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WARRNAMBOOL City Council candidates have been put to the test.
The Standard has asked the 25 candidates in the running for election for their stance on some of the city’s big issues.
In lieu of a candidates forum, all nominees were asked to respond to five prompts, including Warrnambool’s harbour, CBD revitalisation, parking, Reid Oval redevelopment and the return of general business and introduction of livestreaming to council meetings. Their responses will be published each day until Tuesday.
Candidates were allowed 50-word responses, with 23 of the 25 candidates answering our third question.
We asked our 25 nominees – What is your stance on on calls to redevelop Reid Oval?
The development is one of Warrnambool City Council’s strategic priority projects. It aims to develop the sporting ground into the premier sports facility in the region.
About 40 people attended forum in May. They heard from turf experts on the state of the oval and the requirements to improve the surface.
The oval’s surface is a high priority, as well as improvements to general amenity, lighting and changerooms.
In putting together a draft development plan, key Reid Oval stakeholders and user groups were asked to outline their aspirations for the facility and to identify infrastructure priorities
The council is now calling on the community to provide feedback on the draft plan.
(Candidates have been listed in alphabetical order.)
JACINTA ANDERSON:
If the funding is available, then an upgrade would serve this sporting hub as a blessing.
ROB ASKEW:
I am fully in support of the planning to upgrade facilities at Reid Oval and its surrounds. As more sports are introduced, facilities must be upgraded for all female and male participants. Better facilities and playing surfaces can benefit tourism by bringing higher level sports and spectators to our city.
TRICIA BLAKESLEE:
I am supportive of the redevelopment of Reid Oval as the region’s premier outdoor sports ground. Also, I would like to see development for other local sporting bodies and more facilities for female participants in sport.
ADRIAN CALDERWOOD:
For the Reid Oval to be a premier football ground and host higher level games, the amenities need to be upgraded. There are many other grounds in Warrnambool which also need urgent attention. Long term we may need to look at a new purpose-built stadium.
THOMAS CAMPBELL:
The old adage is it takes 10 years of talking about something to get it done. In this case, the time has truly come. Bring community experts and the AFL to the table and let’s make progress towards a world-class facility.
SUE CASSIDY:
The Reid Oval upgrade is well overdue. Not only for local sports, clubs and associations. An upgrade would also give us a chance to showcase AFL practice matches and premier cricket, just to name a few. Another chance of bringing people to Warrnambool.
KYLIE GASTON:
Upgrades to Reid Oval should be a priority of the next council and, if elected, I will support this. Planning for the future must also include upgrades of female facilities. The future of women's AFL is looking very bright and it's high time women had equal facilities in all of our sporting venues.
JOHN HARRIS:
The Reid Oval playing surface is in very poor condition and needs a total re-surface to bring it into line with AFL standards. Consideration of a drop-in cricket wicket would allow a better surface during the football season and allow the preparation of the cricket wicket prior.
TONY HERBERT:
An absolute essential item for Warrnambool and the region. We are missing out on many sports tourism opportunities. WCC needs to advocate strongly for state and federal funding and support. WCC, Warrnambool Football Club and other users to also contribute. Many other smaller towns have already done major upgrades and reaping significant benefits. Get results on the ground.
PETER HULIN:
Sporting facilities are the lifeblood of our town. The Reid Oval and so many other facilities are not the standard they should be and upgrades have been ignored for too long. Report after report and decades later we still have sub-standard facilities. It’s time we made this upgrade a reality.
ADRIAN JACOBS:
I believe that our council has neglected the mainstream sporting facilities in our city. By all means finish the upgrade of Reid Oval so AFL and VFL practice matches can be played there. Then move on to the Friendly Societies Oval and facilities.
BRIAN KELSON:
Warrnambool needs a premier sporting facility and this is an area that I feel the city is severely lacking in. All stakeholders should be consulted with no loss of any amenity to all concerned. We need a facility to host not only regional events, but national as well.
JENNIFER LOWE:
I absolutely support development, however, there should be equity. We cannot overlook the fact we have two other Hampden clubs (South and North) who require quality facilities. South Warrnambool is equally capable of premier AFL-standard status. Strong conversations with government and rate subsidies for clubs who initiate investment are paramount.
DAVID MCPHAIL:
Sporting facilities play a huge part in the life of the average young Australian. With so much youth depression out there on our streets, it is important that we continue to encourage and promote sport to the best of our abilities to our young people, keeping them engaged in footy.
MICHAEL MCCLUSKEY:
Sport plays a vital role in the social well-being of our community. It enhances both our mental and physical health. I support redevelopment of the Reid Oval as well as also ensuring that council is mindful of looking after and improving all the sporting facilities in our community.
MICHAEL NEOH:
Council has implemented stage one of the Reid Oval re-development based on priorities of the user groups – electronic scoreboard, netball change facilities and court upgrades. Council has identified the next projects to be delivered: playing surface, lighting, amenities (player, spectators, officials, administration) and cricket facilities – it is out for feedback.
DAVID OWEN:
If voted to council l will look forward to working on this master plan. The Reid Oval in its current state is tired and in need of a complete overhaul of its change rooms, all the way to the grandstand, with the aim of enticing AFL games to Warrnambool. It is after all our great city’s major sports arena.
BEN POHLNER:
This redevelopment should be a priority. In addition to enhancing local sports, it could also be the home of women’s football for the region – attracting additional funding from the AFL. An upgraded facility could also attract NAB Challenge pre-season AFL games.
PETER SYCOPOULIS:
Improvements are a must. This ground is touted as Warrnambool’s premier oval and needs to be brought into the 21st century. The entire Albert Park location is ideally placed to be home to a health, sport and activity precinct. Other ovals in Warrnambool also need attention.
TROY TAMPION:
I support investment in developing Warrnambool’s recreational and sporting facilities, including Reid Oval. The Reid Oval Development Plan provides an excellent starting point to methodically plan proposed improvements. It is important to look holistically at these issues to ensure equal distribution of available funds for the benefit of our community.
CHRISTINE THOMPSON:
I have observed this issue raised on a number of occasions while in the gallery at open council meetings. Now is the time to act. I will be advocating for implementation of all upgrades needed for Reid Oval to become the premier sports ground this city should have.
ALLAN WOOD:
I fully support the concept of Reid Oval being Warrnambool’s premier sports ground. The refurbishment project addresses all deficiencies but I would prefer a grandstand on the west wing combining player/umpire facilities and public amenities. Funding contributions and returns to council need to be clearly defined including entrance fees increases.
RICHARD ZIEGELER:
Reid Oval is the sports flagship for Warrnambool, if not for the region. Funding should be pursued for redevelopment and some consideration made to make it friendly to all sports codes and the go-to venue for all finals and special outdoor functions. Promote and cater for its wider use.
- Remaining candidates Robert Anderson and Barb Witham did not submit responses.
YOUR PICK
Go to standard.net.au or grab a print edition to follow the candidate question-and-answer series.
Monday’s question will tackle parking.
Candidates were asked to provide their feedback on the question: Is parking an issue in Warrnambool and what can be done?
Voting in the local government elections close on Friday, October 21 across Victoria.
Postal ballot packs are expected to arrive in residents letterboxes from Tuesday.