waverley council recreation needs study · 5.1 informal activities – parks, reserves, trails 55...

Waverley Council Recreation needs study 2008

1

Waverley Council

Recreation needs studyDepartment of Recreation, Customer and Community Services May 2008


2

Produced by the

Integrated Planning & Community Consultation Division and Adj. Prof. AJ Veal, School of Leisure, Sport & Tourism, University of Technology Sydney.Waverley Council Department of Recreation, Customer & Community Services May 2008.


3

Contents

Executive Summary 5

1 Introduction 7

1.1 Background 7

1.2 Legislative requirements 7

1.3 Defi nitions and scope 7

1.4 Waverley – location and context 9

1.5 Methods 9

2 Strategic Plans – Issues 11

2.1 Waverley plans/strategies 11

2.2 State government plans/strategies 15

2.3 Issues 17

3 Supply of Open Spaces and other Recreational 18Facilities and Services

3.1 Public open spaces: overview and appraisal 18

3.2 Sports facilities 29

3.3 Children’s playgrounds 34

3.4 Programs and services 34

3.5 Policies 37

3.6 Recent achievements and current projects 37

3.7 Assessment of sports and community facilities 39

4 Recreational demand 40

4.1 Infl uences on recreational demand 40

4.2 Assessing demand – principles 45

4.3 Demand estimates – quantitative 46

4.4 Community and organisational consultation 48

4.5 Summary and conclusions regarding demand 53

5 Demand/Supply analysis 55

5.1 Informal activities – parks, reserves, trails 55

5.2 Outdoor sports activities 56

5.3 Indoor sport/exercise activities/facilities 57

5.4 Swimming 57

5.5 Children’s play 59

5.6 Key issues and summary 59

6 Recommendations 62

6.1 Introduction 62

6.2 Recommendations and action plan 62

References 71


4

Tables

1 Recreation and human rights 8

2 Public open spaces in the Waverley Local Government Area 20

3 Parks and reserves (over 0.1 ha) in the Waverley Local 27

Government Area

4 Total area of parks and reserves in the Waverley Local 28Government Area by ward

5 Key sports and recreational facilities in the Waverley Local 30Govnernment Area

6 Population growth, Waverley Local Government Area, 2001-2022 40

7 Persons with parents born in non-English-speaking countries; 44Waverley, Randwick, Woollahra, 2006

8 Measures of demand – sources of information 46

9 Estimated levels of recreational participation in Waverley 47

10 Activities people would like to do in future 49

11 Factors preventing people from taking up activities 49

12 Comments/suggestions for improvements 49

13 Youth Survey – Suggested improvements and additional facilities 50

14 Youth Survey – ‘Top three’ projects/services 50

15 Participating clubs at Mayor’s Clubs Forum 51

Figures

1 The process of recreational planning 10

2 Waverley Local Government Area age structure, 2008-2022 41

3 Proportion of daily time spent on main activities: 41Australian adults, 1997

4 Daily leisure time by age and gender, Australia, 1997 42

5 Time spent on leisure activities, by gender, Australia, 1997 42

6 Hours worked per week, full-time workers, Australia, 1985-2006 43

Maps

Main parks and reserves in Waverley Local Government Area 25

Key to map of main parks and reserves 26

Playgrounds in Waverley Local Government Area 35

Appendices

1 Waverley and surrounds 72

2 Waverley Council, Playing Fields & Support Facilities, 2007 73

3 Waverley Council, Facility Condition & Quality Evaluation, 2007 74

4 Waverley Council, Seasonal Ground Use Estimates, 2007 75

5 Waverley Bike Plan – Stage 2 76

6 Green Link 1 – Centennial Park to Bondi Beach (Proposed Works) 77

7 Green Link 2 – Bondi Junction to Queens Park (Proposed Works) 78

Contents


5

The Recreational Needs Study (RNS) 2008 has been developed in consultation with the community. It brings together a body of work that includes:

• an analysis of relevant state and local plans

• an examination of demographic material

• the consideration of recent and current Council initiatives

• an audit and overview of the current supply of open space and other recreational facilities and services

• the consideration of surrounding regional facilities

• an assessment of recreational demand and supply in Waverley

• consultation with the community, young people, special interest groups, combined precincts, sporting clubs, staff and Councillors.

Council’s 2005 strategic plan, Waverley Together, makes numerous references to recreation in its many forms. The Community Vision states that ‘Waverley is a place that:

• offers lifestyle choices for everyone through a variety of recreational, social, arts and cultural opportunities

• protects and enhances the natural environment for present and future generations

• shares open and green spaces’.

This clearly demonstrates the two themes that underlie many of the comments and issues raised by the community in consultations for the RNS. The tension between protecting green open spaces and

ensuring equitable and affordable access to all types

of recreation, while managing considerable visitation

to the area, will remain an important consideration in

future years.

A number of important principles underpin the

study including:

• Council’s commitment to providing equitable

and affordable access to open space settings,

recreational facilities and services across the

Waverley area

Executive Summary

• an intention to provide public recreational facilities that maximise shared usage and include fl exible design so that it is possible to adapt to changing need

• forming partnerships with community groups, schools, clubs, government agencies and the private sector to facilitate the provision of recreational facilities and services for the Waverley community.

Council’s most recent Recreation Plan was produced in 1992 and required a considerable update. Consultation carried out for the Local Democracy Project in 1999, the Bondi Junction and Waverley Strategic Plans in


6

2003 and 2005 as well as the Social Plan in 2005 all indicated that important considerations for Waverley residents are active and passive recreation, open spaces, parks and beaches. Factors impacting on these views are an increasing focus on population health, awareness of the benefi ts of both active and passive recreation for physical and mental health, the evident decline of volunteers in local sporting clubs and changes in the local population.

Waverley is a highly dense, urbanised area with scarce and unique open space. Most Waverley residents live within two kilometres of some of the best beaches in the world. The Coastal Walk passes through coastal reserves with outstanding views and has thousands of visitors every week. It is a prime tourist attraction for Sydneysiders and local visitors. Bondi Beach is internationally famous, loved by locals but very much ‘owned’ by a much wider demographic.

Council has expended signifi cant sums of money in past years to enhance these areas on projects like the Cliff Walk and the Coastal Walk, Bondi Playground, Sam Fiszman Park, Campbell Parade upgrade and on the Pavilion. Further projects are planned: to enhance the Tamarama kiosk and amenity building, another extension of the Coastal Walk and a complete redesign and rebuild of the now closed Waverley Pavilion. In addition, Council has done much work on plans like the Strategic Asset Management Plan and the Bike Plan. All of these plans and projects have signifi cant recreational outcomes that have been taken into account in developing this study.

The Recreational Needs Study identifi es gaps and these address services and facilities, practices and programs that impact on both passive and active recreation in Waverley. Clearly not all of these gaps can be addressed within Waverley, given signifi cant constraints like limited open space, existing budgetary commitments and the need to strike a good balance between passive and active recreation. This is addressed in recommendations about the development of jointly-planned, cross-regional recreational events and facilities. The action plan includes short-, medium- and long-term planning and shows a defi nite way forward in dealing with the key issues raised in the study.

Recommendations are presented under seven major themes:

• maintenance, upgrades and development of key facilities (1)

• maintenance, upgrades and development of key facilities (2) – parks, playgrounds and open spaces

• facility management

• information, publicity and promotion

• partnerships and joint ventures

• healthy active community and program enhancement

• capacity building and clubs development.

The plan proposes a seven to ten year time frame as it represents signifi cant investigation, investment and commitment by Council and several aspects of the plan require long-term development.


7

1.1 BACKGROUND

Waverley Council’s 2005 strategic plan, Waverley Together, envisions a community which ‘offers lifestyle choices for everyone through a variety of recreational, social, arts and cultural opportunities’ and in which ‘health and quality of life are improved through better and more recreation and leisure opportunities for all people’. This study provides an assessment of current and future recreational needs to assist Council in pursuing this vision.

1.2 LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENTS

The two Acts that are most relevant to recreational planning in local government are:

• Local Government Act 1993

• Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.

Section 8 of the Local Government Act 1993 requires councils:

• to provide directly or on behalf of other levels of government, after due consultation, adequate, equitable and appropriate services and facilities for the community and to ensure that those services and facilities are managed effectively and effi ciently.

The Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 gives councils responsibilities for:

• the proper management, development and conservation of natural and man- made resources for the purpose of promoting the social and economic welfare of the community and a better environment

• the provision of land for public purposes

• the provision and co-ordination of community servicesand facilities.

These Acts require the production of other plans and initiatives that guide or support the management of resources and the provision of facilities and services, including plans for the management of community land and a social/community plan that addresses community needs (Dept of Local Government et al, 2006).

1.3 DEFINITIONS AND SCOPE

Recreation can be seen as any activity which takes place in leisure time, which is time not taken up by paid or unpaid work or personal or domestic chores. Thus, recreation involves a wide range of activities, including sport and physical recreation, children’s play, social activities, entertainment and the arts, tourism and home-based leisure.

This plan does not deal with all aspects of recreation. In particular, it does not cover the following sectors:

• Tourism - that is, visitors to Waverley from Greater Sydney and beyond, both day and staying visitors. This is the subject of a separate plan which might be conducted at the sub-regional level

• Cultural and social activities - including visiting libraries, theatres, galleries, museums, community centres, heritage sites, events and licensed premises, and involvement with music and dance, entertainment and nightlife. This area should also be the subject of a separate plan (the state government’s East Draft Sub-regional Strategy recommends that local councils prepare cultural plans for their area. As with the tourism plan, this should, arguably, be done at the sub-regional level).

• Children’s play - this study assesses requirements for children’s play in broad, quantitative terms only, but much of the provision for children’s play is concerned with design, safety and management, for which considerable guidance is available from organisations such as Standards Australia. To take account of this, council requires its own children’s play strategy.

• Home-based leisure - the majority of people’s leisure time is spent in the home. This is obviously a private matter and beyond the scope of this study but, insofar as it involves time spent in sedentary activity, such as watching television and computer-based activities, especially in an area with a high proportion of apartment living, it becomes one of the factors to be taken into account in planning out-of-home leisure provision.

1 Introduction


8

This report, therefore, is concerned with out-of-home activities for exercise, recreation and sport, including children’s play, formal and informal, indoor and outdoor sport, and informal outdoor recreation such as walking.

PROVISION OF RECREATIONAL FACILITIES AND SERVICES AND THE ROLE OF COUNCILS

Numerous organisations are involved in providing recreational facilities and services, including:

• commercial organisations eg cinemas, pubs, restaurants; fi tness centres, media

• voluntary organisations eg social and sporting clubs

• individuals/families themselves – home-based leisure

• federal government – some open space, national cultural institutions, élite sport

• state government – regional and national parks, major sporting and cultural facilities

• local government eg parks, sport, play facilities, libraries.

Traditionally, local councils have been involved in providing facilities and services which:

• enhance the quality of life and well-being of the community generally (eg by the provision of parks, sporting, beach and play facilities and cultural services) and,

• in the interests of equity, making provision for disadvantaged members of the community (eg by ensuring free or subsidised access and prioritising geographical areas of social need).

At the broad level, local councils can be seen as one of the prime agencies responsible for securing rights to leisure, cultural activity, play and sport for all, as enshrined in a number of human rights declarations to which Australia is a signatory (see Table 1).

Table 1 Recreation and human rights

Universal Declaration of Human Rights, United Nations, 1948

Everyone has the right to rest and leisure, including reasonable limitation of working hours and periodic holidays with pay. (Article 24).

Everyone has the right freely to participate in the cultural life of the community, to enjoy the arts and to share in scientifi c advancement and its benefi ts. (Article 27).

Charter for Leisure, World Leisure Organisation 2000

All people have a basic human right to leisure activities that are in harmony with the norms and social values of their compatriots. All governments are obliged to recognise and protect this right of its citizens. (Article 1)

The Olympic Charter – International Olympic Committee, 2001

The practice of sport is a human right. Every individual must have the possibility of practising sport without discrimination of any kind and in the Olympic spirit, which requires mutual understanding with a spirit of friendship, solidarity and fair play.

International Charter of Physical Education and Sport, UNESCO, 1978

The practice of physical education and sport is a fundamental right for all. (Article 1).

Convention on the Rights of the Child, UNESCO, 1989

Parties [to the Convention] recognise the right of the child to rest and leisure, to engage in play and recreational activities appropriate to the age of the child and to participate freely in cultural life and the arts. (Article 31).


9

Local councils have the potential to increase physical activity within their communities more than any other body due to their key role in providing and managing environments, facilities and services. Improving footpaths and walking and cycle tracks, providing safe and appealing environments, facilitating better access to sporting facilities and recreational activities are just a few ways that councils can encourage physical activity. This includes encouraging incidental physical activity, that is, walking or cycling for a purpose other than recreation, such as getting to local shops, schools or workplaces.

Waverley Council plays an important role in caring for the health and well-being of its communities through the planning, provision, funding and coordination of recreational facilities and services. A comprehensive list of Council-provided facilities, programs and services can be found in Section 3 of this report.

In some sectors – notably parks and children’s playgrounds – councils (and other levels of government) are virtually monopoly providers. In other sectors – particularly sport – provision is made by the private and voluntary sectors as well as various arms of the public sector. In the latter case, therefore, any planning by Council must take account of the roles of all providers. In addition to direct provision, therefore, councils enable other organisations to play their part in providing for recreation, through grant-aid and partnerships and its strategic and local planning activities.

1.5 METHODS

In New South Wales, the primary source of guidance for recreational planning is the 1992 Department of Planning document, Outdoor Recreation and Open Space: Planning Guidelines for Local Government. The planning process recommended by the guidelines is referred to as a ‘needs-based’ approach and is summarised in Figure 1. This is in contrast to earlier ‘standards-based’ approaches.

Following this broad approach, this study has involved:

• Existing plans: a summary of key strategic issues identifi ed in Council’s own strategic plans and those of the state government (Section 2)

• Supply: compilation of information on the supply of recreation facilities and services available to residents of the Waverley community (Section 3)

• Demand: an estimation of current and future recreation demand by Waverley residents (Section 4)

• Needs assessment: analysis of the balance between demand and supply and presentation of a series of recommendations for future provision to address current and/or future gaps between demand and supply (Sections 5 and 6).

1.4 WAVERLEY – LOCATION AND CONTEXT

Key features of the Waverley Local Government Area (LGA) which impact on recreation demand and have been taken into consideration in this plan, include the following:

• its location on Sydney’s Eastern seaboard, approximately seven kilometres from the Sydney CBD. This position, between the city and the sea and close to Sydney Harbour, is the key to the area’s enormous attraction for residents and visitors

• its population of 60,700 (in 2006) in an area of 9.3 km², which means it has a population density of 5586 people per km² (2006 Census), making it one of the most densely populated LGAs in Australia. This is refl ected in the proportion of the population living in apartments (56% compared with 22% in Sydney)

• its increasing popularity with tourists, both day-trippers and staying visitors. While tourism is the subject of a separate plan, it should be acknowledged that visitors and residents share many of the area’s recreational resources.

• a continued infl ux of tourists, people on working holiday visas and medium- to long-term business migrants and their families into the area. This is partly refl ected in the relative mobility of the population (46% of residents move into the LGA every fi ve years).


10

Figure 1 The process of recreation planning In this report, recommendations responding to recreational needs/demands are addressed in:

• the short-term – the next two years

• the medium-term – the next two to fi ve years

• the long-term – the next six to ten years.

During the preparation of this report the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) released some limited data from the 2006 Census of Population for Waverley. Some demographic data presented in the report therefore relates to 2006, while some relates to 2001. It is expected that a more detailed update on the 2001 census data will be available shortly.

Source: Adapted from DoP (1992: 4)

COUNCIL’S CORPORATE PLAN

SETTING THE AGENDAIssues, specifi c objectives.

RECREATION PLANPolicy (matching supply with demand)

Action priorities. Performance indicators. Management systems.

RECREATION DEMAND INFORMATIONCommunity profi le. Residential,

organisational and user surveys. Focus groups. Comparative analysis standards.

RECREATION SUPPLY INFORMATIONClassifi cation of spaces. Inventory of

facilities. Maintenance conditions and costing.


11

A number of existing instruments are relevant to this study, including the following:

• Waverley Council’s plans/strategies

Recreation Survey (1992) and Profi le and Forward Plan (1994)

Waverley Together; Strategic Plan (2005)

Social Plan, 2005-2010

Bike Plan (2001)

Green Links project

Arts Plus (Council’s draft Cultural Plan)

Strategic Asset Management Plan (2006).

• state government plans/strategies

Metropolitan Strategy, particularly the Draft Sub-regional Strategy for the East Sub-region (2007)

Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources (DIPNR – now Department of Planning) Assessing Recreation Demand and Opportunities: Southern Sydney Region (2004).

These are discussed in turn.

2.1 WAVERLEY PLANS/STRATEGIES

The following overview of plans and policies highlights Council’s commitment to a strategic, integrated planning method and a ‘whole of council’ approach designed to ensure the most effective use of resources for recreational activities.

›

›

›

›

›

›

›

›

›

These strategic documents contain planning components addressing issues relevant to Waverley’s recreational needs. Sometimes, physical activity initiatives are used by Council to achieve other important objectives such as community safety or reduced car use. Other initiatives are incorporated within a range of council projects.

Council is working on a number of important strategies to get people out of cars, promote physical exercise, make the roads safer for pedestrians and create linkages between pocket parks and other points of interest to encourage walking. Waverley’s Bike Plan and the Green Links project are good examples of how Council pursues strategic planning objectives which improve recreational experiences for residents and visitors.

Different sections are working strategically across Council departments to achieve this. For example, Environmental Services is working on sustainable transport initiatives; Community and Cultural Services provide fi tness programs for seniors; Integrated Planning and Community Consultation oversees parks planning; and Strategic Planning is involved in progressing the Green Links project to develop a network of walking paths.

Another key planning principle is the recognition that people do not respect local boundaries when pursuing recreational opportunities. Building on existing strengths and assets, Council needs to look beyond the Waverley LGA to initiate and develop effective regional partnerships for those projects which cannot be implemented by one council alone.

1994 RECREATION PLAN

Council undertook a recreational needs survey in 1992 and, based on survey fi ndings, additional research and consultations, prepared a detailed analysis of opportunities and gaps. This 1994 report on recreational needs and issues was included in Waverley’s Social Plan: Waverley in the mid-90s – Profi le and Forward Plan of Community Needs.

In summary, the report highlighted:

• the popularity of informal recreational activities and predominant use of outdoor space (the top four activities were: walking for pleasure; visiting parks; jogging/running; beach swimming)

• that 64% of household respondents participated in unstructured recreational activities or informal use of open space; 15% of respondents participated in organised sports

• a demand to enhance Waverley’s open space assets by continuing to provide and upgrade facilities for informal recreational opportunities throughout Waverley

• an inadequate range of options for people with disabilities

• the need for Council to take a regional approach to the provision, in partnership with its neighbours, of an indoor leisure centre/year-round swimming facility and hydrotherapy pool.

When ranking people’s preferred recreational settings, parks came fi rst (93%), followed by beaches, coastal walks, public library, playgrounds and Bondi Pavilion.

2 Strategic Plans – Issues


12

Waverley Council recognised the important physical, social and mental benefi ts that sport, recreation and the use of open space have on the health and well-being of its residents and visitors. This report is based on the understanding that, since 1994, people’s needs and expectations have changed, the political climate is different and more information and research on recreational topics has been incorporated into Council’s key planning documents. The strong demand for informal use of open space, however, has remained a constant theme and will again be discussed in this study.

WAVERLEY TOGETHER: STRATEGIC PLAN, 2005

Council’s 2005 strategic plan, Waverley Together, provides a blue-print for what Council and the community hope to achieve over a 12-year timeframe. The strategic plan makes numerous references to recreation in its many forms and includes specifi c strategies to improve recreational and leisure opportunities for all people to support a cohesive, healthy and resilient community.

In relation to sustainable use of Waverley’s environment and beaches, the plan states the need for open and green space to be protected from over-development and overuse and, where appropriate, to be expanded.

Council’s other key plans and policies help achieve the vision articulated in the strategic plan and this study’s recommendations as contained in the action plan (see Section 6) follow the time frame and major directions adopted in Waverley Together.

WAVERLEY COUNCIL SOCIAL PLAN 2005-2010

The Waverley Council Social Plan 2005-2010 summarises a number of the socio-demographic characteristics of the Waverley area which shape Council’s social policies. This information has been incorporated into the current study, in particular:

• current and future age structure of the population

• cultural diversity of the population

• the high level of apartment living and mobility of the population.

The plan identifi es three key community issues: housing, mental health, crime prevention and community safety. This study is relevant to all three issues.

• Housing - people living in apartments, especially high-rise, have a greater need for access to public open space for children’s play and adult exercise and recreation

• Mental health - there is increasing evidence to show that access to green open spaces can have a positive impact on mental as well as physical health (Mallet et al., 2002, Henderson, 2006).

• Crime prevention and community safety - it is widely believed that criminal activity can be reduced by the provision of appropriate recreational facilities, particularly for young people (Nichols, 2006). Further, community safety is enhanced in recreational areas which are busy and crowded rather than deserted.

