey instrument
Meeting with representatives of existing user groups
Survey of community organisations to ascertain potential usage
Survey of schools regarding existing and potential usage
Meetings with Ballina Shire Council officers
Analysis of research findings and development of suggested facility mix
Preparation of high level indicative financial projections
Preparation of concise report
Ballina Shire Council: Multi- Purpose Indoor Sports Centre Pre Feasibility Report 8
The first is on Kingsford Smith Park close to the main town and the river and the second is north-west
of the main town on the Pacific Highway and Gallans Road. Figure 1 below indicates both sites.
The first potential site identified by Council is for the facility to be located somewhere on the playing
fields situated adjacent to the Ballina Rugby League Club situated on Kingsford Smith Park and
bound by Owen Street and Bentinck Street.
The Kingsford Smith Drive site is situated approximately 1.2 km from the Ballina Post Office and is
shown in the Aerial Photo on the following page.
Ballina Shire Council: Multi- Purpose Indoor Sports Centre Pre Feasibility Report 9
The site is close to the Council’s existing 50 metre outdoor swimming pool situated on the river and
also to the town centre.
Current uses include seasonal sports (League and cricket and the Ballina Netball Association
(outdoor). Further, approval has been granted for the development of a new artificial hockey field and
associated infrastructure on this site2.
The second site described as the Gallans Road land and is owned by Council and currently sees part
of the land parcel being used as Council’s waste management land fill.
The likely land parcel within the site fronts the Pacific Highway and is approximately 2.8 km from the
Ballina Post Office. Figure 2 below shows the proposed area.
6. S ITE A SSESSMENT
6.1. SITE 1 – KINGSFORD SMITH DRIVE
The site is highly visible (situated on Kingsford Smith Drive which is a main thoroughfare to the
northern suburbs) and has good potential due to the existing location of several Ballina sporting clubs
and organisations already. The Reserve is already a recognised ‘Sport Precinct’.
However the consultation determined that being so close to the river and to the town centre, the site
has a reduced ‘catchment population’ within the immediate 5km radius3. Further, having already
located the sports of netball and rugby league to this site means that although an indoor sports
complex could ‘physically’ be situated at this location in 2008 when population and participation levels
grow in the future, the potential for any expansion of all user group facilities at the Kingsford Smith
Drive site would be severely limited.
It was also identified during consultation with Council staff that Kingsford Smith Park may have land
tenure issues; as planning on Crown Reserve would require Council to investigate the lease or
licence requirements and associated issues of an indoor sporting complex being developed on Crown
Reserve.
Although further out of town, this site is considered to be central to the major growth areas around the
Gallans Road and Southern Cross Drive precincts. The site is a ‘Greenfield’ location of approximately
13 Ha and therefore has significant potential to be master planned as a major regional sports
complex (offering both indoor and outdoor sports and potentially aquatic facilities should Council
determine to move in this direction in future).
In 2006 the estimated 5km catchment population around this site is circa 18,000 with major growth
areas forecast around Cumbalum & Gallans Road. It is anticipated that by 2031 the Shire will have a
population in excess of 50,000 persons (refer section 7.1.2 for detail).
3 An immediate catchment radius of 5km would probably have similar numbers in 2008 but as the Shire continues to grow, it is forecast that
the Kingsford Smith site will be at the southern end of the growth corridor with a natural barrier to the southern suburbs being the river
crossing requirements.
Ballina Shire Council: Multi- Purpose Indoor Sports Centre Pre Feasibility Report 12
Council agree to further investigate the Gallans Road site for development as a Regional Indoor
Sports Complex and further consider developing a ‘Master Plan’ for the site taking into account not
only indoor sporting needs but also public open space requirements, sports playing fields and any
potential to establish the next community swimming pool at this site as part of a Ballina Sports
Complex.
Ballina Shire Council: Multi- Purpose Indoor Sports Centre Pre Feasibility Report 13
7. T HE B ALLINA C OMMUNITY
The Shire of Ballina is:
• Lennox Head
According to the 2001 data supplied by Council in 2001 the population was 37,218 and the Shire
grew by 7.3% over the period 1996 to 2001 and a further 3.4% in the five years to 2006 with the 2006
reported population being 38,461 persons5.
Draft population projections released by planning NSW (the NSW Department for Planning) indicates
that, assuming sufficient unconstrained land is available and is provided for further residential
development, Ballina Shire should continue to grow at an approximate average annual increase of
895 persons per year from 2001 – 2021.
