ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS PROJECT PARTNERS The preparation of the Strategic Facilities Master Plan has been a collaborative effort between Hockey Victoria, Sport and Recreation Victoria and Victorian based leagues, clubs, associations and affiliates. Input and advice from selected Local Government Organisations, Hockey Australia, suppliers and respected hockey specialists has also assisted the development of this document. PROJECT CONSULTANTS insideEDGE Sport and Leisure Planning Whitten Oval | 417 Barkly Street Footscray West | VIC 3012 | Australia
Telephone +61 3 9680 6370 Email [email protected] Web www.ieslp.com.au CONTENTS
THE HOCKEY VICTORIA STRATEGIC FACILITIES SECTION PAGE MASTER PLAN IS DELIVERED IN THREE VOLUMES. ► INTRODUCTION & OVERVIEW 4 Volume 1 – Summary Plan ► DEMAND ANALYSIS 22 Provides an overview of the zone structure of Hockey Victoria ► FACILITIES 33 including the facilities located within each zone, clubs and ► STRATEGY 66 membership numbers and key facility enhancement and development priorities for the next ten years. ► KEY DIRECTONS & IMPLEMENTATION 72 Volume 2 – Strategic Facilities Master Plan (this document) Provides all background information collected, policy and strategic review, key stakeholder consultation and research findings, demand assessment and recommended strategic directions and actions for the next ten years. Volume 3 – Site Audits and Facilities Condition Reports Provides a summary report of all hockey facility audits. This includes a condition assessment of all playing areas and supporting infrastructure, surface ratings and lifecycle estimates, maintenance and renewal recommendations and site photos.
3 1. INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
4 INTRODUCTION The Hockey Victoria Strategic Facilities Master Plan aims to guide The Hockey Victoria Strategic Facilities Master Plan builds on the information the future planning and development of hockey facilities outlined within the Key Findings Report and provides facility recommendations and strategic directions for implementation by Hockey Victoria, Sport and Recreation Victoria throughout Victoria. The Master Plan addresses the current and and relevant Local Government Authorities, supported by Victorian Hockey Affiliates and future infrastructure needs for the sport, as well as establishing Hockey Australia. clear priorities and direction for Hockey Victoria, Government and The Strategic Facilities Master Plan provides detailed information and analysis on four hockey affiliates to support the growth of Hockey in Victoria. key areas of facility planning impacting hockey across Victoria:
Hockey in Victoria remains strong, and the state’s future population growth, urban sprawl • Current facility provision, distribution, quality and long-term sustainability; and recent success in recruitment initiatives in schools and clubs creates demand for a clear vision regarding the future provision of facilities, and levels of support for a diversity • Facility hierarchy development that guides future provision criteria; of hockey activity. • Projected localities of population growth by local government area identified for This report provides a comprehensive review and assessment of the existing supply of significant change; hockey facilities and supporting infrastructure across all six metropolitan and four country • Likely timeline and resources required for enhancing the Victorian hockey facility zones in Victoria. Key facility components including pitches, clubrooms and surrounds network. were assessed and used as the basis for the development of enhancement options and priorities to meet the future demand for facilities and needs of the sport. Although all This Master Plan draws on the information, analysis and feedback from the Key facility components were assessed recommendations in this report focus on the renewal Findings Report and provides clear direction on the recommended strategies and and development of on-field rather than off-field infrastructure. actions required to improve and develop hockey facilities in Victoria for the next 10 years. The Hockey Victoria Facilities Master Plan investigates the facility related issues and opportunities facing community based hockey in metropolitan and regional Victoria. The strategic direction and recommendations in this report considered the knowledge and resources from a number of selected growth area LGAs, major hockey associations and local clubs and affiliates. Funding for the project has been provided by Hockey Victoria and Sport and Recreation Victoria. 5 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Hockey participation in Victoria remains relatively stable with Through the adoption of this Strategic Facilities Master Plan, Hockey Victoria and their approximately 0.4% of the state’s population actively participating local clubs and associations must continue to work with facility owners, local councils and state government on a rolling renewal and replacement program for hockey pitches in Hockey Victoria sanctioned events and competitions. across Victoria. Hockey Victoria operates from the State Netball and Hockey Centre in Parkville which This Master Plan explores the priorities and needs of hockey clubs and facilities and provides two of only four water based hockey pitches in Victoria and regularly host state, provides a strategic direction for the enhancement and development of hockey facilities. national and international events. Key stakeholder consultation findings, including hockey affiliate and growth area Council Hockey Victoria is separated into ten individual zones (six metropolitan and four regional survey responses, have been analysed to identify participation trends as well as current zones) which service over 170 recognised clubs and associations and approximately and future demand for hockey facilities across Victoria. 