BIKE PLAN, 2001

Waverley Council developed the Waverley Transportation Policy in 2001 and prior to this, completed a traffi c and transport study. This information guides Council’s decision making around improvements to the quality of transport and urban amenity in Waverley. Apart from public transport, pedestrian movements, land-use strategies and parking provision, the study also considered improvements to cycling.

Over the last few years, there has been a growing community interest in cycling as a mode of transport and for recreational purposes.

The Waverley Bike Plan, adopted in 2001, establishes a network of cycle routes linking beaches, shopping centres and other facilities throughout the local government area through bicycle lanes, as well as shared pedestrian and cyclist facilities.

Stage 1 of the Bike Plan links Centennial Park and Bronte Beach via Queens Park Road, Victoria Street, Macpherson Street and Bronte Road. In addition to budgeted capital works funds, the works, at a cost of a quarter of a million dollars, required part-funding from the RTA.


13

Construction of Stage 2 of the Waverley Bike Plan is currently underway. This work will result in a formalised bicycle route from Bondi Junction to Bondi Beach travelling along various streets and off-road paths between Old South Head Road and Campbell Parade – a key feature of the Waverley Bike Plan and a necessary link in Sydney’s regional bike network.

The Southern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (SSROC) is in the process of developing state and regional bike plans for all SSROC councils to improve the linkages between LGAs. This work, if approved and funded by the RTA, will further enhance Council’s already completed sections of the Waverley Bike Plan.

In many European countries, biking has been fi rmly established as an important means of transport and diverse groups of all ages share the road and cycle ways. However, road rules and infrastructure development in Europe favour cyclists and the car is less dominant. Educational strategies beginning with preschool-aged children ensure that cycling skills and road awareness are embedded early in people’s consciousness.

More bikes on the roads is a desirable outcome of Council policies but also raises many issues for users. Cyclists on roads and children on footpaths (as per RTA guidelines) are a fairly new phenomenon in Sydney’s Eastern suburbs and so community education will be an important strategy in promoting safety and consideration for other road users in the future.

In previous consultations, residents felt that safer bicycle conditions needed to be constructed to encourage more cyclists and they expected the RTA to assist in funding these improvements. People also commented that bicycle parking facilities needed to be improved by Council, and these have now been installed in Bondi, Bronte, Waverley and Bondi Junction near the bus/rail interchange.

GREEN LINKS

Waverley Council is currently working to establish an integrated pedestrian network – Green Links – to join signifi cant areas within Waverley, including Centennial Park, Bondi Beach and the Bondi Junction Commercial Centre. The Coastal Walk is an example of an existing Green Link.

Access to limited open space, as is the case in Waverley, can be improved by providing safe and accessible linkages between open spaces as well as schools, beaches, commercial centres and major transport hubs. These linkages can take the form of improved pathways, landscaping and tree planting, artwork and support facilities such as seats, signage or lighting which encourage travel between open spaces and make areas more pedestrian friendly.

Recent research by the Department of Planning has highlighted that accessibility to regional open space is a key concern for Sydneysiders throughout all regions of the metropolitan area.

Increasing the proportion of pedestrian journeys can help to achieve a better quality of life and environment. Some benefi ts include improved health, better environmental conditions, decreased traffi c congestion and improved pedestrian safety. Encouraging walking as a way of exploring and discovering your environment will also be an important strategy in managing the movement of the large numbers of visitors who come to the LGA for special events or to visit the spectacular coast line.

Five pedestrian links have already been identifi ed and Council is in the process establishing the fi rst two links which are expected to be completed early in 2008.

Green Link 1 connects Centennial Park to Bondi Junction via the Bondi Junction Bus/Rail Interchange and Green Link 2 will connect Bondi Junction Interchange with Queens Park. These trails link some of the biggest trip generators in Sydney being Centennial Park, Queens Park and Bondi Beach and also include a major transport interchange at Bondi Junction. Green Link 1 will encourage visitors Sydney-wide to access these popular destinations in a safe and sustainable way.

Council received a small grant from the 2006 Metropolitan Greenspace Program for one of the Green Links projects but will need to source additional funding to progress many of the prioritised projects.


14

Green Links has been well supported by the local community, Centennial Parklands, Heart Foundation and other authorities who have been consulted at various stages of development.

ARTS PLUS (WAVERLEY’S CULTURAL PLAN)

The Cultural Plan discusses a number of key areas where people’s cultural activities overlap with recreational pursuits. Council’s 1994 plan showed that 39% of household respondents participate in leisure pursuits such as concerts, theatre, festivals or exhibitions. These activities are still very popular with residents and visitors alike but are outside the scope of this study.

STRATEGIC ASSET MANAGEMENT PLAN 2006

Developing, maintaining and managing Council’s broad range of sport, recreational and open space assets has always presented challenges. With Australia’s drought and other environmental pressures looming large, this responsibility has become even more diffi cult.

The Strategic Asset Management Plan (SAMP1) establishes Council’s approach to the management of a wide range of assets including parks and reserves, beaches and coastal areas and a variety of buildings which support recreation. SAMP1 gives a picture of the current condition of these assets and puts in place activities which ensure a minimum number of outcomes that focus on conducting condition assessments, integrating decisions with other plans, achieving Council’s vision and priorities, performance

measurement and continuous improvement. It establishes regular and cyclical activities to ensure good management and decision making.

SAMP1 is a particularly important base document for assessing LGA-wide issues related to conditions and standards of particular facilities. The limitation of SAMP1, for the purpose of this study, is that it includes assessment of only 45 parks, reserves and road closures and, while these include some of the more signifi cant parks and reserves, it does not include for example, Bronte or Tamarama Parks. Buildings used for recreational purposes and facilities that support recreation are well covered in the Plan. In relation to parks and reserves, beaches and coastal areas, it is concerned (with some exceptions) with the basic condition and standard of the asset. The issue of ‘fi tness for purpose’ or ‘upgrades to maximise potential’ is noted but likely to be dealt with in more detail in the appropriate Plans of Management.

The plan notes that ’parks and reserves are likely to be considered to be among the better of our assets in terms of condition’ (p.3).

It should be noted that this plan was written in 2005 before the most recent and damaging drought impact. It notes too that policy change, such as that which has driven the Looking Good Strategy for example, will change expectation about standards. This strategy directs upgrade and maintenance activities to consider both ’the functionality and the attractiveness of the physical environment’ (p.2 Looking Good Strategy Waverley Council 2006).

SAMP1 notes that the challenge is not only to maintain the asset well but to maintain the right assets well. In other words, to provide assets which perform well in the light of expected outcomes and in relation to their cost and other impacts. This can be done by considering material gathered through the SAMP process with a range of other plans such as the Waverley Strategic Plan and the Recreational Needs Study.

In SAMP1, the Coastal Walk, particularly at Waverley Cemetery and Bronte Pool, was identifi ed as having experienced major deterioration. This issue was addressed with upgrade and design work to both areas in 2006-2007. Of the parks and reserves assessed, 11% were suffering medium deterioration with upgrades suggested through Plans of Management.


15

2.2 STATE GOVERNMENT PLANS / STRATEGIES

METRO-STRATEGY: DRAFT EAST SUB-REGIONAL STRATEGY

The state government’s Draft East Sub-regional Strategy covers Waverley, Woollahra, Randwick and Botany Bay LGAs. Its aim is to provide a link between state government agencies and local councils to coordinate planning and investment, primarily in relation to key employment centres and transport links. It includes seven overall ‘Key Directions’, seven ‘Strategies’ (one of which is concerned with Parks, Public Places and Culture) and four ‘Actions’. The Key Directions, Strategies and Actions particularly relevant to this study are summarised below.

Overall Key Directions

• achieving a balance of activities to promote Bondi Junction as a major centre

• protect and promote scenic quality and tourism.

Strategy: Parks, Public Places and Culture strategy

• to ensure equitable access to parks and public places for all residents in the sub-region

• to ensure open space areas and facilities are managed sustainably to cater for residents and visitors to the sub-region.

Actions

• to increase access to quality parks and public spaces

• to provide a diverse mix of parks and public places

• to improve Sydney’s major sporting and cultural event facilities.

The ‘actions’ contain a total of nine policies, with a further 17 more detailed commitments. In summary, policies relevant to this study refer to:

• the improvement of coastal and other cross-boundary footpaths, access and linkage developments, particularly by the continuation of existing state grant-aid programs

• The encouragement of councils to upgrade existing open spaces and sporting facilities.

It is notable that the strategy does not refer to the ‘needs-based’ approach to planning as outlined in the Department of Planning’s own guidelines, referred to in Section 1.5 above. However, it does refer to the Department’s study, Assessing Recreational Demand and Opportunities: Southern Sydney Region (DIPNR, 2004), which is summarised below.

ASSESSING RECREATIONAL DEMAND AND OPPORTUNITIES: SOUTHERN SYDNEY REGION

Assessing Recreational Demand and Opportunities: Southern Sydney Region (DIPNR, 2004) is one of four regional studies covering the Sydney metropolitan area that was conducted by what was then called the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources and is now the Department of Planning. The studies used ‘a ‘bottom up’ approach by reviewing the existing recreational demand data and plans produced by local and state government agencies, supplemented by consultations and workshops. This complements a parallel exercise done by the Department of Planning to compile a comprehensive, computerised database of recreational resources.

The Southern Region covered in the report stretches from the Eastern Suburbs to Sutherland and the Royal National Park and as far west as Canada Bay, Strathfi eld, Canterbury and Hurstville. The observations and conclusions, therefore, cover a wide area and some are inevitably less applicable to Waverley than others.


16

The ‘gaps in regional recreational provision’ are listed in the report as:

• trails, walkways and cycle ways in a range of settings

• indoor integrated sports and aquatic facilities

• informal social drop-in facilities for youth, such as skate parks

• recreational opportunities for people with disabilities

• regional playgrounds

• sports grounds.

Priority areas for the region are identifi ed as:

• participation in sport – particularly more and better-used sports fi elds

• informal use of parks – more passive informal parks, particularly with upgraded playgrounds and services such as better shade, seating and signage

• connection and travel on trails and routes, particularly new connecting walking and bike trails

• participation in indoor sports and aquatic facilities.

A second levels of priorities were identifi ed as:

• access to water – completion of waterside and coastal walkways;

• target groups – such as skate park facilities for youth;

• gatherings at cultural and civic spaces – more civic spaces in town centres and higher-density residential areas and spaces for festivals and events;

• interaction with nature.

The recommendations of the study were:

• Regional open space plan - to be developed on a multi-agency basis. This is currently being pursued in part by a SSROC study of the use and management of playing fi elds but does not cover informal open spaces

• Comprehensive database - to be developed not only in regard to facilities, as mentioned above, but also in regard to demographic trends and participation

• Integrated recreational planning approach - to be developed at the regional level

• Cooperation - to plan with other agencies (including councils, health service providers, schools, government, and community-based conservation and sporting bodies)

• Budgets and assets - to pursue new strategies acquiring budget and assets, via such things as increased fees, partnerships, bequests, covenants to protect assets, developer-provision requirements, spreading budget allocations across more activities

• Scheduling use of facilities - councils to assume responsibility for use-scheduling, rather than leaving it to private clubs

• Programming - councils to assume a programming role to ensure access to facilities for less-advantaged groups.


17

2.3 ISSUES

A summary of key issues resulting from Council’s review of previous research and analysis of current materials indicates the following:

• limited open spaces and little potential for public open space acquisition

• high-density residential living with limited opportunities for facility and sporting fi eld development, further exacerbated by residents’ concerns about potential loss of neighbourhood amenities (eg impact of noise, lighting, traffi c, parking)

• high visitor demand for access to open spaces and facilities

• strong demand for passive or unstructured/informal recreational activity (swimming, walking, jogging, running, yoga/gentle exercise in parks, etc)

• ageing infrastructure increases burden on maintenance budget

• well-educated community with high expectations for quality facilities, programs and services

• ageing population and ‘pockets of disadvantage’ requiring careful balance of user-pay and affordable fee structures

• attractive outdoor recreational opportunities (beautiful coast line, ocean pools, walking trails and parks) but no public indoor pool/sport facility

• reliance on regional facilities to meet demand for some active recreational/sports activities.


18

This section discusses, in turn:

• public open space – overview

• public open space – park appraisal

• sports and community facilities

• services

3.1 PUBLIC OPEN SPACES: OVERVIEW AND APPRAISAL

Open spaces include parks, reserves, beaches and trails owned by Council and areas of public open space within the LGA owned by other agencies, which must be taken into account in considering community needs. In assessing needs, some account must also be taken of open space outside of the LGA but which is accessible to Waverley residents. Public open space provides for informal recreation, such as walking and picnicking, children’s play and sporting activities. In this section parks and reserves are considered as a whole, with a particular focus on their use for informal recreation. Children’s play and sporting facilities included in the parks and reserves are discussed in Sections 3.2 and 3.3.

THE AMOUNT OF OPEN SPACE

There are 99 council-owned parks/reserves in Waverley, with a combined area of 76.11 hectares (82.59 hectares if Bondi Golf Course/Williams Park is included). Just 21 parks, with an area greater than 1 hectare, account for most of this open space; these are listed in Table 2. Queens Park, Waverley Cemetery, South Head Cemetery and Maccabi Tennis Club add another 49.27 hectares of open space to the total. But Queens Park is a regional facility, serving Randwick, the City of Sydney and, if not the whole of Sydney, at least the Eastern Suburbs. Counting Queens Park’s 26.9 hectares in its entirety as part of Waverley’s open space supply would involve double-counting, since it also serves these other areas. It is suggested that one fi fth of the area be counted as part of Waverley’s public open space supply. This would bring the supply to 110.36 hectares, which is 2.21 hectares per 1000 population.

In the past, the level of provision of open space, in hectares per 1000 population, was compared against a state-wide standard level of provision but the state’s 1992 Guidelines, referred to in Section 1.5 above, advise against this approach. Rather, it is suggested, the amount of open space in a council area should be assessed in terms of local community need, or demand. This is considered in Section 4 of the report.

Parks and reserves can be divided into: regional parks; coastal reserves; small parks and pocket parks, linkages; and remnant vegetation.

3 Supply of Open space and Other Recreational Facilities and Services


19

REGIONAL PARKS

Regional parks include Bondi, Bronte, Tamarama and Waverley. The fi rst three are located in coastal reserves and are of regional and, in one case, national signifi cance. That is, they attract a signifi cant number of users from outside the Waverley LGA.

COASTAL PARKS

Waverley’s open space includes signifi cant coastal land and beaches including Bondi Beach (11.55 ha) Tamarama Beach (3.69 ha) and Bronte Beach (10.29 ha) linked by the 3.4 km Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk. Proximity to these coastal reserves and beaches is probably one of the main reasons why people choose to live in Waverley.

Bondi Beach has iconic status because of its place in the development of early seaside leisure and recreational beach-use and its aesthetic qualities. The Pavilion is central to this and the beach, park and Pavilion were listed in the National Estate in 1993. These areas have also recently been listed on the State Heritage Register.

Similarly, Tamarama and Bronte have important histories – both Indigenous and European – as well as beautiful gullies and waterfalls and very popular beaches.


20

Table 2 Public open spaces in the Waverley Local Government Area

Council-owned/managed parks/reserves Area (ha.)

Regional open space

Coastal

Bondi Park, Bondi Beach 11.55

Bronte Park, Bronte 10.30

Tamarama Park, Tamarama 3.69

Non-coastal Local open space

Waverley Park, Waverley 11.15

Coastal reserves

Rodney Reserve, Dover Heights 4.23

Diamond Bay Reserve, Diamond Bay 3.50

Hugh Bamford Reserve, North Bondi 2.81

Marks Park, Tamarama 2.64

Dudley Page Reserve, Dover Heights 2.51

Ray O’Keefe Reserve, North Bondi 2.51

Eastern Reserve, Dover Heights 1.46

Raleigh Reserve, Dover Heights 1.20

Gaerloch Reserve, Tamarama 1.21

Hunter Park, Bondi Beach 1.21

Clarke Reserve, Diamond Bay 1.01

Calga Reserve, Bronte 1.01

Non-coastal reserves

Barracluff Park, North Bondi 1.51

Varna Park, Bronte 1.47

Thomas Hogan Reserve 1.21

Dickson Park, Bondi 1.11

Small parks/reserves & road closures

77 under 1 ha. 8.82

Total council owned/managed parks/reserves 76.11

Council-owned/managed parks/reserves Area (ha.)

Other council managed open space

Linkages

Waverley Cemetery** 20.00

South Head Cemetery 1.9

Bondi-Bronte Coastal Walk *

Dover Heights – Vaucluse Cliff Walk *

Total other council-owned 21.90

Other public open space

Queen’s Park (Regional) 26.87

Maccabi Tennis Club ** 0.5

Bondi Golf Course/Williams Parkk 6.48

Total other public open space 33.85

Total public open space 131.86

Total with only 20% of Queens Parkk 110.36

* No area estimate in addition to land already included in parks/reserves

** Area estimated

NB: Maccabi Tennis Club is included in Table 2 because it constitutes part of Waverley’s open space supply; however, the future of the land is uncertain. Its sporting facilities are discussed in Section 3.2


21

These important locations attract signifi cant numbers of visitors on a daily basis from other parts of Sydney and overseas. An estimated 2.7 million people visited Bondi in the 2005-2006 year (Visitor and Tourist Management Strategy 2002). Maintenance of coastal reserves and beaches represents a large cost to Council which will be ongoing and historically this has been a strong emphasis in earlier planning. Works completed include: work on Bondi Pavilion in 1999-2000, signifi cant works on Campbell Parade, design and development of Hunter Park and a new playground at Bondi. Visitor impact continues to be a key issue needing to be addressed.

A 2002 internal review indicated that beaches, parks and coastal walks are the most used and preferred recreational settings. Growth in population predicted by the NSW government’s Metropolitan Strategy and strategies contained in the draft East Sub-regional Strategy (outlined separately in the study) recognises a large amount of regional open space and suggests demand will require:

• management to ensure equitable access to parks and public places for residents and visitors

• sustainable management of open space areas and facilities to cater for residents and visitors.

Council’s response to this document highlighted the fact that the draft does not suffi ciently address the issue of funding to maintain high-profi le parks and public places and sporting and cultural facilities, and does not address the unique problems that are associated with night-time use of venues such as antisocial behaviour and violence.

Upgrades to the public domain at iconic places like Bondi Beach require state government funding if expansion to visitation is anticipated.

Future expenditure and planning will need to continue to focus on these three coastal parks, the beaches, the buildings and play spaces located within them. Bondi Park and Pavilion, for instance, will be subject to planning and work in the next few years.


22

WAVERLEY PARK

Waverley Park is the site of regional facilities and a home to cricket and rugby, providing important fi elds, netball courts, cricket nets and exercise stations. Its open space includes a popular children’s playground, the Waverley Nursery, where plants are stored and propagated, and a signifi cant memorial garden to WWI and WWII veterans. Part of this open space is owned by Sydney Water and a large water tower occupies the site. Council Chambers sits on the corner of this site in a prominent position on Bondi Road.

The park needs a new Plan of Management (planned for 2008-09) to address a range of issues regarding users, sites for facilities, upgrading, landscaping and maintenance in the park. A key issue for immediate action is the need to completely rebuild the Waverley Park Pavilion which was closed in August 2007. Spectator clubs and park staff facilities are now housed in temporary demountables.

QUEENS PARK

Queens Park, with an area of 26.87 hectares, is a regional, state-owned park managed by the Centennial Park and Moore Park Trust. While located only partly within Waverley LGA (on one side it borders Randwick LGA) ,it is of regional signifi cance and serves the local needs of some of the residents in both Waverley and Randwick.

Coastal reserves

Coastal reserves include recreational reserves and coastal corridors which provide access to a unique coastline. In addition to those designated as regional parks as discussed above, coastal reserves include small and large spaces some of which, such as Hugh Bamford Reserve, Marks Park and Rodney Reserve, contain facilities for active and passive recreation. A signifi cant piece of coastal land at Bondi Golf Course, is not managed by Council (see below).

Reserves dot the coastline from Bondi to the cemetery in the south, and help link the major beaches. They are, in many cases, important destinations in their own right and need to be managed as such. Planning for management of these reserves needs to be updated to ensure they are well cared for.

Some of these areas contain remnant vegetation or are suitable for regeneration or, at the least, re-vegetation with native species.

Some reserves have important historic sites for both European settlement and Aboriginal heritage.

Small parks and pocket parks

Small parks and pocket parks include crown and community land and road closures. These include spaces often very close to residential areas, sometimes with small playgrounds or seating. Parks like O’Donnell Street Reserve, Victoria Park, St James Road Reserve and Clementson Park are spaces where local people can stop and rest, enjoy the view, watch children play and enjoy the greenery

and foliage. In an area with signifi cant residential fl at development, small residential plot size and a sizable population needing to rent their home, their importance is signifi cant.

Although Council has acquired a few small parks within the past ten years through conversion of roads and acquisition through development, these acquisitions need to be assessed carefully for their open space value. Some of these areas lend themselves to community capacity building such as has occurred at O’Donnell Street Reserve. Links between parks identifi ed and scoped through the Green Links project and discussed in Section 2 are important because this has the potential to enhance the capacity of what might be small and isolated pieces of land. This linking process should be seen as an ongoing strategy.