The change in age structure characteristics in Ballina Shire between 1996 and 2001 indicted a trend
towards an increasing proportion of elderly persons and a lowering in the proportion of younger
persons in Ballina Shire 6.
This has implications for the development of future indoor facilities in terms of the
balance between active sports courts and more passive recreation and community
activity spaces.
7.1. “G A L L A N S R O A D ” C A T C H M EN T P O P U L A T I O N
For the purpose of this analysis and referencing to other industry data such as the Centre for
Environment and Recreation Management (CERM®), a notional 5km catchment radius was applied
to the Gallans Road site, comprising 35 Census Collection Districts located in the surrounding area 7.
This section provides a brief “snapshot” of the catchment population relative to Shire and State
trends, in order to highlight emerging needs and implications for sports facility planning.
7.1.1. Current Population Statistics
Based on the 2006 ABS Census, the estimated resident population of Ballina Shire was 38,461
persons. For preliminary planning purposes a 5km catchment over the Gallans Road site yields a
population of approximately 18,000 persons. This represents 47% of the Shire total. (ABS, 2007)
Figure 4: Current Population of Gallans Road Site 5 km Catchment Population (Source ABS, 2007)
7Anecdotal industry data suggests that 80% of all attendances recorded at indoor sports centres are drawn from within a 5 km radius and the
balance (20%) travel from outside the 5 km radius. It is however acknowledged that any Ballina Regional Facility would serve a much larger
community than indicated by the notional 5km radius and these would include the communities of East Ballina, Lennox Head, Alstonville etc.
Ballina Shire Council: Multi- Purpose Indoor Sports Centre Pre Feasibility Report 15
State Government forecasts suggest strong future growth for Ballina Shire, which it can be assumed
will generate equally significant new demands for community infrastructure, including indoor sport,
recreation and aquatic facilities across the region.
The Shire is estimated to reach a total population of 51,800 by 2026, equating to almost 13,500
additional people over 20 years at an average growth rate of 1.5% p.a. (NSW Dept. of Planning,
2005).
Projections at the local level are not available for the purpose of this study. As such, future
population estimates for the Gallans Road catchment area cannot be calculated.
Figure 5: Population Projections for Ballina Shire
LOCALITY CURRENT POP’N PROJECTED POPULATION# POP’N
2006* 2011 2016 2021 2026 CHANGE
(2006-21)
Ballina Shire 38,461 43,610 46,420 49,170 51,800 13,339
Based on 2006 ABS data, the median ages for Ballina Shire and the Gallans Road catchment area
were 43 and 46 years respectively, compared with 37 for NSW. Again this is significant in terms of
the “what will the community need in 10 and 20 years time” planning for future indoor sport and
recreation.
Currently, the Gallans Road catchment area and Ballina Shire have older age profiles when
compared to NSW. In particular, there is a large proportion of people aged over 55 – this equates to
36.5% of the catchment population, compared with only 24.8% for NSW.
The representation of infants and school aged children in the catchment area is slightly lower than the
NSW average. 16.3% of the catchment population is aged under 15.
The Shire will experience steady population ageing in future, primarily focused on the 65+ age group.
Ballina Shire Council: Multi- Purpose Indoor Sports Centre Pre Feasibility Report 16
According to State Government projections for Ballina Shire, the proportion of people aged 65+ will
increase from 18.9% (in 2001) to 31.9% by 2031, compared with 21.9% for NSW. By 2031, the Shire
and State will register median ages of 52 and 42 respectively.
Between 2001 – 2031 the Shire is forecast to see a decrease in the proportion of people under 50.
Projected age data for the Gallans Road catchment area is not available for analysis 8. However, it is
likely that ageing trends will generally reflect the Shire’s demographics.
Significant longer term population ageing in the region may generate increased demand for
specialised indoor sporting competition. There may also be opportunities to cater for fitness, therapy
and accident rehabilitation opportunities, particularly for senior citizens.
Figure 7: Projected Age Structure – Ballina Shire and NSW (Proportion of Total Pop’n %)
AGE GROUP MEDIAN AGE (YRS)
BALLINA 0-14 15-29 30-49 50-64 65+
2001 19.9 16.0 27.5 17.7 18.9 41
2031 13.9 11.9 21.6 20.6 31.9 52
NSW
2001 20.4 20.7 29.7 16.1 13.1 35
2031 16.0 17.2 26.6 18.2 21.9 42
Source: NSW Dept of Planning (2005), NSW Statistical Local Area Population Projections 2001-2031.