21,605 registered players across the state. An analysis of hockey facility supply and demand using facility provision benchmarks In regards to participation, there has been recent growth in the number of masters teams identified a need for additional hockey facilities in the central and eastern metropolitan (as social participation during the week becomes more attractive) and an increase in the zones. With almost 6,000 current registered players and access to only eleven pitches number of junior players in Hookin2hockey and modified hockey programs. This has across these two zones, the development of additional pitches to service the current created increased demand for half pitches that cater for training and junior development. playing market is a high priority for Hockey Victoria and relevant stakeholders. These smaller pitches are looked on favourably by Hockey Victoria as they provide a Collaboration with growth area Councils, especially in outer metropolitan areas, to safe warm up area, modified program opportunities for juniors and a purpose built facility identify priorities, site locations and potential funding models for the future development for intra-club competition in the future. of new hockey facilities will be a high priority for Hockey Victoria, ensuring that future There are 70 hockey venues and 88 hockey pitches in Victoria facilities are meeting the needs of community hockey. (not including all school pitches, gravel pitches or new pitches identified). On-site hockey facility audits and condition assessments were undertaken as part of the development of this Master Plan, with each playing surface provided a rating and lifecycle analysis to identify priority areas for renewal and future development. Synthetic hockey pitches dominate the hockey facility network, with approximately 73% of all pitches being synthetic and the remaining 27% natural grass. The majority of synthetic pitches are located in the metropolitan area (96%), with natural grass pitches predominantly found in regional zones (68%). The current suite of hockey pitches in Victoria vary in their level of condition, asset life and maintenance investment. The majority of pitches used in competition throughout Victoria are owned by local councils and are operated by local clubs and associations under direct lease or license arrangements. The ongoing development and standard of hockey pitches and facilities continues to present significant challenges for the sport. The cost of base and surface replacement is cost prohibitive for the majority of affiliates who are relying heavily on funding support from State and Local Government.
6 SUMMARY OF KEY FINDINGS
A range of facility development issues and opportunities were identified through research and consultation undertaken. Following is a summary of key challenges and potential future directions for the development of hockey facilities. These issues and opportunities are supported by evidenced based planning and detailed facility demand assessments. FACILITY CHALLENGES FACILITY NEEDS & OPPORTUNTIES
• Hockey facilities require regular ongoing maintenance and replacement. A • Additional pitches are required in the eastern suburbs where hockey participation is specialist contractor with the right equipment is generally required to undertake extremely high and current pitches are at capacity. A second pitch and access to these tasks and the total cost of carpet and base replacement is prohibitive for amenities at Ashwood Reserve (Hedley Hull Field) and Elgar Park is a high priority. many hockey clubs. Approximately 36 junior matches per week are relocated from Elgar Park due to capacity issues. • Councils that are considering developing new hockey facilities are faced with major capital outlay and are heavily reliant on external funding and competing priorities • There is an under supply of hockey pitches in the Central Metropolitan Zone. The pitch at which impact on potential new projects. Melbourne High School pitch is at capacity and the registered player to pitch ratio in this zone is almost 1 to 500. • Clubs and affiliates understand the need to develop a sinking fund to contribute towards future facility replacement costs but are unable to generate enough • There is a need for an additional synthetic hockey pitch in the South East Regional Zone revenue to do so. Only 55% of hockey clubs surveyed as part of this study (Gippsland) where access to synthetic pitches is limited. indicated that they have a dedicated sinking fund to contribute to the renewal or • There is a gap in the current provision of hockey pitches in the Phillip Island / Wonthaggi replacement of their hockey pitch. and Leongatha area (South East Regional Zone). This is a barrier to increasing • Hockey facilities must continue to offer shared use opportunities and enable access participation and building on the successful Hookin2hockey Program currently operating at by the community and other suitable sporting groups outside of club times. the Wonthaggi Secondary College. Multipurpose hockey facilities are a priority for State and Local Government and • There is limited access to hockey facilities on the Mornington Peninsula (South hockey stakeholders must work with all