The volume of small-sized parks requires a signifi cant level of maintenance. Issues associated with pocket park maintenance are entirely different to those experienced in open spaces that are made up of large open tracts of land. This is a key issue needing to be addressed.

Work carried out in 2002 showed there are nearly 100 parks and reserves in existence, however many of these are very small pocket parks and reserves. Around 28 were less than .05 hectares or under – that is, very small sites. These smaller areas are sometimes unnamed, often created from road closures and have limited active recreational potential but provide green space, enhance visual amenity and


23

allow respite in a dense urban environment. Seating and shade are sometimes signifi cant additions to these areas and, in some unique locations, they afford beautiful views of the coastline.

Enhancement of these small spaces includes the recent development of a Pocket Parks program linked to civic pride initiatives which encourages volunteering and interest in local green spaces. Through this program interested gardeners can take an active gardening interest in small local parks.

Linkages

Linkages are important and include the Dover Heights to Vaucluse Cliff Walk (3 km) and the Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk (3.4 km). Consideration of the regional signifi cance of both these walks is important as they link to similar walks in Woollahra and Randwick and have the capacity to form part of a coastal walk from Watson’s Bay to Botany Bay.

BONDI TO BRONTE

The Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk offers spectacular views to seas along the coastline, includes whale watching points and allows opportunities to visit beaches and parks along the way. A concrete sandstone pathway winds its way around the Hawkesbury sandstone headlands and across the promenades of three beaches. Demand is increasing from joggers, walkers and dog walkers prompting improvements like better seating, stainless steel safety fencing, re-vegetation with natives and improvements to paths, stairs and lookouts.

A user-study in 2000 identifi ed 75% of users from the Sydney area with only 37% from the suburbs along the walk (Bondi, Tamarama, Bronte and Clovelly) 21.5% were overseas users.

Design work for the section from South Bronte to the Randwick border across the front of Waverley Cemetery is underway and is expected to be fi nalised by the end of 2007. Council has already agreed to proceed with this project and has allocated capital funds for the upgrade.

The narrowness and unsuitability of the walk at the cemetery, the volume of users, and the incursions though the cemetery create signifi cant management problems for this important facility. With its heritage signifi cance and its situation as one of the world’s most scenic working cemeteries, the value of this space for quiet contemplation and visual amenity can be protected while allowing easy nearby access for walkers.

In 2000, users identifi ed widening of the path, signage and bubblers as a priority for improvements. Management of users on the walk, ongoing maintenance to cope with demand and planned upgrades continue to be key issues.


24

DOVER HEIGHTS TO VAUCLUSE CLIFF WALK

The Cliff Walk from Dover Heights to Vaucluse also provides access to scenic locations. Sections of the walk are removed from the coastline and detour through suburban streets and some areas require footpath and step upgrades. A funded feasibility study is intended to examine ways of achieving better access, through the golf course, to cliff-side views.

Key issues arising from increasing demand include the continual need to upgrade and maintain in a harsh and unpredictable environment, sensitivity of the natural environment and the need to protect and nurture this for the future, access issues for all groups and management of users to ensure equity and safety.

Remnant vegetation

Areas of remnant vegetation identifi ed for protection and extended areas near to remnant areas identifi ed for regeneration are included in these reserves, particularly in the coastal reserves.

Both the Coastal Walk and Cliff Walk traverse areas where remnant vegetation exists or where regeneration can take place. Coastal corridors are ideal places for re-vegetation and regeneration programs enhancing visual amenity, stabilising steep slopes, providing environmental amenity and re-establishing habitat for wildlife. In 2006 Council decided to invest considerably higher levels of funding to undertake bush-care projects with contractors.

These have already commenced, or are planned, in areas like the Bronte and Tamarama gullies, South Bronte, various sections of coastline, the Hugh Bamford Reserve, Diamond Bay, Gaerloch Reserve/Mackenzie’s Beach and the area below Waverley Cemetery.

Remnant areas are sparse and compromised. Protection and enhancement is challenging because of the very close-built environment, the level of degradation of large open space areas such as the Tamarama gully and Bronte gully. Excessive usage and demand by people visiting from all parts of the world creates further challenges.

The operation of a volunteer bush-care program at a number of sites is particularly important in this attempt to regenerate certain areas.


25

Road

Roa

d

Road

Military

Military

Roa

d

Str

eet

Str

eet

Road Isab

elA

ve

Head

Lanc

aste

r

Street

Dov

er

Bla

keSouth B

eaum

ont

Ons

low

Str

eet

Cha

leye

rS

tree

t

Live

rpoo

l

Old

Mur

river

ieR

oad

RoadMilit

ary

Str

eet

Hastin

gs

Para

de

Blvd

eP

arad

e

Wairoa

Avenue

Brig

hton

Aven

ue

Campb

ell

Street

Gould

Bla

ir

Curle

wisSt

reetW

arne

rs

HallGlenayr

Ave

Beac

h

Road

Street

Sandridge

Street

Fle

tche

rS

tree

t

Pac

ific

Ave

Fran

cisStre

et

Bon

diR

oad

S.T.M

.Roa

d

Mar

ine

Driv

e

Road

Street

Bro

nte

Road

Roa

dBronte

Head

Wellington

StreetStreet

Bro

nte

Mur

ray S

tree

t

Penkivil

Wellington

Street

Sou

th

ArdenStreet

Street

Bon

diR

oad

Bennett

Flood

Old

Street

Birr

ell

Str

eet

CouncilStreet

PaulStreet

Cresc

ent

Wills

Mac

pher

son

Ave

Str

eet

Bronte

Roa

d

Vic

toria

Oxf

ord

Stre

etD

rive

Wav

erle

y

BlenheimStreet

Bronte

Road

Que

ens

Par

kR

oad

Dar

ley

Roa

d

Ebl

ey

Spr

ing

Str

eet

Str

eet

Birr

ell S

tree

t

Oxf

ord

Stre

et

Syd

Ein

feld

DenisonStreetBarongaAv

Yor

kR

oad

YorkRoad

Bon

diS

ewag

eT

reat

men

tWor

k

Dia

mon

dB

ayR

eser

ve

Chr

istis

onP

ark

St.

Hd

Cem

eter

y

Rod

ney

Res

erve

Dud

ley

Pag

eR

eaer

ve

Bon

diG

olf

Cou

rse

Bon

diP

ark

Mar

ksP

ark

Tam

aram

aP

ark

Hun

ter

Par

k

Bon

diiP

ark

Tam

aram

aP

ark

Gol

f

Cou

rseR

oyal

Syd

ney

Bro

nte

Par

k

Wav

erle

yC

emet

ery

Var

naP

ark

Wav

erle

yP

ark

Que

ens

Par

k

2858

571029

1514

12 13

54

22 26

2123

27

5316

18

8

17

20

19

5224

25

37

5

3031

4

32

2

33

3511

9

3

4339

38

4041

4244

1

5147

455056

46

49

48

7

3436

6

Wav

erle

yC

ounc

ilL

GA

Loc

atio

nof

Par

ksan

dR

eser

ves


26

Key to map of main parks and reserves

No. Park/Reserve No. No. Park/Reserve

1 Waverley Park 20 Onslow St Reserve 39 Tamarama Park (upper)

2 Bondi Park 21 Hugh Bamford Reserve 40 Ashley and Thompson St Reserves

3 Bronte Park and Gully 22 Warren Zines Reserve 41 Hewlett St Reserve

4 Tamarama Park 23 Murriverie Rd Closure 42 Jessie Street Reserve

5 Marks Park 24 Murriverie Rd Reserve 43 Belgrave St Reserve

6 Clemenston Park 25 Barracluff Park 44 Marlborough Reserve

7 Eora Park 26 Blair St Reserve 45 Simpson Park

8 Rodney Reserve 27 Wairoa Reserve 46 Faith Patterson Reserve

9 Calga Reserve 28 Ray O’Keefe Reserve 47 Dickson St Reserve

10 Biddigal Reserve 29 Scarborough Crescent Reserve 48 Cuthbert St Reserve

11 Dickson Park 30 Hunter Park 49 Victoria Park

12 Clarke Reserve 31 Boondi Reserve 50 Varna Park

13 Jensen Ave Reserve 32 Francis Street Reserve 51 Macpherson Park

14 Diamond Bay Reserve 33 Thomas Hogan Reserve 52 Gilgandra Reserve

15 Kimberley Reserve 34 Fingleton Reserve 53 Weonga Reserve

16 Eastern Reserve 35 Forest Knoll Reserve 54 Raleigh Reserve

17 Caffyn Park 36 St James Reserve 55 Gibson Street Reserve

18 Dudley Page Reserve 37 Fletcher St Reserve 56 Brighton Boulevarde Reserve

19 Chaleyer St Reserve 38 Tamarama Park (lower) 57 Hal Lashwood Reserve

* Map and list do not include the recently completed Sam Fiszman Reserve


27

Table 3 Parks and reserves (over 0.1 hectare) in the Waverley Local Government Area

Reserve Location Ward Area (Ha.)

Barracluff ParkCnr Old South Head Rd & Warners Ave, North Bondi

Hunter 1.5125

Biddigal ReserveRamsgate Ave, North Bondi (north end of Bondi Beach)

Bondi 0.688

Bondi ParkOff Campbell Pde, Bondi Beach (back of Bondi Beach)

Bondi 11.5512

Bondi ReserveCnr Bondi Rd & Campbell Pde, Bondi Beach

Bondi 0.101

Bronte ParkEast end of Bronte Rd, Bronte (back of Bronte Beach)

Waverley 10.2992

Caffyn ParkCnr Portland St & Blake St, Dover Heights

Hunter 0.6475

Calga ReserveCalga Ave, Bronte (north of Waverley Cemetery)

Lawson 1.0117

Clarke Reserve East end of Clarke St, Vaucluse Hunter 1.0116

Clemenston ParkCnr Ebley St & Newland St, Bondi Junction

Lawson 0.85

Diamond Bay Reserve Craig Ave, Vaucluse Hunter 3.5

Dickson Park Cnr Edward St & Wellington St, Bondi Waverley 1.1053

Dudley Page ReserveCnr Military Rd & Lancaster Rd, Dover Heights

Hunter 2.509


Eastern Reserve Eastern end of Eastern Ave, Vaucluse Hunter 1.457

Eora ParkCnr Hollywood Ave & Waverley St, Bondi Junction

Lawson 0.105

Fingleton Reservecnr Bondi Rd & Waverley Cres, Bondi Junction

Lawson 0.2023

Gaerloch Reserve Gaerloch Ave, Tamarama Waverley 1.2141

Hewlett St Reserve Hewlett St, opp Alfred St, Bronte Waverley 0.165

Hugh Bamford Reserve

Miltary Rd, North Bondi (north of golf club)

Hunter 2.8074

Hunter Park Campbell Pde, opp Francis St, Bondi Waverley 1.2115

Kimberley ReserveMilitary Rd, Vaucluse, near cnr Old South Head Rd

Hunter 0.4097

Macpherson ParkCnr Macpherson St & Arden St, Waverley

Lawson 0.313

Marks ParkEast end of Fletcher St, Tamarama (Mackenzies Point)

Waverley 2.6355

Marlborough ReserveCnr Brown St & Blandford Ave, Waverley

Waverley 0.3427

Queens Park Queens Park Rd, Queens Park Lawson 26.87

Raleigh Reserve East end of Raleigh St, Dover Heights Hunter 1.2


28


Ray O’Keefe ReserveEastern end of Ramsgate Ave, North Bondi (Ben Buckler Point)

Bondi 2.509

Rodney Reserve Rodney St, Dover Heights Hunter 4.2264

Simpson ParkCnr Macpherson St & Leichhardt St, Waverley

Lawson 0.1846

St James ReserveCnr St James Rd, & Gowrie St Bondi Junction

Lawson 0.207

Stephen St Reserve Cnr Stephen St & Bennett St, Bondi Waverley 0.1208

Tamarama Park Tamarama Marine Drive, Tamarama Waverley 3.6877

Thomas Hogan Reserve

Francis St, Bondi, near cnr Old South Head Rd

Waverley 1.21

Varna Park Cnr Varna St & Leichhardt St, Waverley Lawson 1.4719

Victoria Park West end of Victoria St, Queens Park Lawson 0.25

Wairoa ReserveCnr Wairoa Ave & Hastings Pde, North Bondi

Bondi 0.283

Waverley ParkCnr Bondi Rd, Park Pde & Birrell St, Bondi

Waverley 11.1541

Weonga Reserve East end of Weonga Rd, Dover Heights Hunter 0.2832

Wilga St Reserve East end of Wilga St, Tamarama Waverley 0.53

Williams Park (Bondi Beach Golf Club)

Military Rd, North BondiBondi & Hunter

6.475

* Table 3 does not include the recently completed Sam Fiszman Reserve

Table 3 Continued Table 4 Total area of parks and reserves in the Waverley Local Government Area by ward

Ward Total Area (Ha.)

Bondi (excluding Coastal Walk & Williams Park) 26.15

Waverley (excluding Coastal Walk) 30.67

Lawson 32.26

Hunter (excluding Williams Park) 13.90

Total 102.98


29

3.2 SPORTS FACILITIES

FACILITIES OVERVIEW

This section provides an overview of the sporting facilities and community facilities which cater for physical recreation within the Waverley LGA and comments on the adequacy and condition of these facilities. Table 5 contains a summary of key facilities available. An assessment of Council’s facility provision based on feedback from community consultation and comparison data will be provided in Section 4.

Six groups of facilities are discussed: sports fi elds and courts; bowling clubs; swimming pools; surf life saving clubs; community centres; private sector sport/fi tness facilities; facilities in schools; and other facilities.

SPORTS FIELDS AND OUTDOOR COURTS

Table 5 shows that Council manages sports fi elds and outdoor courts in six parks/reserves, and facilities are also available in Queens Park, managed by the Centennial Park and Moore Park Trust. The playing surfaces are confi gured seasonally in accordance with summer and winter sports requirements. A total of seven sports fi elds are regularly provided in summer and winter. Rugby Union and Rugby League are both main winter sports, whereas cricket dominates fi eld confi guration in summer.

All other reserves provide for the needs of the community to participate in active sports. The standard of the facilities is consistent with community sporting

needs with playing surfaces being considered generally adequate but not of a high standard. There is some evidence of over-use and the effects of the drought on certain grounds have adversely affected surface quality, as is the case at Barracluff and Waverley Oval Areas Nos. 2 and 3. Support facilities and amenities, such as car parking, public toilets, change rooms and showers, where they exist, are of a similar basic but functional standard.

Waverley Park

Waverley Park No 1 ground is licensed to the Eastern Suburbs District Rugby League Football Club, Waverley Rugby Football & Sporting Club Inc and Waverley District Baseball Club during the winter season and the Eastern Suburbs Cricket Club during the summer season.

Waverley Park, Birrell Street, Bondi Junction is Council’s main sporting venue that accommodates formal sport and athletics carnivals as well as a children’s playground and dog exercise area. The very popular 2.5 multi-purpose sports ground caters for baseball, Rugby League and Rugby Union training and matches in winter and predominantly cricket in summer on fi eld 1. Field lighting is available for training purposes. Located within the park are Bocce rinks and three all-weather netball courts, a turf cricket pitch and practice nets. Change room and amenities that were located in the Grandstand are now located in temporary structures following the closure of the Waverley Pavilion. The park is an attractive venue for community festivals and, with Council support, hosts the annual free Eastern Zone Playgroup Festival during Children’s Week in October.


30

Table 5 Key sports and recreational facilities in the Waverley Local Government Area

Sports fi elds Cricket pitches

Basket/ Netball

Tennis courts

Bowling greens

Ocean/Pool

Skate rampsOvals Rugby etc

Sports fi elds

Waverley Park 1 2.5 1 3

Hugh Bamford Reserve, North Bondi 0.75

Dudley Page Reserve, Dover Heights 1 1

Barracluff Pk, North Bondi 1

Dickson Pk, Bondi 2.5

Rodney Reserve 1

*Queens Park (15% of facilities) 2 6

Bowling clubs

Waverley Bowling Club (Waverley Park) 3

Bondi Bowling Club (Barracluff Park) 3

Bronte Bowling Club (Bronte Park) 2

Diamond Bay Bowling Club (Kimb Res) 2

Swimming pools

*Bondi Iceberg 1

Wally Weekes Pool 1

North Bondi Children’s Wading pool 1

Bronte Baths 1

Surf life-saving clubs

Bondi SLS Club

Bronte SLS Club

North Bondi SLS Club

Tamarama SLS Club

Tennis clubs

*Maccabi Tennis Club 6

Skate Parks

Bondi Beach Skate Park 1

Total Number 4 11.25 2 5.5 6 10 4 1

Rodney Reserve

Rodney Reserve in Dover Heights is a permanent training and match venue with posts for rugby and soccer and line markings. The reserve is also used to stage school athletic carnivals. The reserve has limited parking but lacks amenities and lighting.

Barracluff Park

Barracluff Park, Warners Ave, Bondi is an active soccer training venue with fl oodlighting but is not full size or set up with goal posts or line-marking for soccer matches The Park has no amenities and limited parking is available in the surrounding area.

Hugh Bamford Reserve

Hugh Bamford Reserve, North Bondi has a Rugby League ¾ size fi eld with fl oodlighting and a small car park. Closed by Sydney Water for several years for maintenance, the reserve re-opened in December 2006. Currently, there are no goal posts installed at the reserve.

Dickson Park

Dickson Park, Wellington Street, Bondi is set up as two grass netball courts and a half- grass court basketball facility.

Dudley Page Reserve

Dudley Page Reserve, Lancaster Rd, Dover Heights is owned by Sydney Water and managed by Waverley Council. The reserve has play equipment and one synthetic cricket pitch but is not a dedicated cricket ground. With spectacular views across the harbour, Dudley Page Reserve is the venue for Council’s annual family friendly New Year’s Eve event.

* Non-council facilities


31

Queens Park

As indicated in Section 3.1, Queens Park is a state-owned regional facility, managed by the Centennial Park and Moore Park Trust. Facilities include 29 football fi elds, 23 cricket ovals and 18 netball and basketball courts. Waverley residents are just one of the many groups served by these facilities. In Table 5, therefore, just a proportion of the facilities are counted as part of the Waverley community’s supply of facilities.

BOWLING CLUBS

Four bowling clubs, listed in Table 5 – Waverley, Bondi, Bronte and Diamond Bay – are, located adjacent to council parks/reserves and offer a total of 10 greens.

SWIMMING POOLS

Three ocean baths exist at Bondi (Bondi Icebergs, 50 m lap pool and shallow children’s pool), North Bondi (Wally Weekes and children’s wading pool) and Bronte.

There are a small number of indoor pools offered by clubs and private gym facilities eg:

• Hakoah Club - 17m indoor pool available to members, providing children’s Learn to Swim classes.

• Body Express at the Swiss Grand Hotel - 22.5m pool

• Elixir Health Club, Bondi Junction - 25m pool

Some schools offer pool facilities for their students such as:

• Waverley College - heated Olympic outdoor pool, limited community access

• Moriah College - 25m indoor pool, no community access

• Wairoa Special School - 10m indoor pool, some community access.

In addition to harbour and ocean pools in the adjoining LGAs of Woollahra and Randwick, there area a number of public pools, including:

• Des Renford Aquatic Centre, Heffron Park, Randwick - 25 m indoor heated training and aqua-play pool, 25m indoor heated competition pool, 50m outdoor heated Olympic pool plus children’s and toddlers’ pools

• Prince Alfred Park, Surry Hills, Sydney - 50m outdoor unheated

• Andrew (Boy) Charlton, The Domain, Sydney - 50m outdoor

• Cook and Phillip Park, Sydney - 50m indoor, hydrotherapy and leisure pool

• Ian Thorpe Pool, Sydney - 50m indoor pool, plus leisure and program pools

• Victoria Park, Camperdown, Sydney - 50m year-round pool

• Green Square, Zetland, Sydney - proposed aquatic facility.


32

A sizable proportion of Waverley residents work in the Sydney CBD and some are likely to be users of the city’s recreational facilities. A City of Sydney survey of Cook and Phillip Park pool in 2004-2005 indicated that 9% of users (or around 75,000 people) were from the Waverley LGA (Sydney City Council, 2005).

There are three specialist hydrotherapy/health pools located in or close to the Waverley LGA: the War Memorial Hospital in Birrell St, South Sydney Community Health Centre in Zetland, the Prince of Wales (POW) Hospital in Randwick. These centres are operated on a bookings-only basis and are not open to the general public for casual or informal attendance.

SURF LIFE SAVING CLUBS

Bronte Surf Bathers’ Life Saving Club, Bondi Surf Bathers’ Life Saving Club, North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club and Tamarama Surf Life Saving Club Inc offer a range of surf awareness programs, patrolling beaches and surf lifesaving competitions as well as the popular ‘Nippers’ program in the summer months. Council is committed to supporting these clubs and has provided signifi cant assistance over the past years. The recent upgrade and refurbishment of the Bondi Surf Bathers’ Life Saving Club is a good example of Council partnering with clubs to offer a high standard of facilities.

