Disappointment for some, welcome news for others - Skate strategy review passes

ALL councillors besides Cr Bruce Kent were in support of the Skate Park Strategy Review which was adopted at this week's shire meeting.
The review provides a new direction for skate facilities and includes a local level skate park for Richard Grayden Memorial Reserve in Newhaven, and two sub-regional facilities located in Wonthaggi and Cowes.
The review was intended to respond to the challenges in finding a suitable ‘regional skate facility’ which could include competitions.
However, given the population clusters of the shire, the strategy recommended a new model that will create the two sub-regional facilities.
According to shire documents, the location proposed in the strategy could not accommodate a regional skatepark given significant services impacting on available space in both San Remo and Newhaven.
Cr Clare Le Serve said she felt disappointment for the community who had been waiting for a regional skate park.
“Unfortunately, that’s not what we’re going to get,” she said at this week's meeting.
“We’re getting two sub-regional ones.”
While Cr Bruce Kent, who voted against the review, added that the communities of Cape Woolamai, Newhaven and San Remo would be ‘bitterly disappointed’.
“I honestly feel the Cowes one won’t be built for 10-odd years, and I believe that Wonthaggi will get a quick upgrade,” he said.
According to a shire report, one of the key issues with the San Remo/Newhaven regional skatepark was the model proposed.  
Generally, a hierarchical model of a central regional facility, complemented by smaller facilities, has been adopted successfully by many councils across Australia.
This model works when the regional facility is accessible to all, and the smaller facilities then provide localised opportunities to skate and ride, the report highlighted. 

New vision
The design of a local level skate park in Newhaven and a sub-regional facility in Wonthaggi are listed as short-term priorities within the review. 
The design for Newhaven will be undertaken in 2023/24. 
Community consultation is expected take place throughout the design process. 
The new sub-regional facility for Wonthaggi will be located at the Wonthaggi Recreation Reserve on the site of the existing skate park.
While at Cowes, land has been allocated at the former ‘carnival site’, which council is reviewing feedback on as part of its proposed Cowes Recreation Reserve Master Plan, to include a facility at the north eastern corner of the site. 
Council will also initiate renewal works at the Inverloch skate park.

A sub-regional facility should include:

• Approximately 600-1000m2 
• Strategically located to service a number of communities and provide diversity across the shire 
• Located next to complimentary recreation 
• Complex, unique and advanced obstacles 
• Catering for skill development from beginner to advanced level 
• Capable of holding medium sized competitions and event opportunities 
• Provide a playspace, basketball ring and pump track in line with relevant strategies and policies 
• Allows for night time usage

Feedback received during consultation highlighted that the existing skate parks throughout the shire do not contain elements that challenge experienced skaters need. 
Almost 240 responses were received from a survey, with majority of respondents stating they use the existing skate facilities in Bass Coast, while over half travel outside of the shire to visit other skateparks.