The key implications for the planning of any indoor sports facilities in Ballina are:
In Ballina children, teenagers and young adults under 29 (key users of indoor facilities) are
significantly lower percentages of the total population than the NSW state averages. This
means that while the % may be decreasing, the increased growth in population will probably
see the actual ‘raw’ numbers for these age groups remain relatively constant over the next 25
years (i.e. between 13,000 and 14,000)
Persons over 50 represent a significantly higher percentage of the total population compared
to the NSW state averages and this will have implications for the planning and operation of
any indoor sports centre’s mix of facilities required in Ballina. In real terms this means this
age group will nearly double from 14,000 to 27,000+.
Demand for traditional court sports ‘all other things being equal’ will therefore remain constant
and demand and provision for spaces to partake in more passive recreational pursuits will
need to be planned for.
The balance between sports courts and meeting and recreational spaces will likely be 50:50.
The ‘Participation in Exercise Recreation and Sport Annual Report’ 9 2006 reports:
In 2006, Australia wide, the organised activity with the highest participation rate (at least once
a year) was aerobics/ fitness activities (8.0%) followed by golf (3.8%), netball (3.1%).
In 2006, Australia wide the non-organised activity with the highest participation rate (at least
once in the year) was walking (other than bushwalking) (35.6%), followed by aerobics/ fitness
activities (12.1%), swimming (12.1%), cycling (9.7%) and running (6.9%).
Like the Australia wide result, the organised activity with the highest participation rate in NSW was
“Aerobic Fitness”
Other sports are listed below showing the NSW and Australian participation rates’
Figure 8: Participation rate (%) for indoor activities participated in New South Wales and Australia by persons
aged 15 years and over (2006)
9 Australian Sports Commission, Department of Communications, Information technology and the Arts
Ballina Shire Council: Multi- Purpose Indoor Sports Centre Pre Feasibility Report 18
• During the 12 months prior to interview in 2006, an estimated 4.2 million persons aged 15
years and over participated at least once per week in a physical activity for exercise,
recreation and sport that was organised by a club, association, fitness centre or other type
of organisation. This represented a participation rate of 25.3%. It also represented 38.3% of
the 10.9 million persons who participated at least once per week in a physical activity for
exercise, recreation and sport.
• 9.7% participated in organised physical activity for exercise, recreation and sport three
times a week or more.
• Overall, males and females were equally likely to participate in organised physical activity
for exercise, recreation and sport three times a week or more (9.9% and 9.4% respectively)
• Participation three times a week or more was more common among those aged 15 to 24
years (21.1%).
• Participation in organised sport three times per week or more was higher for males
compared with females in the 15 to 34 age groups and higher for females in the 35 to 64
age groups.
• Overall participation in exercise, recreation and sport three times a week or more remained
steady at 42.8% compared with 2005 (44.2%), up from 37.2% in 2001
• The physical activities participated in at least once in the previous 12 months for exercise,
recreation and sport that comprise the ‘top ten’ activities by number of participants have
remained unchanged from 2001 to 2006. Aerobics/fitness has enjoyed the largest increase
since 2001 (61.2% increase). Other activities in the ‘top ten’ to experience significant
increases since 2001 include walking (37.9% increase), football (outdoor) (26.5% increase),
cycling (17.0% increase) and running (12.9% increase).
• Participation in organised sport three or more times per week has decreased compared with
2005 for both men and women (9.9%, from 11.5% and 9.4%, from 11.1% respectively)
• Organised activity with the highest participation rate was aerobics/fitness activities (8.0%).
• Other sports and physical activities that had high numbers of participants involved in an
organised environment were golf (3.8%), netball (3.1%), outdoor football (2.7%), tennis
(2.7%), outdoor cricket (2.4%) and basketball (2.3%).
Ballina Shire Council: Multi- Purpose Indoor Sports Centre Pre Feasibility Report 19
In 2008, gone are the tin sheds and as they are replaced with the development of indoor sport and
recreation venues which are ‘destinational’ venues that offer a wide range of quality services,
programs and facilities.
Facilities are also being planned to meet environmentally sustainable design (ESD) features.
These include
• Minimise Waste
Ballina Shire Council: Multi- Purpose Indoor Sports Centre Pre Feasibility Report 20
• Maximise the opportunities for connection and integration to the wider community unity
through integrated site planning and broader linkage activities.
• Zoning of Operations
• Technology Infrastructure
• Area efficient
They are built on well founded research and planned around detailed research into community need,
community capacity to pay (capital and operational) and long term sustainability.