FACILITIES IN SCHOOLS

As part of the study, Council offi cers visited schools in the area to assess the current extent of their facilities’ provision. Both public and private schools have developed varying levels of outdoor and indoor facilities. Council is pursuing discussions with some of these schools to explore the potential of partnerships for expanding/improving or accessing existing facilities for community use outside of school hours. Access to school grounds is governed by Department of Education guidelines and these are currently being reviewed to facilitate easier access to schools by community groups.

School facilities are mentioned in the discussion of swimming pools (see above) and sports halls (see below).

OTHER FACILITIES

Although community centres accommodate a variety of activities, our interest in them for this report is in their capacity to cater for such activities as indoor bowls, fi tness activities and table tennis. A full inventory of community facilities, such as church and scout halls as well as potentially accessible venues in schools and clubs, has not been compiled for this study but some comments on council-owned centres are provided below.

Facilities in Council-owned buildings

• Bronte Park Community Centre has change and small meeting room areas in Bronte Reserve

• Bondi Pavilion, Queen Elizabeth Drive, offers a range of facilities including a theatre, galley space, large halls and rooms for hire with kitchen facilities, music studios, outdoor seating and amphitheatre and a licensed bar area. Some rooms/areas at the Bondi Pavilion are licensed on a commercial basis for various food and beverage outlets. The draft Pavilion Purpose statement describes the future direction of this important facility and together with the Pavilion Asset Management Plan will guide improvements and upgrades over the next 10-15 years

• The School of Arts provides art rooms and studios which are leased to Waverley Woollahra Arts Centre. In addition it provides a rehearsal and dance hall suitable for various forms of dance and similar activities as well as two smaller rooms suitable for casual meetings or classes such as yoga or pilates. Amenities at the facility have been recently upgraded

• Mill Hill and Waverley Community and Seniors Centre, ground, fi rst and second fl oors, Floor Mill Hill Centre 31 – 33 Spring Street, Bondi Junction, offers a range of community meeting rooms and a very large hall available for hire by priority community and commercial groups. The Community and Senior Centre occupy the ground level of this facility and have signifi cant support from the community with around 1500 visits per month. Rooms are available for both community and commercial hire


33

• Waverley Pavilion in Waverley Park provides seating, club rooms, amenities and storage for sports clubs using the playing fi elds on a regular basis and for schools and other groups for occasional use. The facility has recently been closed for re- development and users are occupying temporary facilities

• WAYS Youth Service, Bondi Beach, is a community-based purpose-built youth facility including offi ces, meeting rooms and drop-in centre at a central beachside location. The rooftop level is subject to DA approval for a new court facility

• North Bondi Early Childhood Centre, Wairoa Ave, North Bondi is a Council-owned building located next to WAYS and accommodates three services: the Early Childhood Centre (operated by NSW Health) and two community-based services: the Bondi Toy Library and North Bondi Playgroup

• Junction House Inc, Bondi Junction, is a community-based service providing recreational services for people with disabilities. Council provides fi nancial and in-kind support

• Kimberley Reserve Community Hall is a small hall in a reserve that is used by the Kimberley Playgroup and hired for children’s parties

• Thomas Hogan Reserve Hall is a small hall surrounded by a beautiful shady reserve that is currently used by the Girl Guides, Francis Street Playgroup and some commercial operators offering children’s dance/movement programs

• Bondi Skate Park, Bondi Park, Bondi, is a state-of-the-art skateboard and inline skating facility offering large bowl and street skating elements. As one of the few facilities of its kind in the Eastern Suburbs area, it caters to both residents and visitors. Others are located at Waterloo in the City of Sydney and Maroubra Beach in Randwick.

Private sector sport/fi tness centres

Numerous private sector sport/fi tness centres operate in the Waverley LGA. These facilities collectively meet the recreational demand of a signifi cant number of Waverley residents, and should therefore be taken into account when considering the overall balance of demand/need and supply in the area. A full inventory of facilities provided by the private sector has not been compiled for this study but will be undertaken in the future. Invariably they operate on a commercial basis and therefore cater to the substantial section of the population that can afford to pay the necessary membership fees. They, therefore, complement council facilities which are accessible to those who may not be able to afford commercial fees.


34

Sports halls

Small halls and gyms can accommodate many indoor sport/fi tness activities, but not all. Activities like indoor basketball, netball and badminton require larger spaces. The minimum size of a typical multi-purpose sports halls measures 33 x 18 metres and 7.6 metres high, which can accommodate four badminton courts or one basketball/netball court (Sport England, 2000). Although some schools have these sized halls offering limited public access, none currently exist in Waverley as publicly-available facilities.

Golf courses

Bondi Beach Golf Club/Williams Park, Military Road, North Bondi is licensed to a commercial operator and offers a nine-hole golf course including clubhouse. Waverley also has the Royal Sydney Golf Course and Woollahra Golf Course on its border in Woollahra.

3.3 CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUNDS

Council provides 36 children’s playgrounds located in parks and reserves (see Map of Playgrounds) and an additional facility is provided in Queens Park.

These playgrounds are scattered throughout the LGA and vary in size, age and features. The Bondi Park, Bronte Park and Waverley Park playgrounds are examples of Council’s larger sized playgrounds, providing many play activities in a large, well-defi ned area.

In 2007, Council completed a substantial upgrade of Bondi Park Playground which, as a regional playground, now features a larger play area incorporating new and challenging play experiences, as well as shade, seating and barbecue facilities for families and their children. Regular maintenance checks are carried out on playgrounds so that faulty equipment can be repaired or replaced. One to two playgrounds will be identifi ed each year for review and upgrade and CCA-treated equipment is being removed from all playgrounds.

3.4 PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

Council provides a range of recreational services, as follows:

• information services on recreational facilities and services via the Council website

• youth services

• services for people with disabilities

• community and library services

• services for older people

• school holiday programmes.

While the major focus of this study is physical and outdoor recreation, it is worth mentioning a range of programs and services that have an important recreational focus and are either provided by Council or supported by Council in some way. These programs may, in some instances, allow for active recreation but in most cases provide an opportunity for passive or indoor recreation.

INFORMATION SERVICES

Council provides an information service on recreational facilities and services via the Council website and through printed brochures. These include brochures on the Cliff and Coastal Walks, various heritage walks, a range of material on beaches and the coast and extensive event information. Specifi c target groups such as youth and older people are catered for.

COMMUNITY/YOUTH SERVICES

Council supports a range of programs through grants, provisions of buildings and through management support. These include youth programs including Outreach and those which support homeless people and children and families. WAYS Youth Service at Bondi Beach, for example, offers recreation, employment services (Bondi Junction Offi ce), education, health promotion, counselling and case management for 11 – 24 year olds. Waverley Council contributes fi nancially to the administration of WAYS youth facility and provides the building.

SERVICES FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

Waverley Community Living Project provides a unique service where adults with an intellectual disability are provided with support to live independently in their home. Accommodation is generally provided by Council. The program supports these people in living full and interesting lives. Social educators may work with essential skills


35

Dia

mo

nd

Bay

Res

erve

Dia

mo

nd

Bay

Res

erve

Dia

mo

nd

Bay

Res

erve

Dia

mo

nd

Bay

Res

erve

Dia

mo

nd

Bay

Res

erve

Dia

mo

nd

Bay

Res

erve

Dia

mo

nd

Bay

Res

erve

Dia

mo

nd

Bay

Res

erve

Dia

mo

nd

Bay

Res

erve

Bro

nte

Par

kB

ron

te P

ark

Bro

nte

Par

kB

ron

te P

ark

Bro

nte

Par

kB

ron

te P

ark

Bro

nte

Par

kB

ron

te P

ark

Bro

nte

Par

kTam

aram

a P

ark

Tam

aram

a P

ark

Tam

aram

a P

ark

Tam

aram

a P

ark

Tam

aram

a P

ark

Tam

aram

a P

ark

Tam

aram

a P

ark

Tam

aram

a P

ark

Tam

aram

a P

ark

Du

dle

y P

age

Res

erve

Du

dle

y P

age

Res

erve

Du

dle

y P

age

Res

erve

Du

dle

y P

age

Res

erve

Du

dle

y P

age

Res

erve

Du

dle

y P

age

Res

erve

Du

dle

y P

age

Res

erve

Du

dle

y P

age

Res

erve

Du

dle

y P

age

Res

erve

Wav

erle

y O

val

Wav

erle

y O

val

Wav

erle

y O

val

Wav

erle

y O

val

Wav

erle

y O

val

Wav

erle

y O

val

Wav

erle

y O

val

Wav

erle

y O

val

Wav

erle

y O

val

Ral

eig

h R

eser

veR

alei

gh

Res

erve

Ral

eig

h R

eser

veR

alei

gh

Res

erve

Ral

eig

h R

eser

veR

alei

gh

Res

erve

Ral

eig

h R

eser

veR

alei

gh

Res

erve

Ral

eig

h R

eser

ve

Cal

ga

Res

erve

Cal

ga

Res

erve

Cal

ga

Res

erve

Cal

ga

Res

erve

Cal

ga

Res

erve

Cal

ga

Res

erve

Cal

ga

Res

erve

Cal

ga

Res

erve

Cal

ga

Res

erve

Qu

een

s P

ark

Qu

een

s P

ark

Qu

een

s P

ark

Qu

een

s P

ark

Qu

een

s P

ark

Qu

een

s P

ark

Qu

een

s P

ark

Qu

een

s P

ark

Qu

een

s P

ark

Ro

dn

ey R

eser

veR

od

ney

Res

erve

Ro

dn

ey R

eser

veR

od

ney

Res

erve

Ro

dn

ey R

eser

veR

od

ney

Res

erve

Ro

dn

ey R

eser

veR

od

ney

Res

erve

Ro

dn

ey R

eser

ve

Var

na

Par

kV

arn

a P

ark

Var

na

Par

kV

arn

a P

ark

Var

na

Par

kV

arn

a P

ark

Var

na

Par

kV

arn

a P

ark

Var

na

Par

k

Mar

ks P

ark

Mar

ks P

ark

Mar

ks P

ark

Mar

ks P

ark

Mar

ks P

ark

Mar

ks P

ark

Mar

ks P

ark

Mar

ks P

ark

Mar

ks P

ark

Hu

gh

Bam

ford

Res

erve

Hu

gh

Bam

ford

Res

erve

Hu

gh

Bam

ford

Res

erve

Hu

gh

Bam

ford

Res

erve

Hu

gh

Bam

ford

Res

erve

Hu

gh

Bam

ford

Res

erve

Hu

gh

Bam

ford

Res

erve

Hu

gh

Bam

ford

Res

erve

Hu

gh

Bam

ford

Res

erve

Bo

nd

i Par

kB

on

di P

ark

Bo

nd

i Par

kB

on

di P

ark

Bo

nd

i Par

kB

on

di P

ark

Bo

nd

i Par

kB

on

di P

ark

Bo

nd

i Par

k

Sam

Fis

zman

Res

erve

Sam

Fis

zman

Res

erve

Sam

Fis

zman

Res

erve

Sam

Fis

zman

Res

erve

Sam

Fis

zman

Res

erve

Sam

Fis

zman

Res

erve

Sam

Fis

zman

Res

erve

Sam

Fis

zman

Res

erve

Sam

Fis

zman

Res

erve

1 1 11 11 1 11

2 2 22 22 2 22

5 5 55 55 5 55

4 4 44 44 4 44

3 3 33 33 3 336 6 66 66 6 66

11 11 1111 1111 11 1111

8 8 88 88 8 8814 14 141

4 1414 14 1414

10 10 1010 1010 10 1010

12 12 1212 1212 12 1212

13 13 1313 1313 13 1313

7 7 77 77 7 7716 16 161

6 1616 16 1616

15 15 1515 1515 15 1515

18 18 1818 1818 18 1818

26 26 2626 2626 26 2626

30 30 3030 3030 30 3030

27 27 2727 2727 27 2727

29 29 2929 2929 29 2929

34 34 3434 3434 34 3434

31 31 3131 3131 31 3131

28 28 2828 2828 28 2828

33 33 3333 3333 33 3333

32 32 3232 3232 32 3232

35 35 3535 3535 35 3535

36 36 3636 3636 36 3636

24 24 2424 2424 24 2424

25 25 2525 2525 25 2525

19 19 1919 1919 19 1919

22 22 2222 2222 22 2222

21 21 2121 2121 21 2121

23 23 2323 2323 23 2323

17 17 1717 1717 17 1717

9 9 99 99 9 99

20 20 2020 2020 20 2020

WA

VE

RL

EY

PL

AY

GR

OU

ND

S

1 C

lark

e R

eser

ve

2 K

imbe

rley

Res

erve

3 O

nslo

w S

t Res

erve

4 D

over

Rd

Res

erve

5 D

udle

y P

age

Res

erve

6 R

alei

gh R

eser

ve

7 B

iddi

gal R

eser

ve

8 G

ilgan

dra

Rd

Res

erve

9 M

urriv

erie

Rd

Res

erve

10

Nib

lick

St R

eser

ve

11

O’D

onne

ll S

t Clo

sure

12

Wai

roa

Res

erve

13

Bon

di P

ark

14

Bar

racl

uff P

ark

15

Dic

kson

Par

k

16

Sir

Tho

mas

Mitc

hell

Res

erve

17

Ste

phen

St R

eser

ve

18

Tho

mas

Hog

an R

eser

ve

19

Cle

men

ston

Par

k

20

Cut

hber

t St R

eser

ve

21

Fin

glet

on R

eser

ve

22

St J

ames

Res

erve

23

Wav

erle

y P

ark

24

Que

ens

Par

k

25

Vic

toria

Par

k

26

Mar

ks P

ark

27

Tam

aram

a P

ark

28

Bel

grav

e S

t Res

erve

29

Bro

nte

Par

k

30

Hew

lett

St R

eser

ve

31

Pal

mer

ston

Ave

Res

erve

32

Gib

son

St R

eser

ve

33

Mac

pher

son

Par

k

34

Mal

boro

ugh

Par

k

35

Sco

tt S

t Res

erve

36

Var

na P

ark


36

such as budgeting and cooking but the program also encourages interaction and involvement and opportunities to be involved in social and recreational activities.

Junction House provides recreational programs including craft, music and fi tness for people with an intellectual disability. Social groups meet during the day and in the evening and the service is home to the well-known Junction House Band which has released two albums. Waverley Council provides an annual grant and subsidised accommodation for this program.

SERVICES FOR OLDER PEOPLE

Waverley Seniors and Community Centre is jointly funded by Council and the Department of Ageing Disability and Home Care provides a range of social and recreational programs for people over the age of 60. The centre offers a diverse range of activities and subsidised services ranging from those which encourage physical health like Tai Chi, pilates, yoga, dancing or gentle exercise, podiatry and massage to social and cultural events. The programs offered have the capacity to support older people that are healthy and active as well as those who are less mobile, experiencing frailty and sometimes poorer health. Large groups are able to meet at the centre and include those from the Russian and Italian communities.

Bondi Pavilion Programs: The Pavilion is home to wide range of community music and arts programs for local groups as varied as children, people with disabilities and seniors. Festivals and events are facilitated including the long-running Festival of the Winds and the very popular Bondi WAVE music program for young musicians. Exhibitions, displays talks, readings and drama performances are a feature of the program. Children’s classes include school holiday programs, pottery and preschool music. The facility has rooms available for booking and tutors provide dance, fi tness, martial arts, art and meditation classes for children and adults.

PROGRAMS AT THE SCHOOL OF ARTS

While this facility is owned by Council the major tenant is Waverley – Woolahra Arts Centre, a community-based organisation that provides vocational as well as recreational skills-training in all facets of arts and crafts practice for children and adults. The Centre also runs school holiday programs and exhibitions.

PROGRAMS AT WAVERLEY LIBRARY

The Library provides a rich program of cultural and recreational activities including chess lessons, baby and children’s story-time and fi lms, ‘meet the author’ programs and special events. Younger children can participate in school holiday programs including craft and fi lms, stories and shows, song and dance. Older children and teens are catered for with teenage reading group and school holiday activities for

young people over the age of 10, Computer Pals, exhibitions, music events, plays, book readings and concerts are facilitated by the Library or organised in the venue by community groups.

WALKING SCHOOL BUS

The walking school bus is a walk-to-school program sponsored by Council and is designed to combat the increasing safety and environmental issues associated with traffi c congestion around schools as well as the rising levels of obesity in children. Children set off from home with parental volunteers along safe walking routes to school. The program provides an opportunity to get fi t as well as for kids to learn about safety and road rules and their neighbourhood. The program commenced in 2006 with Bondi Public and Bronte Public Schools involved.

BETTER FUTURES PROGRAM

The Better Futures program operates under the auspices of Council but is funded by the state government. It provides a project offi cer who works to improve access to after school activities and programs for young people aged 9-13. The program also aims to improve children’s programs via the training of staff, providing experts to deliver programs and teach and advise in the fi elds of sport and recreation. For example, after-school services work with youth services and sports providers to deliver integrated programs to young people.


37

COMMUNITY GRANTS PROGRAM

This program consists of both long-term and one-off funding for a variety of social recreational, cultural and environmental programs and projects. Grants in the last few years have delivered cultural outcomes through play and book readings, music events and exhibitions as well as recreational activities for young people in the school holidays and after school.

PLAYGROUPS

Playgroups offer informal play experiences for young children and networking for parents. North Bondi Playgroup uses the Wairoa Avenue facility fi ve days a week, using both the hall and the outdoor play area. The other two playgroups are located in Thomas Hogan Reserve and Kimberley Reserve. Although playgroups are community-based they are supported by Council through grants or subsidised buildings. Council supports the annual Children’s Festival run by Eastern Zone Playgroups.

ANNUAL EVENTS CALENDAR

This program is delivered by a variety of different sections of Council and includes events led and facilitated by Council and others supported and encouraged by Council.

Events target a wide range of groups including the annual Youth Week, Children’s Week and Seniors Week activities, and activities which

aim to celebrate and encourage harmony and reconciliation. Activities in our Council reserves include world-renowned events such as Sculpture by the Sea and iconic festivals like Festival of the Winds or the recent Orange Festival. Some form part of a wider campaign or strategy like the Safe Summer Program and Christmas and New Year’s Eve activities.

Bondi Junction and Bondi Beach have their own regular programs with events which support business initiatives like the Bondi Junction Business Awards as well as community events which attract young people, children and families. Recreational programs for young people include at least four live music events per year run in conjunction with WAYS, as well as a number of programs run through the Pavilion or Library.

3.5 POLICIES

Council’s broad direction and intention for open spaces in the area is articulated in the Waverley strategic plan Waverley Together, as indicated in Section 2.1 above. In particular, the plan states that Waverley will be a place that: ‘Protects and enhances the natural environment for present and future generations and shares open and green spaces’.

This vision encompasses key issues for open spaces in Waverley which are: the need to protect and enhance precious open spaces and the need to balance demand or share of these spaces.

The framework and objectives for the management of land owned or controlled by Council, including areas of open space, is contained in various Plans of Management, These plans address the direction of work in parks and reserves in the LGA. Council is required under the Local Government Act to provide plans for those areas of land classifi ed as ‘community’.

These plans include the following:

• Small Parks Plan of Management

• Bronte Park Plan of Management 2004

• Bondi Park and Pavilion Plan of Management (for update 2008-2009)

• Tamarama Park Plan of Management 2007

• Coastal Reserves Plan of Management

• Thomas Hogan Reserve Plan of Management

• Waverley Park Plan of Management (for update 2008-2009).

Other signifi cant planning activities to be undertaken by Council are as follows.

3.6 RECENT ACHIEVEMENTS AND CURRENT PROJECTS

This section provides a summary of recent and continuing initiatives and capital works projects Council is undertaking in relation to recreation. These activities highlight the implementation details of strategic planning objectives and demonstrate Council’s strong commitment as a provider, funding body and facilitator of quality recreational outcomes.


38

OPEN SPACE, PARKS AND PLAYING FIELDS

• development of the regional playground at Bondi Park. This project involved extensive consultations with children and the look, feel and design of the newly created space recognises their feedback. Main features include: increased footprint of the playground area; new and challenging play experiences and equipment; more seating and bubblers and a new shade structure

• Sam Fiszman Park Development. This project involved the transformation of a car park on Ben Buckler’s point into a small coastal reserve with spectacular ocean views. It included landscaping works and the provision of seating and a viewing platform

• installation of groundwater storage tanks in parks for use by Council. This is an important initiative to improve sustainability of water use around Council’s parks and sporting fi elds. In July 2007, installation of storage tanks in Barracluff and Waverley Parks was completed

• development of netball courts in Waverley Park. In May 2006, Council completed works on creating new netball courts in Waverley Park

• Coastal Walk upgrade, Waverley Cemetery. In 2006, Council commissioned design work to construct a coastal walk below Waverley Cemetery. Three community consultation forums provided a basis for the concept design and a DA for the works was submitted. Additional design work to improve access has been carried out and construction will commence in 2007-08.

• Other initiatives delivering important recreational outcomes are:

the signifi cant upgrade of Bondi Surf Bather’s Life Saving Club

the recently completed development of Bondi Skate Park in Bondi Beach

the Cliff Top Walk extension from Dover Heights to Vaucluse

the Bronte Pool upgrade

Green Links

the Bike Plan and development of cycle routes

the research completion and identifi cation of projects for 9-13 year olds.