levels of government and other community Metropolitan Zone). There is a large catchment of potential players and projected future organisations to increase the capacity of hockey facilities in the future. Compatible population growth but no facilities south of the Peninsula Hockey Centre. sports that have the potential to share facilities with hockey clubs include lacrosse, tennis and gridiron. • There is a further issue in the South Metropolitan Zone with uncertainty around the future use of the Mentone Grammar Hockey fields and capacity issues at Farm Road (Southern • There are a number of high quality public and private school hockey facilities in United Hockey Club). Future development of a regional level venue in the Kingston Green Victoria that are not currently being used for Hockey Victoria competitions. Hockey Wedge should continue to be explored. Victoria should continue to identify and work with schools on access to full size pitches, synthetic spaces and indoor facilities to support the growth and • Potential partnership opportunities with schools in Surf Coast and Portland (South West development of all forms of hockey. Regional Zone) to develop multipurpose synthetic pitches in conjunction with local Councils and hockey associations to accommodate future growth in regional Victoria. • The current lack of suitable indoor hockey venues is constraining this form of the game. Hockey Victoria has an opportunity to develop a purpose built indoor hockey • Significant population growth corridors in Wyndham and Whittlesea provides an venue to attract state and national level events and competitions. opportunity for Hockey Victoria to grow its participation through the development of facilities and attracting new residents to the sport. • The majority of hockey facilities are club based venues but are at times considered regional due to their large catchment area. Hockey players generally travel long • The development of half pitches to alleviate pressure on existing facilities and provide distances to participate due to the distribution of facilities. This is more prevalent in participation opportunities for modified hockey is a high priority. regional areas. • It is imperative that Hockey Victoria ensures that new facility development projects that are currently well advanced, including Hume, Shepparton and Melton, are implemented and have a sustainable management model. 7
PROJECT METHODOLOGY PROJECT STUDY AREA
The following diagram visually represents the project methodology The Strategic Facilities Master Plan is a state-wide plan that guides and steps undertaken in the preparation of the Draft Strategic the future direction and enhancement of all hockey venues used for Facilities Master Plan. Hockey Victoria competitions and events. The structure of hockey in Victoria is divided into ten zones, 6 metropolitan and four regional zones, from which competition structures and development programs are STAGE ONE defined. These zones are used to determine and identify potential growth areas for ► PROJECT INITIATION hockey and gaps in the current and future provision of hockey facilities during the development of this Master Plan. The list of Councils located in each hockey zone is STAGE TWO provided below. ► SUPPLY ANALYSIS AND CONSULTATION METRO LGAS ► CENTRAL BOROONDARA, PORT PHILLIP, STONNINGTON STAGE THREE ► STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK DEVELOPMENT ► EASTERN WHITEHORSE, KNOX, MONASH, YARRA, YARRA RANGES
STAGE FOUR ► WEST BRIMBANK, GEELONG, HOBSONS BAY, WYNDHAM ► DRAFT STRATEGIC FACILITIES MASTER PLAN BAYSIDE,, CASEY, FRANKSTON, GLEN EIRA, ► SOUTH AFLB QUICK FACTS DANDENONG, KINGSTON, MORNINGTON STAGE FIVE ► PRESENTATION AND FINAL REPORTING ► NORTH EAST MAROONDAH, MANNINGHAM, NILLUMBIK, WHITTLESEA
BANYULE, DAREBIN, MARIBYRNONG, MOONEE VALLEY, ► NORTH WEST PROJECT GOVERNANCE MELBOURNE, MORELAND, HUME, MELTON The following project governance structure was established to REGION LGAS support the delivery of this project. ALBURY, ALPINE, BENALLA, SHEPPARTON, INDIGO, CAMPASPE, MANSFIELD, MITCHELL, MOIRA, ► NORTH EAST MURRUNDINDI, STRATHBOGIE, TOWONG, WANGARATTA, WODONGA PROJECT CONTROL GROUP (PCG) ARARAT, BULOKE, CENTRAL GOLDFIELDS, ► To provide high level strategic direction on key issues, opportunities and approve GANNAWARRA, BENDIGO, HEPBURN, HINDMARSH, HORSHAM, LODDON, MACEDON, MILDURA, draft and final reports – includes representatives from Hockey Victoria (as project ► NORTH WEST managers), Sport and Recreation Victoria. MOORABOOL, MT ALEXANDER, NORTHERN GRAMPIANS, PYRENESS, SWAN HILL, WEST WIMMERA, YARRIAMBIACK PROJECT STAKEHOLDERS BASS COAST, BAW BAW, CARDINIA, EAST GIPPSLAND, ► SOUTH EAST ► To provide an opportunity for key hockey stakeholders to have input into the LATROBE, SOUTH GIPPSLAND, WELLINGTON development of the Master Plan – includes clubs, councils, schools, suppliers and BALLARAT, COLAC OTWAY, CORANGAMITE, GLENELG, regional contacts. ► SOUTH WEST GOLDEN PLAINS, MOYNE, QUEENSCLIFFE, SOUTHERN GRAMPIANS, SURF COAST, WARRNAMBOOL 8 PURPOSE AND DRIVERS PROJECT CONSULTATION PROGRAM The key purpose of the Hockey Victoria Strategic Facilities Master Plan In developing the Strategic Facilities Master Plan for Hockey, the is to provide Hockey Victoria with a well-researched and evidence- following stakeholder consultation activities have been undertaken: based approach to facility development planning. • Development and distribution of a Project Bulletin to provide an overview of the project to key stakeholders and hockey affiliates. Hockey Victoria will partner with