• Destination
• Community asset
• Stakeholder ownership
• Competition
• Transparency
• Cross selling
• Street address
• Security
• Zoning of users
• Flexibility of Expansion
To meet the needs of the growing Wyndham population, Council is proposing to construct a three-
court facility to service the growing communities in Wyndham’s north and east, being
Tarneit/Truganina and Point Cook.
The new venue will cater for the sports of basketball, netball, volleyball, badminton and indoor soccer.
Council is referring $8m to its 2009/2010 budget for the construction of the new centre.
Council’s Recreation Planning Unit recently reviewed its provision ratios for indoor multi-purpose
courts and Council has determined a viable ratio as one senior basketball court per 22,000
residents10.
The City of Whitehorse is developing an $8.0 million multipurpose indoor sports facility in Hanover
Road, Vermont South. The multipurpose indoor sports facility will accommodate a range of sporting
groups including netball, basketball, indoor soccer and volleyball. It will feature four indoor and four
outdoor courts, an occasional childcare centre, multipurpose community room and a kiosk with
adjoining covered community terrace.
Hume City Council has approved the redevelopment of the Craigieburn Leisure Centre, with $3.2
million committed to start building two brand new multi-purpose indoor courts in 2009.
The multi-purpose indoor courts will be the first stage of what is expected to be a major $29 million
Craigieburn Leisure Centre redevelopment.
The new courts will be located next to the existing three-court indoor stadium which will be
refurbished as part of the multi-million dollar investment into basketball, netball, volleyball and
badminton in Craigieburn.
The new courts will also feature a ‘show court’ that will be available for a range of community events
with seating for up to 1,500 people.
Council planning to date has highlighted the emerging trends in new indoor sports facilities which see
such facilities being central parts of much larger “Community Hubs”.
Hume City Council has identified that future Craigieburn Leisure Centre redevelopments will be
completed progressively and go beyond the traditional aquatic, health and fitness style centre to
feature a mix of community development, sport and cultural facilities as well as education and social
environments 11.
2. ... The open space and reserves function involves working with the shire community to
provide a range of services that will sustain and improve the shire’s lifestyle and community
land reserves. (page 33)
There is no specific reference to planning or development of indoor sports centre facilities at this time.
People, Place, Prosperity: a framework for a more sustainable Ballina Shire 2025
There was no specific reference to planning or development of indoor sports centre facilities in this
document.
There was no provision made for the planning or development of indoor sports centre facilities in this
document.
Based on this document and Council advice, the indoor sports listed in this document were invited to
complete a potential user group survey and to attend a planning workshop.
Ballina Shire Council: Multi- Purpose Indoor Sports Centre Pre Feasibility Report 23
Owned by the Council, the centre is situated at 42 – 46 Commercial Road, Alstonville and is situated
as part of the Showgrounds.
It contains two large halls, the first a sports hall, and the second, a multipurpose hall. There are
meeting rooms and the Alstonville Branch Library is also situated at this venue.
The ‘sports hall’ is a single court facility (685m2) with parquetry on concrete flooring and provides for
most indoor sports and is currently used predominantly for the sports of Futsal and Netball at
evenings and school and community program use during the day. Some sports reportedly won’t use
the court due to its concrete floor.
In 2008 summer season, the court is booked 5 nights a week for Futsal competitions and in winter,
the court is shared between Futsal and Netball.
The facility is operated as a business under licence from Council and report the venue has an
approximate weekly occupancy rate of 80%.
Alstonville Leisure & Entertainment Centre Main Entry Alstonville Leisure & Entertainment Centre
Contact Number: 02 66283533 Main Sports Hall
Ballina Shire Council: Multi- Purpose Indoor Sports Centre Pre Feasibility Report 24
This centre is located in Barlows Road, Ballina and is a commercially operated facility providing for
indoor sports which include:
• Soccer
• Cricket
• Netball
• Skating
• Beach Volleyball
• Euro Handball
• Table Tennis
Ballina Indoor Sports Centre Main Entrance Ballina Indoor Sports Centre
Contact details: (02) 6686 2806 Beach Volleyball Courts
Ballina Shire Council: Multi- Purpose Indoor Sports Centre Pre Feasibility Report 25
11.3. S O U T H E R N C R O S S S T A T E H IG H S C H O O L
This venue is a single court facility and is used by the community at night for sporting competitions.
The Ballina Basketball Association uses the centre three nights a week and reports that they are
struggling to develop their senior competitions due to lack of multi court facilities.