CAPITAL WORKS PROGRAM 2007-11 AND RECREATIONAL OUTCOMES

Planned expenditure on all capital works in 2007/2008 is $9.24 million and represents about 10% of council expenditure. A number of projects budgeted for 2007-11 will address recreational needs and issues identifi ed in previous reports and consultations. These projects support people’s expressed desire for active, healthy lifestyles and contribute to their sense of well-being.

›

›

›

›

›

›

›

A summary of budgeted works in the areas of open space, playgrounds, access, safety as well as programs and events is provided below:

Open Space

• upgrades and improvement to Marks Park, Hunter Park and the Heroes Walk at Bronte and Bondi Beaches

• continued upgrades of Waverley playgrounds (Victoria Park and St James Reserve in 2007-08) and the replacement of CCA-treated play equipment

• improvement works at Bronte Park, arising from Bronte Plan of Management.

• Bronte Creek restoration work

• construction of the Coastal Walk from Calga Reserve to Waverley Cemetery.

• implementation of the Green Links projects (see below for details)

• the upgrade of fi tness stations.

Access, safety and transport

• undertake upgrades of footpaths in various identifi ed locations (see details)

• improve bus facilities and undertake transport access works in Bondi Junction

• improve pedestrian safety and access to the bus/rail interchange

• implement the Pedestrian Access Mobility Plan (PAMP) following consultations and the development of a works schedule which identifi es key pedestrian routes to improve pedestrian safety, mobility and access in Bondi Junction.


39

Partnerships and joint venture projects

• provide active recreational facilities on Council land or through joint ventures (eg development of basketball courts in 2007-08)

• explore opportunities for partnerships on non-Council-owned land (eg schools, clubs) for facility development.

3.7 ASSESSMENT OF SPORTS AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES

The audit of available sporting facilities in the Waverley LGA has shown that:

• Waverley sports fi elds suffer from over-use resulting in poor surface condition as demonstrated at Barracluff Park and Waverley Park Areas No. 2 and 3

• parks tend to have a lack of shade options and seating. Diverse play areas in playgrounds as well as playgroup activities mainly cater for the needs of younger age groups, specifi cally toddlers to nine year olds, leaving a gap in the provision of more challenging, age-appropriate activities and play experiences for older children

• Waverley offers no indoor multi-sports court facilities

• the provision of amenities supporting Waverley’s sports fi elds eg toilet and change room facilities could be improved. Rodney Reserve and Barracluff Park do not have amenity facilities at all which greatly restricts their potential usage.. Amenity improvements would lift facility standards and increase access to recreational opportunities for a number of sports

• access to Department of Education land for recreational purposes is currently fairly restricted for a number of reasons, including safety, litigation and risk management issues. Arising from the NSW Plan, access guidelines are expected to be reviewed to allow easier access to school facilities outside school hours and Council is pursuing discussions with some of Waverley’s schools to further explore the potential for partnerships

• there is an under-supply of night training fl oodlights on sports fi elds which restricts the clubs’ ability to train throughout the week prior to weekend competitions

• ocean swimming is popular in the Waverley LGA and Council continues to support a large number of established Surf Life Saving clubs offering a range of sporting and recreational activities and services to the community. Maintenance and upgrades of Waverley’s ocean pools is also one of Council’s priorities. There is no indoor, year-round public pool in the Waverley or Woollahra LGAs

• Waverley has many scenic coastal trails that have active recreational linkages for walking and running. These facilities will continue to be in high demand as they offer a diverse range of recreational and exercise options and are extremely popular with residents and visitors.


40

This section presents:

• an overview of infl uences on recreational demand

• an outline of the principles involved in assessing demand

• a summary of community and organisational consultation undertaken for this study

• demand assessments.

4.1 INFLUENCES ON RECREATIONAL DEMAND

A wide range of factors affect the level and pattern of recreational demand in a community, including the current and future:

• size of the population

• age structure of the population

• leisure time

• density and housing profi le (apartments vs houses)

• cultural diversity

• socio-economic factors (incomes, occupations and education)

• local environment, culture and tradition.

SIZE OF THE POPULATION

A key feature of the Waverley community is that, because the area has little scope for development, the size of the population is not expected to increase signifi cantly. While the state government’s Metro Strategy envisages more than half of Greater Sydney’s population growth being accommodated in existing built-up areas through urban consolidation, this is not possible in Waverley because it has already experienced considerable urban consolidation: 56% of its dwellings are apartments, compared with 22% in Sydney as a whole.

Waverley has experienced a moderate population increase in recent years, but growth is expected to be much slower in future, as shown in Table 6.

Table 6 Population growth, Waverley Local Government Area, 2001-2022

Period Population Period Change % per annum

2001* 58,769

2006* 60,715 2001-06 +1,946 +0.7%

2008** 61,104 2006-08 + 389 +0.3%

2013** 61,817 2008-13 + 713 +0.2%

2022** 62,754 2013-22 + 937 +0.3%

Source: * 2001 & 2006 Census (ABS, 2002 and 2007) ** estimates based on Dept of Planning (2005) modifi ed in light of 2006 Census.

Implications: The major issue in considering future recreational needs in Waverley is therefore not the challenge of a growing population.

AGEING OF THE POPULATION

The population of Waverley is expected to age in the future but not quite as rapidly as in the rest of Sydney. Thus, the proportion of people aged 65 years and over is expected to grow from 13.3% to 15.8% between 2008 and 2022, while over the same period the proportion in Greater Sydney is expected to grow from 12.6% to 15.9%. Figure 2 indicates that, in the short term, while the ageing process is apparent, little substantial change is expected. By 2022 the changes are more substantial, with a total reduction of about 1200 in the younger age groups (under 35s) and an increase of about 1700 in the older age groups (65+). Although there is an overall reduction anticipated in the number of younger people living in Waverley there has been a slight growth in the number of children aged between 0-4 since 2001.

4 Recreational demand


41

Figure 2 Waverley Local Government Area age structure, 2008-2022 LEISURE TIME

According to the ABS, about one fi fth of our total time, on average, is spent in leisure, which is more than is spent in paid work, as shown in Figure 3. Of course, leisure time varies across the population, with the younger and older age groups having more than those in the middle age groups, and men having more than women, as shown in Figure 4. By far the largest portion of leisure time is spent in watching television and videos, as shown in Figure 5. Clearly, the challenge for those organisations providing for out-of-home leisure is to tap, even in a small way, into this large ‘reservoir’ of time currently occupied by television-watching.

Figure 3 Proportion of daily time spent on main activities: Australian adults, 1997

Implications: In the short term, the ageing of the population will not be a signifi cant factor needing to be addressed in the Recreational Needs Study, but it will be a moderately important factor in the long-term.

Source: Adapted from Dept of Planning (2005) and ABS (2007)

0-14

2000

4000

6000

8000

10000

12000

14000

16000

15-19 20-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65+

age groups

popu

latio

n

2008 2012 2022

Source: Lynch and Veal (2006: 132), based on ABS (1998)

sleep(35.86%)

personal care(10.49%)

education(1.81%)

domestic(16.47%)

paid work(13.62%)

leisure(21.75%)


42

Figure 4 Daily leisure time by age and gender, Australia, 1997 Figure 5 Time spent on leisure activities, by gender, Australia, 1997

Source: Lynch and Veal (2006: 133) based on ABS (1998) Source: Lynch and Veal (2006: 134), based on ABS (1998)

15-24

100 200 300 400 500

25-34

35-44

45-54

55-64

65+

minutes per day

age

grou

p

women men

200 40 60 80 100 120

correspondance

rest/do nothing

socialising

listen to radio, CDs

communityentertainment

etc. venuesinternet etc.

religious

attend sports event

games/hobbies etc.

travel

reading

talking

sport

watch tv/video

140

miuntes per day

women men


43

While only about 44% of the total population is engaged in full-time paid work, hours of work are a key indicator of the quantity and pattern of time availability in the community at large. While public discourse suggests that modern society is increasingly time-poor, Figure 6 shows that, while full-time working hours increased during the 1980s and 1990s, they peaked in 2000 and in recent years have fallen back to around 40 hours per week.

Figure 6 Hours worked per week, full-time workers, Australia, 1985-2006

DENSITY AND HOUSING PROFILE

With an area of 9.3 km² and a population density of 5586 people per km² (2006 Census), Waverley is one of the most densely populated LGAs in Australia.

A distinctive feature of Waverley is the high proportion of households who rent their accommodation (40% compared with 29% in Greater Sydney). However, it is not this factor that affects recreational needs, but associated factors such as:

• the proportion of the population living in apartments (56% compared with 22% in Sydney)

• the relative mobility of the population (46% of residents move into the LGA every fi ve years, implying a similarly substantial move out of the area).

Apartment living, particularly high rise, implies reduced access to private open spaces for recreation. High mobility may limit the ability of residents to contribute to and benefi t from voluntary community organisations.

CULTURAL DIVERSITY

Waverley’s level of cultural diversity is similar to that of Sydney as a whole. While a larger proportion of its residents were born overseas, a larger-than-average proportion of the overseas-born were born in English-speaking countries. Thus, the proportion from non-English-speaking backgrounds is similar to the Sydney average. The 2006 census indicates that the largest groups with non-English-speaking ancestry (based on parental birth countries) were: German (2134), Russian (1949), Italian (1942), Chinese (1496), Polish (1478), Greek (1438) and Hungarian (1352). The numbers involved are indicated in Table 7, together with numbers in neighbouring council areas. Other groups in Waverley each comprise less than 800 people (1.3% of the population). However, it should be noted that 17 per cent of census respondents did not answer the question on parental birth country, so these fi gures could be considerable under-estimates.

Source: Lynch and Veal (2006: 133) based on ABS (1998)

Implications: It is no longer true to say that ‘increasing leisure time’ is a major factor in increasing recreational demand. While some members of the community, such as young people and retired people, continue to enjoy substantial leisure time, others experience ‘time scarcity’ during periods of their lives. There remains a substantial ‘reservoir’ of leisure time across the community which is currently devoted to television-watching, rather than out-of-home recreational activity.

43

42

41

40

39

38

3785 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06

hour

s w

orke

d pe

r w

eek


44

Table 7 Persons with parents born in non-English-speaking countries, Waverley, Randwick, Woollahra, 2006

Birth country of parents Waverley LGA Randwick LGA Woollahra LGA

Germany 2134 1858 1227

Russia 1949 1493 794

Italy 1942 1133 1071

China 1496 12427 1457

Poland 1478 1146 1243

Greece 1438 5677 986

Hungary 1352 917 1125

The available information on the recreational behaviour patterns and needs of people from different cultural backgrounds is limited, uneven and often anecdotal. It is often assumed that the various cultural groups require different types of recreational provision, but often the differences lie not in the nature of the provision of facilities but in the way they are managed. Further, little is known about the difference between the generations and the extent to which members of various groups wish to be treated separately or integrated with the rest of the community.

Implications: Consultation with various cultural groups in the community is required to assess the type of provisions required and how they might be achieved. The numbers in neighbouring council areas shown in Table 7 suggest that for some types of provision, a sub-regional approach should be adopted in cooperation with neighbouring councils.

SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTORS

Waverley is a relatively affl uent area. As indicated in the Social Plan:

• the proportion of households with weekly incomes over $1500 is 43% compared with 31% in Greater Sydney

• the proportion of workers in managerial, administrative and professional occupations is 58%, compared with 42% in Greater Sydney

• the proportion of adults with a bachelors degree or above is 28%, compared with 17% in Greater Sydney.

The social plan also points to pockets of disadvantage and refers to Bondi Beach (postcode area 2026) as the area with the largest proportion of households experiencing housing stress. For example, of the 22,800 households in Waverley in 2006, some 2,600 had an income of less that $350 per week and 1,700 were single-parent families. Of the labour force of 32,800 in 2001, almost 1,600 were unemployed and 3,200 were in low-paid clerical, sales and labouring occupations.

Increasing levels of income have a more than proportionate effect on leisure spending. Australian Bureau of Statistics data show that high income households (the top fi fth) have incomes which are, on average, three and a half times those of low income households (the bottom fi fth), but their leisure spending is almost fi ve times as high (Lynch and Veal, 2006: 148).

Data on the link between income and participation in recreational activities is limited, but national data suggests that individuals with higher levels of education, which is associated with higher-than-average incomes, are more physically active and have higher demand for cultural activities (Lynch and Veal, 2006: 141-3).

Implications: Although in an affl uent area like Waverley, the community is likely to generate higher-than-average levels of recreational demand, there are still relatively small but signifi cant numbers of low-income individuals and families to be considered.


45

LOCAL ENVIRONMENT, CULTURE AND TRADITIONS

Waverley Together refers to Waverley’s ‘distinct identity’, but does not directly describe the nature of this identity.

Arguably, the most distinctive characteristic of Waverley is its coastal location: no Waverley resident lives more than 3 km from the coast, and the majority live within 2 km. Residents have easy access to a number of ocean and harbour beaches and are therefore able to adopt a beach-side lifestyle.

The location of the area - just 5-6 km from the Sydney CBD - is the other major feature shaping the character of the area. The location between the coast and CBD has resulted in high demand for land and consequently the high proportion of apartments among the housing stock. Thus, closeness to the CBD, together with high density results in a more ‘urban’ than ‘suburban’ lifestyle. The attractions of the area and high housing costs mean that the area is characterised by, on the whole, a relatively prosperous, highly educated community.

Finally, Bondi Beach is a major tourist attraction which stimulates the provision of tourist hospitality and leisure infrastructure and affects the overall atmosphere of the area.

A further feature of the geographical location of Waverley is that it is a small (9.3 km²), ‘long and thin’ (5.5 km by, on average, 2 km) area, surrounded

by similarly small, high- density, local government areas, including Woollahra and Randwick and, close by, the City of Sydney. In seeking recreational experiences, people are no respecters of local government boundaries. It is, therefore, likely that a large proportion of Waverley residents’ recreational activity takes place outside the boundaries of the council area. But, conversely, a large proportion of residents in neighbouring LGAs are likely to seek their recreation in Waverley. Thus recreation in the sub-region is characterised by a substantial amount of cross-border fl ow. This tendency is further accentuated by the existence of Bondi as a tourist attraction.‘Tourists’ include not only visitors from overseas, inter-state and country New South Wales, but day-trippers from all over greater Sydney.

Implications: It seems likely that this identity will result in a ‘work hard, play hard’ approach to life among a community with generally high material standards and expectations. This places particular pressures on Council to provide a high standard of service, while also making services affordable to the less wealthy members of the community.

Without a detailed study, ideally conducted on a sub-regional basis in association with adjacent councils, it is diffi cult to assess the volume of cross-border fl ow in Waverley’s recreational demand patterns. The pragmatic solution, adopted here, is to assume that such cross-border fl ows cancel each other out. As such, Waverley should seek to provide for the local and district-level recreation of its own residents on

the assumption that neighbouring councils will do likewise and any infl ows are matched by outfl ows. As for tourists to Bondi: as locals and tourists jointly use Bondi Park and the beach, part of the area should be considered ‘tourist space’ rather than local open space. This is discussed further in section 5.

4.2 ASSESSING DEMAND – PRINCIPLES

Demand can be considered in quantitative and qualitative terms.

DEMAND – QUANTITATIVE

A ‘needs-based’ approach, as adopted in this study (see Section 1.5) should base the decision on what recreational facilities and services to provide on current and anticipated recreational demand. A certain level of demand calls for a corresponding level of facility provision. But the level of demand which should be catered for is debatable. It might be:

• the current level of demand – but this may be constrained by the current level of provision

• the current level of demand plus latent demand – that is, including the frustrated demand which individuals and/or organisations are aware of

• a demand level related to that of the surrounding city or state (adjusted to take account of age structure), on the grounds that everyone has the right to expect similar levels of provision (although this may also be constrained by current levels of provision in the city or state)


46

• a projected demand level, taking account of recent and likely future trends in participation patterns, of which any one individual or organisation may not be aware

• a level of demand based on a target which the community/Council would like to achieve in order to realise certain goals, such as improved health, community cohesion or crime prevention

• a level of demand which the community can afford to support, fi nancially.

Table 8 shows the sources of information on these various measures of demand.

Table 8 Measures of demand – sources of information

Demand measure Sources of information

1 Current demand Community participation survey

2 Current demand and latent demand Community participation survey and community/organisation surveys/ consultation

3 City/state average State/city participation survey, adjusted for age-structure

4 Projected demand Recent state/city participation surveys (and possibly, local facility use data)

5 Target demand Policy decision

6 Affordable Policy decision

A combination of measures 1-4 has been developed, drawing on a range of information sources, to come up with demand estimates that Waverley might reasonably be expected to plan for, taking into account Sydney-wide patterns of participation, local conditions and views of local individuals and relevant organisations. The most popular recreational activities arising from these estimates are presented in Section 4.3 below and their implications, in terms of facility requirements, are assessed in Section 5.

Children’s play is an exception to the above process. Planning for children’s play has traditionally been based on a ‘standards of provision’ approach, while planning for other recreational activities has moved away from this to a ‘needs-based’ approach already discussed.

DEMAND – QUALITATIVE

Demand can also be assessed in a qualitative way. That is, by consultations with the public and representative organisations. Such consultations can confi rm or raise questions about any quantitative demand estimates. Given that it may not be possible to meet some demands, for physical or fi nancial reasons, and that all requirements cannot be met at once, such consultations also provide inputs into the process of setting priorities. The results of the consultations undertaken for this study are summarised in Section 4.3 below.

4.3 DEMAND ESTIMATES – QUANTITATIVE

Current demand assessments have been based on a number of sources of information:

• Sydney-wide adult (aged 15+) participation rates adjusted to take account of Waverley’s age structure

• further adjustments taking account of Waverley Community Survey data

• addition of data for children (aged 5-14) based on ABS survey data.

Table 9 presents estimates of the relative popularity of recreational activities in Waverley, compared with New South Wales as a whole. It includes only those activities in which it is estimated that 1% or more of the population participates.


47

Table 9 Estimated levels of recreational participation in the Waverley Local Government Area

Activity Waverley %* NSW %*

Walking 45.0 37.8

Swimming 33.5 16.5

Aerobics/fi tness** 19.3 15.8

Cycling** 15.7 17.3

Surf sports 11.8 4.3

Tennis*** 11.6 8.8

Running 11.2 6.4

Soccer (outdoor) 7.5 6.8

Bush walking*** 7.4 6.7

Golf*** 7.4 6.6

Pilates 6.4 na

Yoga 5.5 3.3

Fishing 4.8 2.0

Roller sports 4.7 3.8

Tenpin bowling 3.8 0.9

Lawn bowls 3.7 2.1

Dancing** 3.3 3.8

Basketball*** 3.3 3.4

The table demonstrates:

• that the population of Waverley is, in general, considerably more active than the NSW average

• that the popularity of informal activities that can be participated in by all ages with little equipment and organisation is as follows:

walking – the most popular. Although information is not available on where recreational walking takes place, it can be assumed that parks and the coastal walkways and beaches are desirable locations

swimming – the second most popular but, again, the location of swimming is not known. Surf sports come in fi fth

cycling and running are fourth and seventh most popular respectively but only cycling is currently growing in popularity.

• that the importance of fi tness activities is as follows:

aerobics/fi tness is the third most popular fi tness activity and is becoming more so. It must be assumed that a signifi cant proportion of this activity takes place in the home

yoga and pilates are the 11th and 12th most popular respectively. Although there is no offi cial information available on the growth patterns of pilates, anecdotally it is known to have grown rapidly in recent years.

• Soccer is now the dominant team sport. Other team sports, such as rugby, cricket, touch football and Australian Rules attract relatively small numbers individually but in combination they represent a considerable demand

›

›

›

›

›

Activity Waverley %* NSW %*

Netball*** 3.0 4.0

Touch football 2.9 3.0

Canoeing/kayaking 2.8 1.3

Cricket (outdoor) 2.7

Martial arts 2.5 3.0

Rugby league** 2.2 2.4

Horse riding etc. 2.0 1.5

Sailing 1.9 1.0

Tai Chi 1.8 na

Volleyball*** 1.8 0.5

Weight training 1.7 1.2

Ice/snow sports 1.5 1.6

Squash/racquetball*** 1.3 1.3

Australian Rules football** 1.2 1.0

Athletics/track and fi eld 1.2 0.8

Cricket (indoor) 1.1 0.8

Aquarobics** 1.0 0.8

* % of population aged fi ve and over participating at least once in a year: Waverley: see text; NSW: Estimate based on ABS (2006) and SCORS (2006). ** Activities showing consistent growth among adults, nationally, over the last fi ve years. *** Activities showing decline among adults, nationally, over the last fi ve years


48

• that while some activities are growing in popularity, others are in decline (trend data for the last fi ve years are only available for adult participation, 15 years and over).

It should be noted that the percentages are based on the population aged fi ve and over but the proportions participating in particular age groups are considerably higher.

In Section 5, these demand estimates, together with information on frequency of participation are analysed. Using information about facility needs and usage relating to particular sports and comparing these with current supply levels enables reasonable estimates of gaps to be developed. In doing so, it is clear that further work needs to be undertaken to understand supply and this is refl ected in the action plan (eg recommendation to carry out an audit of halls).