the State Government, Local Governments and Hockey Australia to encourage the incorporation of hockey facilities into community and • LGA Network Forum presentation by Hockey Victoria CEO. residential development, as well as work with the existing hockey community to improve • Presentation of preliminary findings and issues and opportunities to the Project and enhance hockey facilities to meet the needs of the sport for the next ten years. Steering Group. Hockey Victoria are aiming to work closely with key stakeholders, including local • Consultation and workshop with Hockey Victoria internal staff including competition, government agencies and other sports, to gain a solid understanding of the current and events and development staff. future facility needs for the sport. • Presentation at Hockey Victoria Presidents and Secretaries meeting to introduce the In the past hockey facilities have developed in a mostly ad-hoc manner often with very project to affiliated clubs and associations (conducted by Hockey Victoria CEO). little strategic planning. Through the Master Plan project, Hockey Victoria aim to play a • Attendance at the Annual Synthetic Surfaces Conference in Sydney (attended by more active role in the planning and decision making process regarding the improvement Hockey Victoria). and management of hockey facilities. • Online Survey of hockey club affiliates with 80 responses received. A state-wide Strategic Facilities Master Plan will be a key resource for state and local government and hockey affiliates for the future planning and management of existing and • Targeted Online Survey of growth area Councils with 14 responses received. community hockey facilities. The Plan is designed to investigate the following four key • Detailed review of Key Findings Report by PCG representatives (included SRV). areas of facility planning: • Individual meetings with hockey administrators and facility planners. • Current facility provision, distribution, quality and long-term sustainability; • Individual meetings with prominent suppliers of synthetic hockey surfaces (Tiger • Facility hierarchy development that guides future provision criteria; Turf). • Projected localities of population growth by local government area identified for • Online Facilities Checklist /Audit completed by Hockey Victoria representatives. significant change; • Development of Draft Strategy for stakeholder review. • Likely timeline and resources required for enhancing the Victorian hockey facility network.
9 HOCKEY IN VICTORIA Hockey Victoria is the peak governing body for the sport of Regional hockey competitions are administered by volunteers in the majority of cases, ‘Hockey’ in Victoria and represents over 21,000 members across with metropolitan competitions administered by Hockey Victoria. The regional competition model is similar to the Netball Victoria model in that affiliation fees are the state. payable to the peak body who then provide support through governance, player and Hockey Victoria coordinates all levels of local, regional and state competitions and team insurance and administration. events and provide support, resources and direction to over 170 affiliated hockey clubs Hockey Victoria has developed a range of strategies, plans and policies in recent years and associations. to help provide a strategic focus to planning for hockey and to guide their decision The structure of hockey in Victoria is divided into six metropolitan 4 regional zones, with making processes. These reports along with many other stakeholder documents have the majority of regional competitions organised by local hockey associations. been reviewed to enable a full understanding of the hockey community, and local and state government priorities. Hockey zones are based on broad participation areas and club locations and are not aligned with State Government Planning Zones or specific local government areas. By the end of 2016 Hockey Victoria is working towards:
Hockey Victoria's current competition and events structure includes: • Increasing the number of people playing hockey by 40% to 25,000. • 12 Premier League and Vic League Clubs (seniors and reserves) • Introducing the sport to over 150,000 school aged children through Hookin2Hockey and school clinic programs. • Vic League 2 (men and women) • Investing 15,000 hours working directly with Clubs and Associations on increasing • Vic League 3 (men) the number of accredited coaches and umpires by 25%. • Pennant A, B and C (men and women) • AFLB Achieve QUICK recognition FACTS from stakeholders as a leader in fostering safe, welcoming and • Metropolitan Competition (based on geographical area) inclusive hockey environments. • Masters (various grades of men's and women's) • Growing the game in every aspect which will result in success for everyone • Junior competition (boys and girls) involved in Victorian hockey. • Regional competitions (14 Regional Hockey Associations) Hockey Victoria (21,605 registered players, 170 affiliated clubs and associations, 12 premier league clubs) 6 Metropolitan Zones 4 Regional Zones (14,356 players ) (7,249 players, 13 associations)
Central East West South North East North West North East North West South West South East Hockey Pitches (88 pitches - 62 synthetic and 26 grass) 10 HOCKEY VICTORIA ZONES AND CLUBS
This section of the report provides detailed information on the six metropolitan and four regional zones defined by Hockey Victoria. This includes a location map and the number of existing hockey clubs and registered player numbers provided in each zone.
Central Metropolitan Zone summary Club Registered players The central metropolitan zone has a total of 2370 registered players across seven recognised hockey clubs. The largest club is Toorak East Malvern with 566 registered TEM (Toorak East Malvern) Hockey Club) 566 players followed by Hawthorn (523), MCC (454) and Powerhouse / St Kilda (426). Hawthorn Hockey Club 523 There are five full size pitches located in this zone with all of them provide floodlighting. MCC Hockey Section 454 One of the pitches at Hawthorn and the pitch at Albert Park are used for school hockey on Saturday morning, creating capacity issues for this zone. Powerhouse/St Kilda Hockey Club 426 The Hawthorn – Malvern Hockey Centre, located within the City of Boroondara is the MHSOB Hockey Club 209 only two pitch venue in this zone which provides one sand filled synthetic and one hybrid Maccabi Hockey Club 170 synthetic surface. Parkville Women's Hockey Club 22
TOTAL 2370
Source: 2013 HockeyNet data
Central Metropolitan Zone 11 East Metropolitan Zone summary
The east metropolitan zone boasts a total of 3465 registered players across 14 clubs. Club Registered players The Camberwell Hockey Club is the largest in Victoria with a total of 865 registered Camberwell Hockey Club 865 players, contributing to 25% of the total number of players in this zone. Other clubs with significant registered player numbers include Waverley (621) Knox (378) and Kew (326). Waverley Hockey Club 621 There are six full size pitches located in this zone but only five are accessed for Hockey Knox Hockey Club 378 Victoria competitions. All but one site (Huntingtower School) provide floodlighting. Monash University Hockey Club 271 Three pitches are located within the City of Monash and two are located in the City of Eastern Christian Hockey Organisation 156 Boroondara. Old Carey Hockey Club 90 Of the six pitches five are synthetic grass and two are hybrid surfaces. There are no modified or two pitch facilities located in this zone. Swinburne Hockey Club 86 Approximately 36 junior matches per week are relocated from Elgar Park and 35 at Collegians – X 83 Ashwood Reserve (Hedley Hull Field) due to capacity issues. Old East Malvern Hockey Club 23 Old Camberwell Grammarians Hockey Club 22 TOTAL 2595
Source: 2013 HockeyNet data
East Metropolitan Zone 12 West Metropolitan Zone summary
The west metropolitan zone is one of the largest growth areas and hockey zones in Club Registered players Victoria, spanning from the western outskirts of Melbourne’s CBD down to Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula. The Wyndham Growth Corridor provides a strong future market Footscray Hockey Club 654 for new hockey players. Altona Hockey Club 361 There are 14 hockey clubs located in the west metropolitan zone with a total Werribee Hockey Club 278 membership base of 2180. The Geelong Association coordinates the local hockey Hockey Geelong (HV Comp) 199 competition which has representation from the Corio, Golden Plains, Kardinia, Saints, Torquay and Newtown Hockey Clubs and are considered the benchmark in regards to Newtown City Hockey Club 175 the development and implementation of a sustainable competition structure and facility Torquay Hockey Club 116 development strategy that has responded to the needs of a significant growth area. Saints Hockey Club 89 The Footscray Hockey Club has the largest membership with 654, making up approximately 30% of the total hockey playing membership in this zone. RMIT Hockey Club 88 The 14 clubs based in this zone occupy 10 full size hockey pitches including three Kardinia Hockey Club 55 synthetic grass, five hybrid and two natural grass surfaces. There are four two pitch Geelong Hockey Club (Local Comp) 46 venues and 70% of pitches provide floodlighting. There are also two modified hockey Geelong College Hockey Club 37 pitches in this zone. Golden Plains Hockey Club 35 Corio Hockey Club 30 Sunshine Hockey Club 17 TOTAL 2180
Source: 2013 HockeyNet data
West Metropolitan Zone 13 South Metropolitan Zone summary The south metropolitan zone covers a large area from the Mornington Peninsula in the Club Registered players south to beyond Pakenham in the east. There are 13 clubs located in this zone with a Southern United Hockey Club 563 total registered player base of 2696. Mentone Hockey Club 489 The Southern United Hockey Club has the largest registered playing membership (563), followed by Mentone (489) and Mornington Peninsula (381). The Southern United and Mornington Peninsula Hockey Club 381 Mentone Hockey Club facilities are located within the City of Kingston and approximately Casey Hockey Club 288 35 junior matches per week are relocated from Farm Road (Southern United) due to capacity issues. Frankston Hockey Club 267 The 13 clubs based in the south metropolitan zone occupy 9 full size hockey pitches Greater Dandenong Warriors Hockey Club 237 comprising six synthetic grass and three hybrid pitches. Bayside Cougars Hockey Club 203 St.Bedes Hockey Club 92 OHA Hockey Club 64 Pakenham Hockey Club 51 Sandringham Women's Hockey Club 21 Elwood 20 Southern Knights 20 TOTAL 2696
Source: 2013 HockeyNet data
South Metropolitan Zone 14 North East Metropolitan Zone summary
The north east metropolitan zone covers a large area and has six clubs competing Club Registered players across three different venues. The Greensborough Hockey Club are a Premier League Club located in the Nillumbik Shire and have the most number of registered members in Greensborough Hockey Club 568 the zone. Doncaster Hockey Club 513 The Doncaster Hockey Club is the next largest club in this zone with a total of 513 Kew Hockey Club 325 registered players and is located within the City of Manningham. Box Hill Whitehorse Hockey Club 226 There are six full size hockey pitches catering for six different clubs in this zone. All Kew Junior Hockey Club 205 pitches are floodlit and of the six pitches three are sand based synthetic and three are hybrid synthetic surfaces. Old Xaverians Hockey Club 114 Greensborough has two full size pitches and Doncaster has one full size pitch and one TOTAL 1951 modified pitch, located at Mullum Mullum Reserve. Source: 2013 HockeyNet data
North East Metropolitan Zone 15 North West Metropolitan Zone summary
The north west metropolitan zone contains 11 clubs with a combined total register player Club Registered players base of 2564. Yarra Valley Hockey Club 431 The Yarra Valley Hockey Club is the largest club with 431 registered players, followed by Essendon (396) and Brunswick (370). Essendon Hockey Club 396 Brunswick Hockey Club 370 There are 13 full size hockey pitches across 11 sites catering for the 11 clubs in this zone. There are five pitches located within the City of Moonee Valley and two in the City Melbourne University Hockey Club 333 of Melbourne. La Trobe University Hockey Club 248 All pitches are floodlit, with the exception of one pitch at Penleigh Grammar and there PEGS Hockey Club 205 are three two pitch venues. Of the 13 pitches in this zone six are sand based synthetic grass, six are hybrid and there are two water based synthetic pitches located a the State Essendon Ladies Hockey Club 193 Netball and Hockey Centre. The State Hockey Centre is located at the State Netball and Melton Hockey Club 179 Hockey Centre in Parkville and provides facilities that can accommodate state, national and international tournaments and events. St.Bernards Hockey Club 94 Old Melburnians Hockey Club 58 The Newbury Park Hockey and Lacrosse Facility in Craigieburn is being developed to cater for future population growth in the Hume / Whittlesea Growth Corridor. Craigieburn Hockey Club 57 TOTAL 2564
Source: 2013 HockeyNet data
North West Metropolitan Zone 16 North East Region Zone summary The north east country zone covers a large area and has a total of 22 recognised clubs Club Registered players or associations servicing 2300 registered hockey players. Corowa - Rutherglen United Hockey Club 244 The Albury Wodonga Hockey Association is the largest association in the north east Falcons Hockey Club (Albury) 184 zone and provides competition to some of the largest clubs in the zone including Corowa – Rutherglen, 244 registered players, Falcons (184) and Wombats (178). Wombats Hockey Club (Albury/Wodonga) 178 Beechworth Hockey Club 176 There are nine full size pitches in this zone across seven sites, with the only two pitch facility located at the Albury Hockey Club in Albury. This site has been included as part Magpies Hockey Club (Albury) 161 of this study as the local Albury Wodonga Hockey Association are affiliated with Hockey Wodonga Hockey Club 160 Victoria. Echuca Moama Hockey Club (GVHA) 158 Pitch surfaces vary across the region with two sand based synthetic, three hybrid and multiple grass pitches present. The grass pitches are located at Beechworth and Norths Hockey Club (Albury) 140 Benalla. Mooroopna Hockey Club 109 Scots Hockey Club (Albury) 107 SYC Hockey Club 98 Strikers Hockey Club 94 Euroa Hockey Club Inc. 81 Hockey Albury Wodonga 74 Wedderburn Hockey Club 71 Warracknabeal Hockey Club 67 Wangaratta Hockey Club 49 Goulburn Valley 40 Benalla Hockey Club 39 Swan Hill Hockey Club 31 Echuca Moama Hockey Club (CV) 22 Kyabram Hockey Club 17 TOTAL 2300
Source: 2013 HockeyNet data
North East Region Zone 17 North West Region Zone summary
The north west region covers a large area and has a total of 27 recognised clubs or Club Registered players associations servicing 2122 registered hockey players. Strathdale Hockey Club 195 Hockey Central Vic, located in Bendigo, is the largest associations in the north west region zone and provide competitions and training opportunities for eight locally based Eaglehawk Hockey Club 151 clubs. Boort Hockey Club 114 The Strathdale Hockey Club is the largest club in the north west region with 195 Sandhurst Hockey Club 114 registered members, followed by Eaglehawk (151) and Boort (114). Mildura Wanderers 112 There are 12 full size pitches in this region across 11 sites, with the only two pitch facility Waratahs Hockey Club 104 located at Garden Gully Reserve in Bendigo. Senjuns Hockey Club 102 The majority of pitches (66%) are natural grass, with provision of only two synthetic grass, one hybrid and one wet pitch (Garden Gully). Ten of the 12 pitches have Donald Hockey Club 100 floodlighting, with no floodlighting provided at Kerang and Charlton. Koowinda Hockey Club 95 St Arnaud Hockey Club 92 CV Blazers 88 Rivaside 85 Wycheproof-Narraport Hockey Club 79 Kerang Junior Hockey Association 78 Birchip Watchem Hockey Club 75 Charlton Hockey Club 69 Horsham Hockey Club 57 Girton Hockey Club 56 Sunraysia Hookin2hockey 55 Dimboola Hockey Club 54 Yanack Hockey Club 50 Nhill Hockey Club 47 Horsham Hockey Club 42 Hockey Central Hookin2hockey 37 Loddon Murray Hockey Club 34 Maryborough Hockey Club 22 Spring Gully Hockey Club 15 TOTAL 2122 North West Region Zone Source: 2013 HockeyNet data 18 South East Region Zone summary The West Gippsland Hockey Association are prominent hockey providers in this region Club Registered players and are made up of four clubs, Gulls Hockey Club, Warriors Hockey Club, Drouids Hockey Club and Aztecs Hockey Club . Gippsland Bulls Hockey Club 172 There are 1276 registered hockey players in the south east region covering 18 West Gippsland Hookin2hockey 121 recognised clubs and associations. The Traralgon, Gulls and Swan Reach are the Traralgon Hockey Club 96 largest hockey clubs in the region. Gulls Hockey Club 70 There are 12 full size pitches across 9 sites, with one four pitch grass facility (Nagle). Swan Reach Hockey Club 69 Only two pitches at Federation University in Churchill and Bellbird Park in the Baw Baw Shire are floodlit. The East Gippsland Shire own half of the hockey facilities in this Maffra Hockey Club 68 region, with four pitches owned by the Wellington Shire. Sale Hockey Club 68 The pitches at Federation University and Bellbird Park are both hybrid synthetic Warriors Hockey Group 68 surfaces. The other ten sites have natural grass pitches. There is one modified pitch offered at Orbost which is used for training purposes only. Bairnsdale Hockey Club 67 Drouids Hockey Club 65 Aztecs Hockey Club 65 Churchill Hockey Club 62 Nagle Hockey Club 53 Wellington Hockey Club 50 Yallourn Hockey Club 45 Moe Hockey Club 40 East Gippsland Hookin2hockey 35 Orbost Hockey Club 32 Traralgon Rovers Hockey Club 30 TOTAL 1276
Source: 2013 HockeyNet data
South East Region Zone 19 South West Region Zone summary
The south west region has 1551 registered hockey players, with Hockey Ballarat and the Club Registered players Warrnambool and District Hockey Association being the largest providers of hockey in this zone. Ballarat Hookin2hockey 135 Hockey Ballarat comprises seven clubs including Aquinas, Ararat, Ballarat Blaze, College Hockey Club 119 Maryborough, Eureka, University of Ballarat and Ballarat Oldcats. WestVic Hockey 115 There are six hockey pitches provided in this zone. 50% of these have floodlighting Eureka & Golden City Hockey Club 106 (Cramer Street in Warrnambool, Pedrina Park in Glenelg and Prince of Wales Park in Glenelg Region Association 98 Ballarat). Demons Hockey Club 88 These floodlit pitches all provide sand filled synthetic grass pitches, whilst Flinders Park and Camperdown Showgrounds have natural grass pitches. South West Strikers 88 Hockey Monivae 82 Corangamite Hockey Club 81 HookIn2Hockey - Warrnambool 81 Students of Ballarat Hockey Club 62 Blaze Hockey Club 61 Portland Hockey Club. 57 Kaniva Hockey Club 54 Technique Hockey Club 52 Mariners Hockey Club 48 Coleraine Hockey Club 47 ACU Hockey Club 33 Pink Power Hockey Club 32 Dunkeld Hockey Club 29 Ballarat Oldcats Hockey Club 24 Submariners Hockey Club 21 Pumas Hockey Club 20 Timboon Saints 18 TOTAL 1551
Source: 2013 HockeyNet data
South West Region Zone 20 STRATEGIC PLANNING CONTEXT The following facility planning documents were reviewed and will provide the key strategic drivers for the future enhancement and development of hockey facilities across Victoria. Target of 250,000 registered participants by 2018
Development of a complete facilities strategy with State Associations Hockey Australia Strategic Plan 2014 – 2018 Provision of facilities to support increased participation in Hockey 5’s, Hookin2Hockey, Masters, Indoor, Regional Hockey and School programs.
‘Facilities’ is one of seven key strategic pillars and HV aim to assist clubs and associations with facility improvement plans.
Any new facilities or clubs developed must meet the future needs of increased hockey participation. Hockey Victoria Strategic Plan 2013 -2016 The development of a State-wide Facilities Master Plan for all levels of government, key stakeholders and property developers.
This guide provides important information on installing or upgrading artificial lighting for hockey pitches and provides advice to hockey associations and facility Artificial Lighting of Hockey Pitches 2011 owners on the planning and installation of lighting infrastructure.
FIH only allow the use of water based pitches for top level hockey. FIH acknowledge that ongoing demand for water on synthetic pitches is not sustainable and field testing is continuing on the development and use of hybrid pitches at the top level. FIH Handbook of Performance, Durability and Construction Requirements for Sand based synthetic pitches currently dominate community Synthetic Turf Hockey Pitches level hockey with a trend towards the installation of more hybrid pitches.
21 2. DEMAND ANALYSIS
22 VICTORIAN POPULATION CONTEXT Victoria is considered to have one of the fastest growing population bases in Australia and while the total Victorian population is expected to increase by as much as 39% between 2011 and 2031, not all local government areas are set to experience Victorian Population Projections growth. 2011-2031 Much of the growth in Victoria’s population will be in Metropolitan Melbourne and extend 10,000,000 towards the North West regional areas. 5,000,000 The main growth corridor runs from Geelong through the western metropolitan area, into 0 the metropolitan north and up through the Mitchell Shire to Bendigo. Other growth areas 2011 2016 2021 2026 2031 have been identified in Melbourne’s south-east growth corridor, including Casey, Series1 5,621,210 6,067,702 6,500,653 6,924,141 7,326,564 Cardinia and Greater Dandenong. Victoria’s current population of 5.8 million people, an increase of 2% since 2012, is the second most populated state in Australia. Victoria's overall population increased by 110,500 people in the year ending 30 September 2013, which is a level of growth not seen since the high growth of 2009. Approximately 64% of Victoria’s population is between the ages of 18 to 64. Victorian Population Increases by age cohorts – 2011 to 2036 The population across Victoria is set to grow by 7.1% between 2011 and 2016 and by a further 14.8% between 2016 and 2026. 2,500,000
The adjacent table provides a summary of projected population growth for Victoria from 2,000,000 2011 to 2031. 1,500,000 LGA’s with the largest projected population growth to 2031 include the City of Wyndham (additional 201,000), City of Casey (171,000) and the City of Whittlesea (160,000). 1,000,000 Victoria’s heavy population growth and passion for sport and health and fitness activities provides a strong market for Hockey Victoria to continue to develop the sport and 500,000 provide access to high quality facilities. - 1 2 3 4 5
5-14 15-34 35-54 55 and over 0-4
Population projections have been sourced from the Victoria’s Department of Planning and Community Development; (Victoria in Future).
23 GROWTH CORRIDORS In the coming years developing municipalities such as Casey, Wyndham and Whittlesea will produce new communities with a varied demographic and community profile, creating a future LARGEST GROWTH AREAS market for the development of hockey. 2011 – 2031 (000) The following information provides the projected growth in specific age cohorts across ► METROPOLITAN ► REGIONAL these municipalities and provides support for sports such as hockey that cater for a range of age groups from the ