Push for state and federal funding for rundown Queenborough Ovals precinct in Sandy Bay
A sporting precinct that has fallen into a state of disrepair is being denied funding for upgrades because of “postcode envy”, a state MP claims. DETAILS >>
Tasmania
Don't miss out on the headlines from Tasmania. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- Sports bodies back Government’s infrastructure grants
- $35 million in funding for sports facilities upgrades
POSTCODE envy is one of the reasons why a Sandy Bay sporting precinct has been continually denied funding for much-needed upgrades, a state MP and a sporting club have claimed.
A master plan for the Queenborough Ovals precinct was developed in 2017 — which costed the project at up to $6 million — but more than three years on, it is still stuck in the doldrums.
The vision to revamp the rundown facility includes a new multi-purpose centre that would allow indoor cricket training, new clubrooms, a new kitchen, and cafe and bar.
State independent Clark MP Madeleine Ogilvie said funding for the project was well overdue.
“That oval has been in a state of disrepair for a very long time,” she said.
Ms Ogilvie said she understood Hobart City Council had given in-principle support for the project but said the council had no money available for it.
“The postcode envy issue has been the actual problem,” she said, referring to a perception that because the precinct was in affluent Sandy Bay it was not worthy of funding.
“We are heading into a federal election year, and this is something that I will absolutely be seeking to put on the radar of federal and state politicians.”
Ms Ogilvie said she would soon launch a parliamentary petition on the matter.
Michael Denehey, president of ground co-tenant South Hobart Sandy Bay Cricket Club, said the master plan formed a vision that could be revised.
“It needs to be refined from a cost perspective and we believe there’s plenty of ways to do that and still get a great result from the community,” he said.
“We’re of the belief it’s because of where it is that it hasn’t been given priority.
“We’ve got a well-used facility, in the heart of a suburb with many people living in it, that is not appropriate for use.”
Mr Denehey said the cricket club had about 220 registered players as well as more than 50 juniors under 10 years old.
Meanwhile, the Hutchins Old Boys Football Club expected to have 125 registered players next year and the Sandy Bay Junior Football club predicted it would have more than 400 in 2021.
The Hobart City Council, which commissioned the 2017 master plan, resolved at a February 2019 meeting that the plan be endorsed to enable clubs to pursue funding opportunities.
“We’ve been in discussion with the users of the Queenborough Oval for several years around the need to upgrade the facilities and this led to development of the redevelopment concept plan,” Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said.
“By endorsing the concept plan last year, the council has provided certainty to support the lessee clubs in seeking grants to fund the major elements of the upgrade.
“In addition, the City has installed new playing surfaces on both of the ovals, improved ground lighting to meet Australian standards, constructed pathways around the lower oval and a new entrance.”
Cr Reynolds said council had lodged an application under the state government’s Improving the Playing Field grant program to upgrade the existing change rooms.
‘Stay positive, keep going’: Ted’s recipe to living past 100
Hobart’s Ted Moule has lived an amazing life in his 100 years, but there’s so much more left to do, he wishes he could live 100 years more. Find out more here >>
Report highlights stark reality of domestic violence in Tassie region
One Tasmanian region stands-out as a domestic violence hotspot with survivors seeking housing assistance at alarming rates. Here’s how an expanding program is hoping to change that.