4.4 COMMUNITY AND ORGANISATIONAL CONSULTATION

Several consultation exercises were undertaken as input to this study:

• a questionnaire survey of the general community

• a questionnaire survey of young people

• a questionnaire survey of sporting clubs

• a series of focus groups with:

older adults

homeless people

people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds (Russian, Greek and Italian)

›

›

›

services for people with intellectual disabilities

people with intellectual disabilities

• clubs forum

• workshop involving key offi cers across Council departments/divisions

• combined precinct committee presentation

• feedback from advisory bodies (Multicultural Committee, Access Committee, Youth Advisory Forum)

• councillor consultation.

COMMUNITY SURVEY

Survey respondents were asked what activities they would like to do in the future. While such aspirations may or may not be acted upon by those expressing them, and therefore cannot be relied upon to predict demand in quantitative terms, they do give an indication of the relative popularity of various activities and the likelihood that provision will be welcome and made use of by the community. Responses for activities nominated by 10% or more of respondents are listed in Table 10. This shows that the top fi ve activities were: swimming, walking, surf sports, yoga and cycling.

Survey respondents were then asked what factors currently prevented them from taking part in these activities. Answers are summarised in Table 11. It can be seen that the most important factors are personal ones, notably time and money. More research would be needed to discover the extent to which these factors are ‘real’ or ‘perceived’ or both, and the extent

›

›

to which they are a feature of supply and management as much as of personal factors. For example:

• time may be a less serious factor if facilities and activities are located and programmed conveniently

• money may be a factor because of pricing and payment policies (up-front membership fees for gyms were specifi cally mentioned by some respondents)

• children and family responsibilities may be less of a problem if childcare services are available and/or if multi-purpose facilities are available for parents and children to participate in their chosen activities at the same location

• disability is less of a factor if facilities are accessible.

Survey respondents were asked what they would ‘change or introduce to improve recreational facilities’ and what they would ‘change to improve recreational experiences for families’. More than 400 different comments were received, with some respondents offering several. A summary is shown in Table 12.

Maintenance and upgrades to individual facilities was the main suggestion, closely followed by the suggestion that an indoor pool and/or sports centre should be provided. The suggestion regarding an indoor centre is similar to the fi ndings of a survey conducted in Woollahra in 2006, refl ecting the lack of such a facility in the Eastern suburbs (Woollahra Council, 2006).


49

Table 10 Activities people would like to do in future

Activity %

Swimming 34

Walking 29

Surf sports 25

Yoga 21

Cycling 20

Pilates 18

Tai Chi 16

Tennis 14

Aerobics/fi tness 11

Canoeing/kayaking 11

Sailing 10

Running 10

Gym/weights 10

Volleyball 10

Basketball 10

Source: Waverley Council, Recreation Community Survey, 2006

Table 11 Factors preventing people from taking up activities

Factors %

Personal factors

Time 46

Money 18

Children 4

Age 2

Disability 1

Family commitments 1

Laziness 1

Conditions

Access 9

Crowds 2

Parking 1

Transport 1

No ball games permitted on beach (esp. re volleyball)

1

Information on activities 1

Lack of facilities/Services

Facilities generally 2

Basketball courts 2

Cycling lanes 1

Artifi cial reef (re surfi ng) 1

Indoor pool 1

Tennis courts 1

Ice rink 1

Indoor sports facilities 1


Table 12 Comments/suggestions for improvements

Comment/suggestion No. of mentions

Maintenance/upgrades 45

Indoor pool/centre 44

Individual activities 43

Courts (tennis, basketball, netball) 42

Need for shade 32

Parking/transport 28

Cycling 21

Artifi cial reef 20

Parks 19

Policy/regulations 18

Cost 17

Children 15

Information/advertising/education 12

Dog-related 11

Facilities/services for other social groups 9

Beaches/surf-related 8

Facilities/services for young people 7

Childcare 5

Other 27



50

Table 13 Youth Survey: Suggested improvementsadditional facilities

Improvements/facilitiesNo. of

mentions

Basketball courts 16

Swimming pool 13

Artifi cial reef 8

Dance studio/facilities/lessons, esp. break dancing

8

Playing fi elds 8

Skate park 8

Bike tracks – BMX etc. 7

Gyms 5

Ice rink 5

Netball courts 4

Source: Waverley Council, Recreation Youth Survey, 2006

SPORTING CLUBS SURVEY

A questionnaire was circulated to sporting clubs in the Waverley area and responses were received from the 18 clubs listed in Table 15. Most of these clubs clearly draw their membership from the whole of the Eastern suburbs and beyond. The membership numbers provided by the clubs are therefore not suitable to assess the level of sporting club membership by Waverley residents. Because, in such a built-up area, club catchment areas cover a number of LGAs, it is clear that any assessment of their roles and needs should ideally be conducted at the sub-regional level – probably involving Waverley, Woollahra and Randwick.

Table 14 Youth Survey: ‘Top three’ projects/services

ProjectsNo. of

mentions

More bike/walking trails 32

Indoor pool 31

More sports grounds 27

Skate parks 25

Indoor sport centre 19

Outdoor pool 17

Improve park maintenance 16

Improve recreational facilities in parks 15

Internet café/youth hang-out 15

Improve quality of sports grounds 13

Youth drop-in centre 11

New/upgraded community centre 5

Total 229

Source: Waverley Council, Recreation Youth Survey, 2006

YOUTH SURVEY

Respondents to the Youth Survey were asked to comment on improvements which should be made to existing facilities and services and additional facilities required. 138 comments/suggestions were made and the top 10, representing 82 of the 138, are presented in Table 13. It can be seen that the most common suggestions are for provision of basketball courts and a swimming pool (often specifi ed as indoor).

Respondents were asked to select their ‘top three recreational, sport, community or cultural facility projects or services’ from a list of 12. As shown in Table 14, a total of 229 selections were made, with the provision of bike and walking trails and an indoor pool being the most popular, followed by the provision of more sports grounds and skate parks.


51

Table 15 Participating clubs at Mayor’s Clubs Forums

Bondi Surf Bathers’ Life Saving Club

North Bondi SLSC

Mega Swim School (Hakoah Club)

Eastern Suburbs Cricket Club

Bondi Icebergs

Bikeast Inc.

Bronte Bowling Club

Bondi Golf Club

Maccabi NSW

Bondi Waverley Squash Club Ltd

Eastern Suburbs Soccer Club

Eastern Suburbs Combined Primary Schools Netball Assoc.

South Eastern Little Athletics Club

Waverley Old Boys Football Club Inc.

Queens Park Touch Football Assoc.

Waverley Multicultural Bocce Assoc.

Sydney Roosters RLFC

Queens Park Soccer Club

MAYOR’S CLUBS FORUM

In May 2006, local clubs and sporting groups attended a mayor’s forum which gave participants the opportunity to meet and discuss key issues in recreational planning. The forum’s other objectives involved building stronger networks between Council, clubs and other stakeholders and generating ideas for future collaborative work. About 50 people representing 35 clubs and sporting groups attended.

A strong pattern of issues emerged from the input provided by six groups ranging across topics including facilities administration and maintenance. They were: the need for new facilities; parking and transport; environmental sustainability (use of bore water/grey water; better recycling); costs and funding; membership growth and clubs development. The feedback received from clubs included: the need to improve overall management capacity and approach to activity programming. Clubs would like training in and support with promotion, fundraising and sponsorship; volunteer recruitment and retention; creating better access for people with a disability; targeting untapped markets; improved access to facilities; community engagement, interaction and learning.

Cost and transport were mentioned as barriers to increased community participation. Examples given were: the costs associated with insurance, the hiring of playing fi elds and equipment, rescue/training requirements and the need for subsidies for junior sports.

The issues, concerns and ideas generated by the clubs can be grouped into the following most frequently cited priorities:

• facilities maintenance and upgrades (lighting, posts, security, amenities)

• facilities administration (improved booking and pricing system; complaints procedure after hours contact)

• promoting community awareness and healthy memberships (including Council assistance with promotional activities and events, networking and membership recruitment).

Some of the comments and suggestions made at the forum have already been actioned by Council, including a revised and more streamlined booking procedure and production of a clubs’ newsletter. Council has also been supporting clubs with funding applications and a very successful bowls tournament held last year that will become an annual event.

FOCUS GROUPS

Essentially, questions asked in consultations sought feedback on the following:

• current activities – what people are doing now

• future activities – what people would like to do in the future

• main barriers – what prevents people from taking up these activities

• improvements – what can council/other stakeholders do to improve access to recreational opportunities.


52

Overall, feedback was positive about living in Waverley and the range of activities available. In terms of outdoor, informal recreational pursuits, people mentioned Waverley’s beautiful beaches and coastal walks, the parks, playgrounds and Pavilion.

Common themes and specifi c suggestions

A common theme running through the consultations was people’s heightened awareness of the harmful effects of sun exposure and their desire for more shade in parks, playgrounds and coastal areas. Similarly, safety came up in a number of group discussions, including safety in parks at night and fear of injury (footpath, ramps and steps, coastal walks). Other more general comments referred to the cost of programs being too high and problems with transport and parking.

Suggestions for improvements to parks and open spaces included the provision of more shade, bubblers, seating, family friendly activities, toilets, covered areas and cafes/kiosks nearby. Some participants suggested better maintenance and a greater range of challenging play experiences for older children in playgrounds.

Participants in several of the focus groups mentioned the fact that no public indoor pool is available in the Waverley LGA and that with the impending closure of the Hakoah Club, residents will lose, not only one of the few indoor pools in the area, but also access to the ‘Learn to Swim’ and water safety training classes. The senior focus group commented on the need for a hydrotherapy pool and gentle, water exercise

programs, and senior representatives from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities mentioned the need for social gathering places, places to play card games and more excursions.

Another concern participants had was that tennis courts are not being adequately catered for and they fear the loss of six tennis courts if the Maccabi Tennis Club site on Wellington St is redeveloped for other use.

Feedback from specifi c groups

Homeless people were concerned about the lack of low-cost housing in the area as well as safety and security in parks. They would like to see accessible public toilets, lockable storage, shade, barbecues and organised activities in parks.

Council received very positive comments from many of the seniors at the Waverley Community and Seniors Centre consultation who were extremely appreciative of the programs and services offered there. However, participants mentioned that the centre is at capacity and that additional programs/activities for healthy, active ageing would be welcome. In addition, older people from CALD communities would like to see more excursions and bus trips, gentle exercise activities and shade spaces in parks for games and social interaction.

People with disabilities and their carers brought up a range of issues, including the need for affordable activities and appropriate support to enable participation in recreational activities. Cost was mentioned as a barrier to getting involved as was the lack of football competitions and inadequate provision of quality coaching for people with intellectual disabilities and visual impairment. Organising sporting trips is a fairly resource-intensive activity and people in support services commented that many of their clients had to follow such a demanding structure to manage their daily lives that little energy was left to arrange sporting events, especially as equipment is expensive to hire. Participants said they would like to encourage local clubs to offer subsidised membership fees and to have access to a local indoor sports centre.

Interestingly, local surfers constituted a strong interest group at a consultation attended by approximately 50 people. Participants commented on the deteriorating surfi ng conditions caused by over-crowding and other factors, ‘surf rage’ and increasing potential for injury. Surfers also pointed to artifi cial reefs built in two coastal council areas as potential options which they believed had improved wave quality in those locations. Another interest group attending the consultation said they would like to see a designated area for beach volleyball so it could be a permanent presence on the beach.


53

Summary of Council offi cers’ workshop

Feedback was sought from staff working across Council departments in recreation- related areas about what the community values; what is working well; what is not working well or needs improvement; constraints and opportunities for recreational planning and development activities.

Comments from staff refl ected their appreciation of the diversity of both informal and structured recreational opportunities in the Waverley LGA and the availability of many free or low-cost recreational experiences.

In response to the questions about what could work better, staff commented on the need for improved promotion and information; a better spread of activities throughout the year utilising parks and reserves and targeting different population groups (eg older people, young people, people with disabilities, families); more child/family friendly environments and availability of childcare; improved recreational opportunities in Bondi Junction; a visitor’s information centre.

In relation to facilities, suggestions for improvements included a skate park in Bondi Junction or Centennial Park, better access to playing fi elds, new basketball and tennis courts, indoor or year-round swimming and hydrotherapy pool and additional indoor and outdoor community spaces.

Feedback provided on improvements to informal recreation and open spaces included enhanced provision and promotion of cycle ways and free low-impact outdoor leisure programs targeting different population groups.

Constraints identifi ed included limited funds; Waverley’s limited open spaces and expensive land acquisition; over-regulation; confl ict of usage; the tension between protecting people’s access to green open spaces and the need to develop recreational programs; lack of volunteers, parking and transport issues, legislative constraints and public liability concerns.

Opportunities were identifi ed in a number of areas, including funding, sponsorship and support from the business community; regional/cross-boundary partnerships, joint venture projects with schools and other councils; integrated planning of activities and programs; multi-use courts and share-use arrangements.

4.5 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS REGARDING DEMAND

• The main infl uences on the pattern of demand for recreation in Waverley over the next few years are likely to be:

the ageing of the population in the long-term ie 10-15 years ahead

high-density living

cultural diversity

high standards expected from an affl uent population with an active lifestyle

housing stress that affects some Waverley households. A balance must be achieved to provide affordable and low-cost activities and programs for population groups with limited fi nancial resources.

• The most popular physically active recreational activities among Waverley residents are walking, swimming, aerobics/fi tness, cycling, tennis and running. Although many other activities are participated in relatively small numbers, collectively they add up to a substantial demand for facilities and services.

›

›

›

›

›


54

• Community and organisational consultation produced the following results:

activities which respondents to the community survey would like to do in the future include ‘more of the same’, namely swimming/surf sports, walking, keep-fi t activities and cycling. The main factors preventing more participation are lack of time and money.

community survey respondents suggested that priorities for improvements to recreational facilities in Waverley should be: more maintenance and upgrades of existing facilities; the provision of an indoor pool/leisure centre; provision for individual activities; specifi c courts for tennis, netball and basketball; and the provision of shade in parks.

›

›

youth survey respondents’ priorities were: more bike and walking trails; an indoor pool; more sports grounds; additional skate parks; additional basketball courts. Surfers sought the provision of an artifi cial reef at Bondi

sports association survey respondents highlighted, as priorities, the maintenance and upgrades of existing facilities and an improvement in facility booking procedures (which has since been implemented)

focus group respondents also emphasised upgrades and improvements to existing facilities; the provision of an indoor swimming pool; more tennis courts; and assistance for people with disabilities. Surfers again argued for an artifi cial reef to solve some of the crowding problems experienced in the surf at Bondi.

›

›

›

Community aspirations and demographic factors need to be considered within the context of existing facility provision, the unique features of Waverley, Council’s existing commitments and known opportunities and constraints.

›


55

In this section, the relationship between demand and supply are examined in relation to:

• informal recreational activities that take place in parks and reserves and on trails

• outdoor sports activities and facilities

• indoor sport/exercise activities and facilities

• children’s play

• swimming.

5.1 INFORMAL ACTIVITIES – PARKS, RESERVES, TRAILS

THE AVAILABILITY OF OPEN SPACES

In Section 4 it was established that informal activities, such as walking, cycling and running are the most popular recreational activities among Waverley residents and that parks and reserves are visited by almost 50% of Sydneysiders each week and by over 90% throughout the course of a year.

The ‘needs-based’ approach to recreational planning recommended by the state government and adopted in this report (see Section 1.5) is unclear about just how to translate levels of participation in informal recreation into facility requirements. In the earlier ‘standards-based’ approach it was simply recommended that ‘passive’ open space be provided at a rate of 1.62 hectares per 1000 population, including children’s playgrounds. This would imply the provision of 98.5 hectares for the 2008 Waverley population.

From Tables 2 and 5 we fi nd:

• total open space, including 20% of Queens Park, is 110.36 hectares of which:

19.6 hectares are sporting facilities (see Table 5)

6.48 hectares are Bondi Golf Course (not covered in the standard)

• and leaves 84.28 hectares of ‘passive’ open space.

This is not far under the ‘standard’ specifi cation of 98.5 hectares. But the status of Bondi Beach/Park as a tourist attraction means that there is an additional ‘population’ to be accommodated. Further, Waverley residents are generally more active than the state average, suggesting a need for a greater level of provision than average. Thus, on the basis of the standards approach, it must be concluded that Waverley is under-provided with informal open spaces.

PARKS AND WALKWAYS

Walking for recreation is undertaken by some 45% of the population, generating, together with running (11%), over 100,000 ‘visits’ a week in Waverley. This rivals the level of activity in all the formal recreational activities put together. Most walking and running is likely to take place, at least in part, in parks and walkways and, in the case of coastal areas such as Waverley, along beaches and coastal walks. Survey research by the Sydney Parks Group indicates that 45% of the population of metropolitan Sydney visits a park throughout the course of a week and on

›

›

average 2.8 times (SPG, 2005). This would generate 75,000 visits a week by Waverley residents. The same survey reveals that 22% of Sydney residents (900,000 people) visit a Sydney beach in a late November/early December week.

It is known that regular walking is one of the best forms of exercise available to people of all ages. The importance of parks, walkways and beachside recreational amenities in maintaining the health of the community can therefore be seen as crucial. In light of the shortage of formal sporting facilities in the area, as shown in Sections 5.2 and 5.3 below, the areas for informal recreation, walking and running assume even greater importance. Investment in these areas, to maintain the highest possible quality of experience, can, therefore, be seen as a priority. These include:

• ensuring high quality children’s play facilities, as discussed below

• ensuring high maintenance standards, as expressed in the community survey

• provision of more shade, also highlighted in the community survey

• providing linkages between areas of open space with footpaths and cycle routes (see below), as indicated in the state government Metro Strategy (and supported by state government grant programs).

5 Demand/Supply Analysis


56

CYCLE TRACKS

Cycling is undertaken by 16% of the population, including two thirds of children aged 5-14 years. Given the limitations on Council’s ability to provide additional formal outdoor sporting facilities to meet demand, cycle tracks, like parks and walkways discussed above, assume greater importance. Council’s record of investment in cycling is summarised in Sections 2.2 and 3.6 above.

5.2 OUTDOOR SPORTS ACTIVITIES

THE TRADITIONAL ‘STANDARDS’ APPROACH

In order to place the new ‘needs-based’ approach process in context, it is worth examining the likely outcomes of the earlier ‘standards’ method, which was widely accepted as appropriate for many years. Under the ‘standards’ approach, older, higher density suburbs were generally found to be substantially under-provided with open space. This was accepted as a basically insoluble problem. In the case of Waverley, with regard to ‘active’ open space, that is facilities for outdoor sports activity, the standard of 1.21 hectares per 1000 population implies a total requirement of 73.57 hectares. The actual level of provision is 19.62 hectares, or 0.32 hectares per 1000 population (see Table 5) which is a marked under-provision. As with ‘passive’ open space, this would have been accepted as a largely intractable situation in the past (although it might have been partly addressed by increased indoor provision and encouragement of ‘active’ use of ‘passive’ open spaces eg walking and jogging in parks and trails).

Golf was not included in this standard. A separate standard of 1.6 hectares per 1000 population was generally used, implying an area of 97 hectares for a population the size of Waverley’s. This compares with 6.48 hectares (0.1 ha./1000) of actual provision (although there is considerable provision just over the boundary, in Woollahra and Centennial Park).

The needs-based approach often fi nds similar defi ciencies but, because the method is based on analysis of local demand/supply conditions, more options are presented for responding to the situation.

NEEDS-BASED APPROACH

In this section, an attempt has been made to take the demand estimates presented in Section 4 and convert these into facility requirements, which are then compared with current supply patterns, to identify supply gaps. These gaps are then considered in light of priorities identifi ed in the community consultation process. The results of this exercise for 2008 for outdoor sports facilities covered by the above standards approach clearly indicate that there is an under-supply of standard playing fi elds and outdoor courts (including tennis, basketball and netball) as well as roller sports (eg skate park). There appears to be a balance of provision for golf, lawn bowls and athletics.

Overall, the analysis results in a land requirement of 1.21 hectares per 1000 population, which is, coincidentally, exactly the same as the old state standard. It should be noted that this assumes that a certain proportion of playing fi elds are utilised as half pitches for junior games and in summer cricket is played on some of the rugby/soccer pitches. As with the

standards approach, therefore, the analysis indicates a substantial under-provision of facilities. This is partly offset by the availability of accessible facilities just over the border, notably in Centennial Park. As a result, for two types of facilities, lawn bowls and golf, demand and supply can be said to be in balance. For all the others there is a defi cit of supply. Possible responses to this situation are discussed below.

Playing fi elds

The shortage of playing fi elds confi rms the fi ndings of the recent Parliamentary Inquiry into Sportsgrounds Management in NSW (Standing Committee on Public Works, 2006), as well as the follow-up SSROC playing fi elds study currently underway and this study’s sports clubs survey.

Given the built-up nature of the area and the cost of land, the defi cits in supply of outdoor facilities, particularly grass playing fi elds, are largely intractable. But various measures can be taken to ameliorate them, including the following:

• the upgrade of existing facilities to ensure maximum possible capacity in terms of sessions per week which can be accommodated. This can include fl oodlighting, improved turf and drainage and/or installation of all-weather artifi cial surfaces. This was a strong message from this study’s public consultation and is supported by the state government’s Metro Strategy (see Section 2.2)

• the management of facilities to ensure maximum use


57

• the provision of indoor facilities that can accommodate:

training sessions for some team sports

substitution, for example people taking up an indoor sport instead of an outdoor sport.

• the collaboration with other agencies, including educational establishments, clubs and neighbouring councils to invest in shared facilities;

Outdoor courts

Demand for additional basketball and tennis courts, in particular, was highlighted in the public consultation. It is much easier to correct the defi cit in the provision of outdoor courts than playing fi elds because of the much smaller land requirements. Hard surface courts are also much cheaper to maintain. While an outdoor court takes up only one tenth of the space of a soccer pitch, it can accommodate two thirds of the level of use in terms of player-sessions. Basketball and netball can also be accommodated in indoor facilities which have a greater attendance due to extended, all-weather opening hours. Tennis can also take place indoors, but because of the smaller number of players requiring a court at one time, this can prove expensive for each player.

›

›

5.3 INDOOR SPORT/EXERCISE ACTIVITIES/FACILITIES

Table 9 shows the popularity of indoor sport/exercise activities, such as aerobics/fi tness, pilates, yoga, ten-pin bowling, dance, martial arts and Tai Chi. Together, these activities generate as much demand as the outdoor team sports discussed above. In the case of the most popular of the activities, aerobics/fi tness, it is likely that a substantial proportion of the activity takes place in the home. Provision for indoor sport/exercise activities is made by the public, private and voluntary sectors – sometimes in combination, when private sector providers make use of the facilities of public or voluntary organisations.

One of the drawbacks of the ‘standards’ approach to recreational planning in regard to open space was that no general standards were available for indoor recreational activity. The need/demand-based analysis discussed above suggests that demand generated by Waverley residents would require the provision of additional small halls. As noted in Section 3, a complete inventory of facilities (small halls and gyms) has not been undertaken for this study. Further examination of this sector of recreation will be undertaken in future.

As noted in Section 3.2, small halls in community centres and private gyms can accommodate a wide range of physical recreational activities, but not all. In particular, activities such as netball, basketball and badminton require larger spaces. There is

no publicly available sport hall of this size in the Waverley area, although some school halls exist with limited community use. The public consultation process indicated a demand for an indoor facility, associated with an indoor swimming pool, as discussed below.

5.4 SWIMMING

Swimming is among the most popular recreational activities in Australia and this was refl ected in the community consultation data in Waverley. Table 9 indicates that a third of Waverley residents are swimmers, double the state average. The two desired recreational facilities that arose from the community survey, the youth survey, and the focus groups were an indoor pool and sport complex.

While Waverley is blessed with extensive beaches offering swimming opportunities, these are only available during daylight hours for just over half the year – and even during that period, storms and heavy seas reduce the time available for safe swimming.

Research undertaken by the City of Sydney as part of its aquatic strategy indicates that because of the high capital and operational costs of aquatic leisure facilities, the size of the ‘catchment’ population is critical to their long-term operational and fi nancial viability. The study notes that around 70,000 residents are needed to support a modern, multi-component wet and dry aquatic leisure venue with a 50 m indoor


58

pool. Lower populations can lead to facilities which are under-used – due to a lack of a suffi cient market – and to high operational defi cits. (Aquatic Leisure Facility Development Strategy (ALFDS), 2005).

What these benchmarks mean in the context of Waverley, where the demand is met to some degree by beach and ocean pool swimming, would have to be carefully examined as part of a detailed facility feasibility study if Council wished to progress discussions about the potential for a regional facility.

LEARN TO SWIM PROGRAMS

While there has been little detailed feedback on the need for lap swimming or competition swimming, consultation fi ndings indicate that, as in the city where a need for expansion of Learn to Swim programs has been identifi ed, families are very worried about the future provision of the Learn to Swim programs for their children that can only be undertaken in a year-round facility. With the sale of the Hakoah club facilities, current provision of the club-based swim school operations are expected to cease.

HYDROTHERAPY AND SWIMMING PROGRAMS FOR FRAIL, OLDER PEOPLE AND PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

Apart from limited access to the three bookings-only hydrotherapy pools discussed in Section 3.2, the South Eastern Sydney Area Health Services’ Water Activities for Vitality in the Eastern Suburbs

(WAVES) program accesses a range of venues to provide term- based water exercise classes for both healthy and frail older people and those with disabilities. These venues are: Catholic Club in the City, Des Renford in Maroubra, Easts Leagues’ Club, Hakoah Club, Wairoa Special School, the old South Sydney Hospital and the POW hydrotherapy pool.

The Halliwick one-on-one teaching method (swimming exercises for people with severe disabilities), that was previously based at the Wairoa School, is now operating at the POW Hospital Hydrotherapy pool.

Some of these locations present diffi culties. For example, the school’s venue cannot be used during school hours and there are transport and parking issues, particularly for residents in Dover Heights for whom the trip across the LGA to South Sydney is diffi cult to manage unassisted.

Given the current demand, Waverley’s ageing population and a growing recognition of the therapeutic benefi ts of warm water program pools, existing facilities are clearly inadequate in meeting current and future community needs and this has been articulated in the consultations.

DEVELOPMENT CONSTRAINTS

Apart from fi nancial constraints in the Waverley LGA, the scarcity of suitable venues and the extremely high cost of land coupled with complex

issues around managing neighbourhood amenities (noise, parking, traffi c) in a densely populated area put a lot of constraints on any development proposal for a public indoor pool. Woollahra’s 2006 Recreational Needs Assessment Strategy assesses the need for an indoor pool in Woollahra as a low-level demand, although the demand for a new swimming pool rated as either the fi rst or second most requested priority for future Council funding. The strategy recommends that the development of a stand-alone indoor aquatic facility in Woollahra not be pursued in the short- to medium-term given the proximity of alternative facilities and provision of harbour pools.

Both state and regional strategic planning documents have acknowledged the diffi culties for Eastern suburbs’ councils to develop indoor swimming facilities on their own and have recommended a regional approach for facility development, not just in relation to pool facilities. This could be complemented with strategies to improve access and the use of Waverley’s existing facilities and those located in the region. For example, because beach and ocean pool swimming enjoy such high popularity, Council could improve this recreational experience for a wide range of users by improving amenities and better access for people with disabilities through the provision of special wheelchairs. They could also improve access to non-Council facilities both locally and in the region and promote them to Waverley residents.


59

5.5 CHILDREN’S PLAY

In 1985, the then Department of Environment and Planning suggested the provision of between 0.25 and 0.5 hectares of ‘playgrounds and small parks’ for every 1000 population (NSWDEP, 1985: 96). Taking a mid-point of 0.375 hectares, this would translate to 22.5 hectares in Waverley now. Section 3 of this report indicates that there are 37 children’s playgrounds in the Waverley LGA, all located in parks. The category ‘playgrounds and small parks’ indicates areas which include formally-equipped playgrounds and informal areas in which children of various ages may play safely. Although the areas of individual playgrounds in Waverley are not known, each would need to have, on average, an area of about 1 hectare to meet the standard.

The standard could, arguably, be modifi ed in Waverley on the grounds that beaches are de facto children’s playgrounds. Thus, in addition to playgrounds located in beach-side parks, the three main beaches in the area could be counted as being, in part, children’s playgrounds. Counting Bondi as two playgrounds because of its size, this would provide a de facto supply of 41 playgrounds. In this case, each would need to be, on average, 0.55 hectares.

The DEP report indicates that ‘small parks with play equipment’ should be within ‘walking distance of users’ (NSWDEP, 1985: 97), which can be interpreted as meaning that all homes in the area should be within walking distance of such a facility. The UK National Playing Fields Association (NPFA,

2001) expresses this type of requirement in the following form ie that ‘the majority of children’ should not have to travel more the 400 metres to a play area. This has been recently modifi ed and is expressed in terms of travel time. Thus, smaller play areas without elaborate equipment should ideally be within one minute’s walking time of most homes, which translates, on average, to 100 metres by pedestrian route and 60 metres in a straight-line distance. Only a few streets in Waverley are more than 400 metres from open space and none is more than 500 metres.

Safety standards exist for children’s playgrounds (AS 4685 and AS/NZ 4422) and in addition to regular maintenance checks, Council has embarked on a program of upgrading one or two playgrounds every year.

5.6 KEY ISSUES AND SUMMARY

This study has examined a wide range of materials to provide a framework for Council’s recreational planning and decision making. The following section presents a review and summary of contextual information, main issues, opportunities and constraints which impact on the provision and planning of quality recreational facilities and services.

WAVERLEY – WHAT KIND OF PLACE?

Waverley’s community is socially and culturally diverse with a large proportion of well-educated residents expressing high expectations for good

quality programs and services. Like many other established areas in Sydney, Waverley’s population is ageing and there are ‘pockets of disadvantage’ which require Council to maintain a careful balance of user-pay and affordable fee structures.

The LGA’s high-density residential living places a number of limitations on the nature and scale of development options. Open spaces are limited and highly valued and present issues around managing confl icting use. There is also little potential for public open space acquisition or sporting fi eld development.

The desire expressed by some sections of the community for indoor courts and a year-round aquatic centre as well as increased access to sporting fi elds needs to be balanced against the LGA’s lack of suitable open space and strong opposition to large-scale developments viewed as negatively impacting on residential amenities.

There is strong and growing visitor demand for access to open space and facilities, particularly around the beaches and Coastal Walk. Locals appreciate Waverley’s cosmopolitan culture and holiday atmosphere and welcome visitors to the area. However, there is a strong sense of ownership of open space and confl ict occurs when large numbers of visitors cause residents to feel ‘under siege’, particularly when anti social behaviour occurs.

Limited availability and strong demand for structured sports activities in Waverley’s parks and open space


60

have resulted in signs of overuse. The recent drought and adverse conditions on the coast exacerbate this situation and the LGA relies on regional facilities to meet the demand for many active recreational and sporting activities.

Waverley’s ageing infrastructure places an increasing burden on Council’s maintenance budget. Increasing awareness of environmental sustainability issues requires Council to show leadership in this area and provide information and resources to the community on clean and green options. Clubs are interested in getting help from Council to increase their environmental stewardship by exploring better waste removal and the use of grey water.

WAVERLEY’S POPULATION CHARACTERISTICS – DEMOGRAPHIC IMPLICATIONS

From the analysis of demographic characteristics and consultation fi ndings, a summary of possible implications for recreational program, service and facility provision include:

• stable population fi gures in the LGA, despite strong growth predicted in the City of Sydney and other regional neighbours (Met Strategy), will intensify the demand for access to local parks, reserves, recreational facilities and services

• as people aged between 25 and 54 make up half of Waverley’s total population, with the median age of residents in the Waverley LGA in 2006 being 35 years, the bulk of residents are within their most active years in terms of their potential use of sport,

leisure and recreational facilities or services. Survey responses indicated the need for informal, fl exible and casual participation opportunities, particularly for the older cohorts. Walking has received the highest ranking and there is likely to be continued strong demand for walking paths and trails

• as traditionally, 12-24 year olds have the highest rates of participation in organised sports and activities, provision for young people in open spaces is limited with regard to traditional sports such as basketball. However, this disparity is ameliorated somewhat by the presence of excellent beaches and a good skate facility for young people who live near the beach. Whilst this age group has been declining over the last decade and a half, there is a need to provide opportunities for active physical activities for young people, particularly in Bondi Junction

• a small increase in the numbers of 0-4 year olds but demand from young families for access to childcare, playgroups, other age appropriate recreational facilities and programs (eg playgrounds) and support services for families

• Waverley’s ageing population requires the planning of additional and/or adaptable programs and services targeting older residents as current services are already at capacity. Consistent with industry trends and the age profi le of the community, demand for participation in formal sports and vigorous physical activities is expected to decline with age. However, increasing awareness of participation opportunities for active recreation is an important strategy to prevent social isolation and contribute to positive health and social outcomes.

• a perception of safety in the community and safe, accessible areas will continue to be important, particularly for older adults (eg sealed and well-lit paths; safety in parks etc).


61

CONSTRAINTS

Council is committed to improving open space and recreational experiences for Waverley’s community. Constraints are signifi cant and some community aspirations will need to be prioritised and/or require further investigation and research.

The provision of shade is an example of community expectations which cannot possibly be met by creating shade simultaneously in all parks and open spaces across the LGA. Council is committed, however, to address the need for additional shade in all plans of management and with every park or playground upgrade.

Other constraints include the following:

• lack of land

• limited funding and existing budgetary commitments

• Council is now responsible for areas that were previously delivered by other government agencies

• increased government requirements for standards, quality improvement and risk management that have added signifi cantly to the cost of providing facilities and services and have not been matched with increased funding

• projected population increases in the region and the state government’s targets for population and job growth that will result in increased demand for open space and facilities, causing additional pressures requiring higher and unsustainable levels of funding for maintenance and upgrades of beaches, surrounding parks and the Cliff and Coastal Walks.

• ageing infrastructure and lack of ongoing external funding to support demand from visitors for infrastructure and services

• considerable open space is concentrated in a high number of small open spaces in pocket parks where maintenance and management is diffi cult

• inadequate revenue increases to keep pace with required upgrades/improvements

• resident concerns about potential loss of neighbourhood amenities that often result in strong opposition to planned recreational projects and events (eg noise, lights, traffi c, parking).


62

6.1 INTRODUCTION

The analysis in Chapter 5 indicates that Waverley has an under-supply of facilities for many forms of outdoor recreation. A range of consequences are likely to fl ow from this situation such as:

• the limited supply of facilities may become over-used and crowded. This is already evident in swimmers/surfers’ comments on overcrowding in the surf (which is exacerbated by the infl ux of visitors) and the Coastal Walk. However, overuse of playing fi elds and the resulting deterioration of surfaces is evident. This may be sustainable with appropriate design/investment options and maintenance and usage policies

• Waverley residents may seek recreational opportunities outside of the LGA. This is likely to be diffi cult for the less mobile members of the community and is closely linked to the availability of safe, affordable and convenient transport options

• people adapting to their surroundings. If facilities and opportunities are not available for one type of leisure time activity, people engage in activities in which facilities and opportunities are available. Thus, in Waverley the shortage of facilities for team sports may involve people turning to activities like surfi ng. Some people, however, may turn to activities not involving physical exercise, thus negatively affecting their health and fi tness. There is also a concern that in the absence of suitable physical recreational opportunities, young people, in particular, may engage in antisocial activities.

6.2 RECOMMENDATIONS AND ACTION PLAN

This section outlines a range of recommendations to address identifi ed community needs, consistent with the strategic vision and objectives of Council. The action plan will guide Council’s decision making on expenditure and recreational planning of specifi c initiatives, programs and events and will be integrated into offi cer work plans.

Based on the study’s synthesis of research fi ndings, the following recommendations are presented under seven major themes:

• maintenance, upgrades and development of key facilities (1)

• maintenance, upgrades and development of key facilities (2) – parks, playgrounds and open spaces

• facility management

• information, publicity and promotion

• healthy, active community and program enhancement

• capacity building and clubs’ development

• partnerships and joint ventures

The implementation timeframe ranges from:

• short-term (over the next two years) to

• medium-term (three to fi ve years), and

• long-term (six to ten years).

The department listed in the action plan will be responsible, in partnership with other council departments or external agencies, to initiate and report on implementation outcomes.

All actions are to incorporate best practice in environmental sustainability where possible. This includes selecting materials, products and services for maintenance and upgrades that have lower environmental impacts. Water and energy effi ciency should be maximised in all Council operations.

Abbreviations used are:

RCCC Department of Recreation, Customer and Community Services

PWS Department of Public Works and Services

CTS Corporate and Technical Services

PES Planning and Environmental Services

GMU General Manager’s Unit.

6 Recommendations


63

KEY FACILITIES (1)Maintenance, upgrades and development addressing identifi ed gaps

Issue Recommendation Timeframe/Priority Responsibility Funding implications

Demand for new and/or additional facilities

Increase use of and access to active playing fi elds by implementing a range of sport-specifi c additions/improvements to the sites (line markings, posts, lighting, all-weather surface treatment, amenities) as follows:

Short- to medium-termRCCSPWS

Existing funds, grants and partnerships

Waverley Park

Increase use of Waverley Park active playing fi elds through: re-design the old tennis court site taking into account need for multi-purpose court; tennis, bocce and upgraded amenities block; investigate upgrades to fi elds 2 and 3; and investigate cricket facilities.

Undertake works to upgrade Waverley Pavilion

Short- to medium- termRCCS

GMU

To be determined Existing funds

SoccerUpgrade senior soccer training and junior training/match facility at Barracluff Park and consider other locations such as Rodney Reserve.

Short-term RCCS Existing funds

Basketball

Investigate upgrade of senior soccer training and match facility at Rodney Reserve (lights, amenities) Medium-term RCCSPartnership and to be determined

Develop new basketball courts. Finalise location close to Bondi Junction and proceed with DA in partnership with WAYS for rooftop court; investigate possibility of half-court or mixed use in various locations.

Short-term RCCSExisting funds and grants

TennisFinalise investigation of the provision of tennis courts and location for tennis rebound wall. Options are single facility or commercial operation on three potential sites: Waverley Park, Hugh Bamford and Rodney Reserve.

Short-term RCCSPartnership and to be determined

Skate park

Continue investigation into provision of skate park facility in Bondi Junction or Centennial Park, possibly as a joint venture with Woollahra Council.

Medium-term RCCS Partnership and grants

Investigate safety improvements at the Bondi Skate park. Medium-term RCCS Partnership and grants

CyclingBuild on current provision of cycle ways and develop additional cycle ways and cycle lanes with funding from the RTA through the implementation of Council’s Bike Plan.

Medium-term CTSExisting funds and grants

Walking Continue efforts to enhance and extend coastal walkways. Ongoing RCCSExisting funds and grants and partnership

ACTION PLAN


64

KEY FACILITIES (1)Maintenance, upgrades and development addressing identifi ed gaps


Beach volleyball Explore possibilities for developing designated ‘active play’ zones (eg beach volleyball) at specifi ed times. Short-termRCCCPWS

Existing funds

Surfi ng Obtain expert advice on sand management practices to maintain good wave quality for surfers. Short-termRCCCPWS

Existing funds

AccessConsult with surfers and local surf schools to discuss strategies for developing/disseminating surf safety information.

OngoingRCCS

PWSExisting funds

Swimming

Purchase a beach wheelchair which would enable better access to the beach for people with a disability and their carers.


Investigate a regional approach and joint venture projects with neighbouring councils for swim facilities, interested clubs/developers and Learn to Swim providers; consider the need for a hydrotherapy component.

Medium- to long- termGMU

RCCSTo be determined

Liaise with local clubs to advocate for new and/or temporary premises to include a pool for Learn to Swim classes and gentle water exercise classes for older people/people with disabilities.


Continue capital upgrades and maintenance of Council’s ocean pools to support strong participation in swimming.

OngoingPWSCTS

Case by case

Facility maintenance

Implement the Pavilion Asset Management Plan in line with the draft Bondi Pavilion Purpose Statement. Short- to long-term CTSTo be determined and grants

Implement Strategic Asset Management Plan (SAMP) recommendations for the maintenance of beach and coastal infrastructure, parks and reserves and facilities.

OngoingCTS

RCCSPWS

Case by case

Planning of support facilities and amenities To improve access, prioritise upgrades of ancillary facilities (amenities, shade, changing rooms, fencing,

bubblers etc). at sports grounds and parks (eg Waverley Park 2, Barracluff, Rodney Reserve).Short- to medium-term RCCS

Existing funds and case by case


65

KEY FACILITIES (2)Parks, playgrounds and open spaces


Open space enhancement and sustainability

Continue efforts to enhance existing parks, reserves and open spaces to ensure maximum access and usage.

Ongoing RCCS Existing funds

Continue measures to capture and reuse water for parks and open space eg through bores, tanks and stormwater reuse options.

Ongoing RCCS Existing funds and grants

Limited availability of open space

Investigate opportunities for the ongoing acquisition of strategic land parcels (see Green Links project). OngoingPESCTS

Case by case and grants

Parks planning

Prioritise the development and review of park-specifi c and generic master plans/plans of management particularly in key areas eg Bondi and Waverley Parks.


Identify gaps in base planning data and prioritise collection of data. Short-term RCCS To be determined

Strong and growing demand for informal use of parks

Continue implementation of priority works from key Plans of Management (eg Bronte, Tamarama). Short- to long-termRCCSPWS

Existing funds and to be determined

Review usage guidelines to balance confl icting needs for access to parks and open spaces. Short-term PWS Existing funds

Ensure that Council’s planning for parks and playgrounds include a review of the need for additional support infrastructure (eg bubblers, shade, seating; equipment, toilets) and age-appropriate activities.

Short- to medium-term RCCS Existing funds

Continue to address safety issues for people in parks by reviewing lighting, informal park use at night; path surfaces and vegetation planting and management. Consider safety in all park specifi c master planning.

OngoingRCCSPWS

Existing funds

Wheelchair accessibility Install a wheelchair accessible ‘Liberty Swing’ in Bronte Park. Short-term RCCS Existing funds

Walking trailsContinue to support regional and state efforts in developing continuous coastal walking trails in Sydney’s metropolitan area and beyond.


Playground upgrades

Conduct one to two playground upgrades per year, considering key issues identifi ed in this study. Short-term RCCS Existing funds

Remove CCA-treated timber equipment from all playgrounds. Short-term RCCS Existing funds


66

FACILITY MANAGEMENT


Maintenance

Ensure that Council’s sport and recreational facilities are well-maintained and managed to a high standard (refer to SAMP).

Ongoing CTS To be determined

Maintain Council’s outdoor exercise stations at Bondi, along the Coastal Walk (Bondi to Bronte) and at Waverley Park. Consider an upgrade of the heavily utilised station at Bondi Beach and develop some instructional signage to ensure safe use of equipment and minimise liability risks.


Policy

Review policies on access and participation for various social groups in relation to the booking and use of facilities and programs to achieve Council’s social objectives.


Develop guidelines for the use of the Bondi Park skate park facility. Short-term RCCS Existing funds

Consider outcomes of the review of Council’s trial implementation of commercial trainers’ policy. Short-term PWS Existing funds

Develop strategies to better manage the use of the Coastal Walk (eg walking/running/jogging) by investigating signage (eg ‘keep left’ signage).

Short- to medium-term RCCS To be determined

Consider and develop management strategies for the impact of visitors on local services and infrastructure as part of the review of the Visitor and Tourist Management Strategy 2002.

Short-term GMU To be determined

Monitor and, where necessary, modify facilities and open space use/bookings in consultation with users to achieve greater levels of multi-use or sharing arrangements.


SignageReview effectiveness of signage, particularly where these attempt to manage safety and issues of confl icting use (eg dog ownership, commercial fi tness groups; Coastal Walk, fi tness stations).

Short-term PWS To be determined


67

INFORMATION, PUBLICITY AND PROMOTION


Improved community access to information

Conduct an audit of current materials, formats and processes for information dissemination (programs, facilities and events) related to recreation.


Review web-based recreation information and develop a more coordinated approach to online information provision for recreation.

Short-term RCCS To be determined

Include more detailed information about Council’s capital upgrade and maintenance program/schedules of parks, playgrounds and reserves to keep the community informed when works are being carried out.


Continue to produce updated online and hard copy brochure/maps of Council’s parks, open spaces and facilities.


Facilitate regular information updates and exchanges with relevant stakeholders. Ongoing RCCS Existing funds

Implement Better Futures’ research recommendations and improve information provision for recreation for 9-13 year olds.


Promotion

Review booking systems and the ‘one stop shop’ approach to facilitate better access to facilities and promote these improvements to clubs and other users via improved online information. Include booking and complaints procedures, and emergency/after hours contact.


Profi le examples of sportsmanship and achievements to help promote participation in recreation. Short- to medium-term RCCS To be determined

Conduct additional community education strategies and promotion about the benefi ts of walking and cycling and the use of cycle routes.

Short-term PES To be determined


68

HEALTHY, ACTIVE COMMUNITY AND PROGRAM ENHANCEMENT


Informal recreation in parks and reserves

Further enhance the standard, diversity and protection of parkland settings for informal recreation via improved maintenance practices and the installation of additional support facilities as identifi ed in other sections of this action plan.

Ongoing RCCS To be determined

Investigate the potential for developing low impact/gentle exercise classes in cooperation with clubs and other community agencies by identifying under-utilised facilities or parks and cross-promoting activities.


Develop a program of healthy, active outdoor activities to run in conjunction with the Council’s Seniors and Community Centre.


Source and allocate funds to provide free low impact outdoor leisure facilities eg chess, bocce and other social/recreational activities.


Promote Waverley parks and recognise their role in contributing to the community’s cultural and social fabric ie use open spaces to bring the community together and celebrate diversity.


Pedestrian culture

Provide a stronger focus on healthy lifestyles, healthy eating and the need for more exercise in conjunction with Council’s efforts to promote a pedestrian culture.

OngoingRCCSPESCTS

Existing funds

To encourage walking and improve pedestrian mobility, continue upgrade works on footpaths and implement the Pedestrian Access Mobility Plan.

Short-term and ongoing CTS Existing funds

Seek funding to support continued implementation of the Green Links program. Short-term PES Grants

Integrated Panning

Continue to monitor federal and state initiatives and policy in relation to healthy active communities and support and work with them to benefi t Waverley residents.


Continue to link recreation with other key Council initiatives and programs to maximise the health and well-being benefi ts of an active community.


Strengthen integrated planning across Council to better coordinate and promote activities. Ongoing RCCS Existing funds


69

HEALTHY, ACTIVE COMMUNITY AND PROGRAM ENHANCEMENT


Cycling workshopsEncourage safe cycling by offering information and workshops on cycling, defensive driving, and bike maintenance.

Short- to medium-term PES To be determined

Supporting community agencies

Continue to support local community groups who play a role in providing recreational opportunities (eg playgroups which provide volunteer-based activities for families/carers with young children).


CAPACITY BUILDING AND CLUBS’ DEVELOPMENT


Club capacity

Assist clubs to promote community awareness of their activities by supporting promotional activities and events, networking and membership recruitment.


Develop capacity through training assistance in the areas of administration, access strategies for people with disabilities, management support, volunteering and fundraising.

Ongoing RCCS To be determined

Integrate the recruitment/promotion of volunteering for clubs into Council’s civic pride activities. Short-term RCCS Existing funds

Club facilitiesMonitor implementation of clubs’ forum recommendations relating to facilities which are being addressed in the action plan under ‘facility development and upgrade and facility management’.


Club developmentDevelop a program that will allow targeted support for grants for clubs from the state government and that acknowledges priorities identifi ed in this study.



70

PARTNERSHIPS AND JOINT VENTURES


Regional planning

Following recommendations made by the state government’s key recreational planning document (DIPNR, 2004) contribute to a regional integrated planning approach and plan with other agencies (including councils, health service providers, schools, government, and community- based conservation and sporting bodies).

Ongoing All Ongoing

Report on and assist with the implementation of recommendations in Southern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils’ (SSROC) submission to the inquiry into sporting fi eld management.


Joint ventures

Pursue opportunities for cross-regional facilities in cooperation with the SSROC, neighbouring councils and other stakeholders (eg Centennial and Moore Park Trust).

Medium- to long- term All To be determined

Identify untapped potential for partnerships or joint ventures within the region for facility planning, coordination and promotion of activities and events and development of shared-use arrangements.

Medium RCCS To be determined

Continue pursuing joint venture projects and partnerships in the use of non-Council facilities at schools and clubs for recreational/social purposes.


GrantsAdvocate and source grants from federal and state governments as well as the business community to support the development of improved sport and recreational services, programs and facilities.



71

Australian Bureau of Statistics 1997, How Australians Use Their Time, cat. no. 4153.0, ABS, Canberra.

Australian Bureau of Statistics 2006, Children’s Participation in Cultural and Leisure Activities, cat. no. 4901.0, ABS, Canberra.

Australian Bureau of Statistics 2007, 2006 Census: Community Profi le: Waverley LGA. ABS, Canberra, <http://www.abs.gov.au>.

Australian Bureau of Statistics, Annual Report 2006-07, Social Trends, cat. no. 4102.0), ABS.

Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources, Assessing Recreation Demand and Opportunities: Southern Sydney Region, DIPNR (now Department of Planning), Parramatta.

Department of Local Government, NSW Health, NSW Sport and Recreation, National Heart Foundation of Australia (NSW) 2006,Creating Active Communities: Physical Activity Guidelines for Local Councils (revised edn), DLG, Sydney.

Department of Planning 1992, Outdoor Recreation and Open Space: Planning Guidelines for Local Government, DoP, Sydney.

Department of Planning 2005, NSW Statistical Local Area Population Projections, 2005 Release – Summary, Version 1.0, DoP, Sydney, <http://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/>.

References

Department of Planning 2007, City of Cities: A Plan for Sydney’s Future: NSW Government’s Metropolitan Strategy: East Sub-region: Draft Sub-regional Strategy, DoP, Sydney, <http://www.metrostrategy.nsw.gov.au>.

Henderson, K A 2006, ‘Urban parks and physical activity’, Annals of Leisure Research, 9(4), 201-213.

Lynch, R, & Veal. AJ 2006, Australian Leisure, 3rd edn. Pearson Education, Sydney.

Maller, C, Townsend, M, Brown, P, & St Leger, L 2002, Literature Review: Healthy Parks Healthy People: The Benefi ts of Contact with Nature in a Park Context: A Review of Current Literature, vol. 1, <http://www.parkweb.vic.gov.au>.

National Playing Fields Association 2001, The Six Acre Standard: Minimum Standards for Outdoor Playing Areas, NPFA, London.

NSW Department of Environment and Planning 1985, Open Space in the Sydney Region: 1982 Open Space survey: Research Study 5, DEP, Sydney.

Nichols, G 2007, Sport and Crime Prevention. Routledge, London.

Sport England 2000, Sports Halls: Sizes and Layouts, Sport England, London.

Standing Committee on Public Works 2006, Inquiry into Sportsgrounds Management in NSW.

NSW Parliament, Legislative Assembly, Sydney, <http://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au>.

Standing Committee on Recreation and Sport 2006, Participation in Exercise, Recreation and Sport 2005. Australian Sports Commission, Canberra, <http://www.ausport.gov.au/info/statistics.htm>.

Sydney City Council 2005, Aquatic Leisure Facility Development Strategy, SCC, Sydney.

Sydney Parks Group 2005, Sydneysiders’ Use of Parks and Gardens, SPG, Sydney, <http://sydneyparksgroup.net.au/research/>.

Waverley Council 1994, Profi le and Forward Plan of Community Needs, vol 2.

Waverley Council Strategic Asset Management Plan (2006).

Waverley Council 2005, Waverley Together: Strategic Plan, Waverley Council, Bondi Junction, NSW.

Waverley Council 2006, Social Plan 2005-10.

Waverley Council Visitor and Tourist Management Strategy 2002.

Woollahra Council 2006, Recreational Needs Assessment Strategy, Woollahra Municipal Council, Double Bay, NSW.


72

Appendix 1


73

Appendix 2

WAVERLEY COUNCIL, FACILITY QUALITY & CONDITION, SSROC REVIEW OF SPORTSFIELDS MANAGEMENT, JULY, 2007

Playing surface

Slope Irriga-tion

system

Drainage Evenness of ground

Graffi ti, litter & vandalism

Field size

Field sur-

rounds

Goal posts

Wickets Change rooms

Spect-ator

seating

Flood lighting

Club/ rooms

Off-street

parking

Access-ibility

Surround-ing land

use

Exc

elle

nt

Acc

epta

ble

Poo

r

Ade

quat

e gr

adie

nt &

cro

ss fa

ll

Insu

ffi ci

ent g

radi

ent &

cro

ss fa

ll

Acc

epta

ble

(or

bette

r) c

ondi

tion

Poo

r

Exc

elle

nt (

<10

% g

ames

can

cele

d)

Acc

epta

ble

(<25

% g

ames

can

cele

d)

Poo

r (>

25%

gam

es c

ance

led)

Exc

elle

nt (

subs

tant

ially

eve

n)

Acc

epta

ble

(min

or d

ips)

Poo

r (r

equi

res

grad

ing)

No

evid

ence

on

mos

t ins

pect

ions

Som

e ev

iden

ce

Sub

stan

tial e

vide

nce

Ade

quat

e fo

r ju

nior

s (Y

/N)

Ade

quat

e fo

r ju

nior

s an

d se

nior

s (

Y/N

)

Suffi c

ient

‘run

-off’

for

juni

ors

(Y

/N)

Suffi c

ient

‘run

-off’

for

juni

ors

& s

enio

rs (

Y/N

)

Acc

epta

ble

(or

bette

r) c

ondi

tion

Poo

r

Acc

epta

ble

(or

bette

r) c

ondi

tion

Poo

r

Acc

epta

ble

(or

bette

r) c

ondi

tion

Poo

r

Acc

epta

ble

(or

bette

r) c

ondi

tion

Poo

r

Acc

epta

ble

(or

bette

r) c

ondi

tion

Poo

r

Acc

epta

ble

(or

bette

r) c

ondi

tion

Poo

r

Acc

epta

ble

(or

bette

r) c

ondi

tion

Una

ccep

tabl

e (u

nsea

led

and/

or in

suffi

cien

t bay

s)

No

impa

cts

on u

se

Som

e co

nstr

aint

s on

use

No

rest

rictio

ns o

n gr

ound

use

Res

tric

ted

hour

s of

gro

und

use

Waverley Oval ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Y Y ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

Waverley Park #2 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Y Y ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

Waverley Park #3 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Y Y Y ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

Rodney Reserve ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ y N Y Y ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

Barracluff Park ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Y N Y N ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

Hugh Bamford Reserve ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Y N Y N ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

Dickson Park ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Y Y Y Y ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

Dudley Page Reserve ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Y N Y N ✓ ✓ ✓

Waverley Netball Courts x 3 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Y Y Y Y ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

Waverley Netball (Grass Court) ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ N N N N ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓


74

Appendix 3

WAVERLEY COUNCIL, PLAYING AND SUPPORT FACILITIES, SSROC REVIEW OF SPORTSFIELDS MANAGEMENT, JULY 2007

Hie

rarc

hy

Sports pitches and fi elds Support buildings & structures Other facilities

Cricket Base-ball

Soft- ball

Hockey Rugby Union

Rugby League

AFL Soccer Ath-letics

Touch/ oztag

Netball

Num

ber

of c

ricke

t wic

kets

(tu

rf)

Num

ber

of c

ricke

t wic

kets

(sy

nthe

tic)

Num

ber

of b

aseb

all d

iam

onds

(Ju

n)

Num

ber

of b

aseb

all d

iam

onds

(S

en)

Num

ber

of s

oftb

all d

iam

onds

(Ju

n)

Num

ber

of s

oftb

all d

iam

onds

(S

en)

No

of h

ocke

y pi

tche

s (t

urf)

No

of h

ocke

y pi

tche

s (g

rass

)

No

of r

ugby

Uni

on fi

elds

(Ju

n)

Num

ber

of r

ugby

uni

on fi

elds

(Sen

)

Num

ber

of r

ugby

Lea

gue fi e

lds(

Min

i)

Num

ber

of r

ugby

Lea

gue fi e

lds

(Mod

)

Num

ber

of r

ugby

Lea

gue fi e

lds

(Sen

)

Num

ber

of A

FL fi e

lds

(jun)

Num

ber

of A

FL fi e

lds

(Sen

)

No

of s

occe

r fi e

lds

(min

i)

Num

ber

of s

occe

r fi e

lds

(Jun

)

Num

ber

of s

occe

r fi e

lds

(Sen

)

Num

ber

of a

thle

tics fi e

lds

(syn

thet

ic)

No

of a

thle

tics fi e

lds

(gra

ss)

Num

ber

of to

uch fi e

lds

Num

ber

of o

ztag

fi el

ds

Num

ber

of n

etba

ll co

urts

(no

n-gr

ass)

Num

ber

of n

etba

ll co

urts

(gr

ass)

Cha

nge

room

s (m

ale)

? (Y

/N)

Cha

nge

room

s (f

emal

e)?

(Y/N

)

Ref

eree

s ro

om?

(Y/N

)

Firs

t aid

roo

m?

(Y/N

)

Clu

broo

m(s

)? (

Y/N

)

Cov

ered

spe

ctat

or s

eatin

g (Y

/N)

Spe

ctat

or s

eatin

g –

othe

r (Y

/N)

Ligh

ting

(mat

ch s

tand

ard)

? (Y

/N)

Ligh

ting

(tra

inin

g st

anda

rd)?

(Y

/N)

Sco

rebo

ard

(Y/N

)

Car

par

king

(no

. of o

ff-st

reet

spa

ces)

Chi

ldre

n’s

play

grou

nd o

n si

te?

(Y/N

)

Pic

nic

faci

litie

s on

site

? (Y

/N)

Enc

lose

d fo

r en

try

cont

rol?

(Y

/N)

Waverley Oval S 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N Y Y 0 Y Y N

Waverley Park #2 D 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 N N N N N N Y N Y N 0 Y Y N

Waverley Park #3 D 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 N N N N N N N N Y N 0 Y Y N

Rodney Reserve D 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 N N N N N N N N N N 10 Y N N

Barracluff Park D 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 N N N N N N N N Y N 0 Y N N

Hugh Bamford Reserve D 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Y Y N N N N N N Y N 15 N N N

Dudley Page Reserve D 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 N N N N N N N N N N 0 Y Y N

Waverley Netball Courts x 3 D 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 N N N N N N N N N N 0 Y Y N

Waverley Netball (Grass Court) D 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 N N N N N N N N N N 0 Y Y N


75

Appendix 4

WAVERLEY COUNCIL, SEASONAL USE ESTIMATES, SSROC REVIEW OF SPORTSFIELDS MANAGEMENT, JULY 2007

Summer season Winter season

Bookings (Average hours per day)

Ave

r-ag

e in

form

al u

se p

er w

eek

(Hrs

)

No.

wee

ks in

sea

son

this

gro

und

is u

sed

for

mid

-wee

k tr

aini

ng

No.

wee

ks in

sea

son

this

gro

und

is u

sed

for

wee

kend

mat

ches

Wet

wea

ther

can

cel-a

tions

(no

. of m

id-w

eek

trai

ning

day

s)

Wet

wea

ther

can

cel-a

tions

(no

. of w

eek-

end

mat

ch d

ays)

Est

im-a

ted

grou

nd c

apac

ity (

Hrs

/ wee

k su

mm

er s

easo

n)

Bookings (Average hours per day)

Ave

r-ag

e in

form

al u

se p

er w

eek

(Hrs

)

No.

wee

ks in

sea

son

this

gro

und

is u

sed

for

mid

-wee

k tr

aini

ng

No.

wee

ks in

sea

son

this

gro

und

is u

sed

for

wee

kend

mat

ches

Wet

wea

ther

can

cel-a

tions

(no

. of m

id-w

eek

trai

ning

day

s)

Wet

wea

ther

can

cel-a

tions

(no

. of w

eek-

end

mat

ch d

ays)

Est

im-a

ted

grou

nd c

apac

ity H

rs/ w

eek

win

ter

seas

on)

Mon

day

Tue

sday

Wed

nesd

ay

Thu

rsda

y

Frid

ay

Sat

urda

y

Sun

day

Mon

day

Tue

sday

Wed

nesd

ay

Thu

rsda

y

Frid

ay

Sat

urda

y

Sun

day

Waverley Oval 4 4 10 10 23 23 28 4.5 2 4.5 2 4 4 ? 21 21 21

Waverley Park #2 1 1 1 1 1 5 5 2 3.5 4 3.5 2.5 30 15.5

Waverley Park #3 2 3.5 4 3.5 2.5 30 15.5

Rodney Reserve 1.25 1.25 6 7 15 8.5

Barracluff Park 2.5 4 5 35 11.5

Hugh Bamford Reserve 2 2 24 4

Dudley Page Reserve 6.5 8 6.5

Waverley Netball Courts x 3 1 1 8 2 1 2 1 1 5.5 15 17 10.5

Waverley Netball (Grass Court) 1 5.5 15 17 5.5

Waverley Park Exercise Area 2 2 2 2 2 10 2 2 2 2 2 10


76

Appendix 5

WAVERLEY BIKE PLAN - STAGE 2


77

Appendix 6 PROPOSED WORKS

1. Construction of a 3m wide footpath to the entrance of Centennial Park.

2. Extension of footpath in Edward St to connect with footpath in Simpson St.

3. Construction of staircase down rock face into Forest Knoll Ave.

4. Construction of footpath at SW end of Forest Knoll Ave to connect to existing path.

5. Upgrades to footpath on southern side of Forest Knoll Ave.

6. Cleaning surrounding laneways and footpath improvements.

7. Footpath improvements to north side of Lamrock Ave.

Street trees

8. Street tree planting in Orr St.

9. Street tree planting on northern side of Dickson Park.

10. Ground cover replacement in Lamrock Ave.

Landscaping

11. Landscaping of park in Francis St connecting to Forest Knoll Ave.

left to right: Centennial Park, Forest Knoll Ave, Dickson Park, Bondi Junction, Bondi Beach


78

Appendix 7 PROPOSED WORKS

1. Footpath improvements to both sides of Brisbane Street.

2. Footpath improvements to northern side of Cuthbert Street.

3. Incorporate a shared roadway / walkway zone in Blenheim Lane (signs + line marking).

4. Replace bollards at pedestrian refuge in Queens Park Road.

5. Remove redundant bus shelter on Queens Park Road.

Street trees

6. Street tree planting in Lawson Street.

Landscaping

7. Minor landscaping required in Blenheim Lane.

left to right: Bondi Junction Interchange, Cuthbert Street, Blenheim Lane, Queens Park, Alt Street

_________

_________

_________

_________

_________

_________

_________

__________________

_________

_________

_________

_________

_________

_________

_________

Green Link 2 - Bondi Junction to Queens ParkGreen Link 2 - Bondi Junction to Queens ParkGreen Link 2 - Bondi Junction to Queens ParkGreen Link 2 - Bondi Junction to Queens ParkGreen Link 2 - Bondi Junction to Queens ParkGreen Link 2 - Bondi Junction to Queens ParkGreen Link 2 - Bondi Junction to Queens ParkGreen Link 2 - Bondi Junction to Queens ParkGreen Link 2 - Bondi Junction to Queens Park

waverley council recreation needs study · 5.1 informal activities – parks, reserves, trails 55...

Documents