Ballina Shire Council contributed financially to the construction of this Centre in exchange for out of
hours access for the community.
Ballina State High School Ballina State High School Indoor Sports Hall
Single court Indoor sports hall Entrance and mezzanine level above
Situated at Ballina Fair Shopping Centre, this venue provides commercial LTS and fitness services
but does not provide floor space for indoor ball sports.
There are other health and fitness centres operating in Ballina but none were identified as providing
indoor competition sport courts.
The significance of learn to swim pools and health and fitness centres should be investigated in more
detail should a full feasibility be undertaken by Council in the future. This would enable the potential
for project partners and potential lessees to be identified at this stage.
Ballina Shire Council: Multi- Purpose Indoor Sports Centre Pre Feasibility Report 26
Accordingly, based on the preliminary scope and budget for the pre feasibility, the level of
consultation was targeted and included:
All schools in the Ballina Shire were sent a simple survey and replied paid envelope.
Number of students;
Access to existing facilities; and
Ideas for any new facility developed in the future.
Seven schools responded to the survey and they are listed in Figure 9.
SCHOOL 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Emanuel Anglican 9 9 9 9 9 9 9
St Josephs Alstonville 9 9 9
The legend shown at Figure 10 indicates which centres were identified as being used by each school.
Figure 11 below indicates when schools use the Ballina indoor sports facilities throughout the year.
Two workshops with potential users of a new indoor sports complex were conducted on 6th
December 2007.
All indoor sports and recreation activities listed in the Ballina Community Directory were sent an
invitation to participate.
The first was workshop was attended by three (3) school representatives and the second session
was attended by nine (9) persons representing community groups with an interest in indoor sports.
Ballina Shire Council: Multi- Purpose Indoor Sports Centre Pre Feasibility Report 29
The following schools and community groups were represented at the workshops:
The main comments and general feedback generated by the two workshops is summarised in the
following section.
The following groups and organisations were identified as potential users of a new Ballina indoor
sport and recreation facility.
Basketball
Netball
Futsal
Volleyball (is played at the Lennox squash courts)
Lifeball
Schools throughout region
Ballina Shire Council
Swimming
Martial Arts
Boxing
Youth Clubs generally
Personal trainers
Celebratory Event organisers
Performing Arts Groups
The current indoor event centres used by the groups represented at the workshop were:
Figure 12 describes the main comments received from the Schools and potential user group surveys
There is a need for a venue with 4 • The stadium also needs a stage & seating
basketball courts with netting to be to seat up to 1000.
used for tennis, cricket, soccer, netball • An upgraded version of planned Lennox
etc. Head facility.
• Needed 10 years ago, therefore will be
used immediately.
Planning needs to consider travel costs • Cost is a real issue when transporting
for children who travel to Ballina to children from Alstonville to Ballina to
attend indoor sporting facilities. participate in sport.
Olympic Indoor swimming pool required • Children need to avoid direct sunlight as
much as possible (unable to run a twilight
carnival).
Alstonville Squash Centre • Used a good area for a class to divide into
groups and play mini-basketball, volleyball,
squash/racquetball and enjoy the games
room.
• This now has become impractical because
of the expanded gym since becoming
Fitness 4U.
Ballina Shire Council: Multi- Purpose Indoor Sports Centre Pre Feasibility Report 31
Other general comments received from the surveys are listed below
OTHER COMMENTS
The school and club representatives were asked to describe the broad planning needs for an indoor
sports and recreation facility in the region.
Designed to meet the stated needs of the Ballina sports and recreation community
Incorporate Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD) featured in keeping with Ballina’s
image
Needs to be financially viable and this will require a mix of commercial uses and not just
sports competitions
Use and access will be dependent on the affordability to participate
Needs to ensure equity of access and will need to be managed effectively on behalf of the
entire community
Plan and consider all the potentials to stage development for major events in future if funding
isn’t immediately available.
Ensure the design specifications accommodate the highest standards for all sports provided
for (i.e. roof heights and ‘run off’ requirements);
Investigate squash courts and indoor hockey as an inclusion in the final facility mix;
Consider developing indoor 25 metre swimming pool as part of the overall design and facility
mix to accommodate year round swimming for individuals and clubs;
Consider sports medicine offices as a commercial opportunity for the venue;
Locate so that access from Byron and Lismore can facilitate a ‘regional approach’.
Location needs to be able to accommodate future growth and ‘Master Plan’ footprint if
everything is not developed at once.
The Final design and facility mix should consider:
Indoor Pool
Hydrotherapy
Health & Fitness Facilities
Food & Beverage Services
Squash Courts
Commercial attraction and viability for future lessees
Transportation issues (incorporate interchange)
Options to link with existing facilities (i.e. RSL and Ballina Recreation and Bowling Club.)
Finally participants stressed that there is an urgent need and should be progressed to make a
significant “Community Statement” about the Ballina region and any planning should not be drawn
out or generate a long term planning process.
It was however necessary to prepare a master plan so that all the initiatives can be included even if
that sees several stages over the next 10 years (future proof the design stage)
Ballina Shire Council: Multi- Purpose Indoor Sports Centre Pre Feasibility Report 33
A preliminary meeting was held with key Council officers to discuss possible planning needs and
what could be addressed by Indoor Sports facilities in the future.
The pre feasibility is to be used to commence the planning process. No commitment to any
project has been made by Council to date;
Council and residents want to retain the ‘village atmosphere” of Ballina community;
Any facility planning could be a pre cursor to a wider study for a possible ‘Sports Precinct’ and
could involve benchmarking with similar communities and facilities such as Coffs Harbour etc;
Current swimming pool situated on the river is 37 years old and will come under increasing
scrutiny as maintenance and repairs impact on budgets – Council may look for options to
simple redevelopment;
Possible need for regional planning that could include a 2 court facility with ‘Show Court’;
Council recognises the ‘peculiarities’ of the Ballina population compared to State
demographic data (i.e. higher median age and over representation of persons 50 years and
older compared to NSW State figures). Study needs to take this into account;
No real potential for joint venture with existing clubs is thought to exist;
Regional facility may be appealing in future plans and location to airport could be a
determinant with increased flights being announced;
Realistic sites under consideration are (a) the existing caravan park (spare land) and sports
reserve located on Kingsford Smith Drive and (b) the current land adjoining Council’s land fill
site at Gallans Road;
Factor in transportation issues and before and after work opportunities – “a lot residents
commute to work in Lismore”;
Subject to the report’s findings, the project could become a consideration for ‘Section 94’
funding.
Ballina Shire Council: Multi- Purpose Indoor Sports Centre Pre Feasibility Report 34
Figure 13: Predictions for Ballina Participation Numbers using NSW Participation Rates (2006)
Assuming a new venue would be used 5 hours a night for competition (5:30pm – 10:30pm) and 10
hours per day on Saturday and Sunday that would provide for a total of 45 hours per week available
for competition hiring. If the above data was to be simply ‘converted’ into teams and hours of
competition requirements, it would appear as shown in Figure 14 below:
Figure 14: Forecast Occupancy assuming Ballina Participation Rates follow reported NSW Rates
The information on the previous page suggests a three court facility would be fully occupied
assuming the assumptions made and the NSW participation data is accurate however it is based on a
very simple extrapolation of raw data and should be used with extreme caution as it does not take
into account:
Cautionary notes about relative standard error in some sections of the data;
Ballina over representation in all age groups over 50 years of age (unlikely participants);
Ballina’s under representation in all age groups 29 years and less (traditional indoor sporting
competition participants);
Season nature of some indoor sports and the reduction in annual court hire forecast (by up to
50%);
The current Ballina resident’s participation at other indoor sports centres in BSC and
surrounding districts.
Ballina Shire Council: Multi- Purpose Indoor Sports Centre Pre Feasibility Report 36
The following should also be fully tested by the Feasibility and reported on as part of the Business
Plan Modelling:
The information contained in this report is provided in good faith. While the Strategic
Leisure Group have applied their own experience to the task, we have relied upon
information supplied to us by other persons and organisations engaged in the
delivery of similar sport and recreation activities.
We have not conducted an audit of the information provided by others but have
accepted it in good faith. Some of the information may have been provided
‘commercial in confidence’ and as such, these venues or sources of information are
not specifically identified.
Readers should be aware that the preparation of this report has necessitated
projections of the future that are inherently uncertain and that our opinion is based on
the underlying representations, assumptions and projections detailed in this report.
There will be differences between projected and actual results, because events and
circumstances frequently do not occur as expected and those differences may be
material.
Accordingly, the Strategic Leisure Group, nor any member or employee of Strategic
Leisure Group undertakes responsibility arising in any way whatsoever to any
persons other than Ballina Shire Council in respect to the preparation of this report,
for any errors or omissions herein, arising through negligence or otherwise however
caused.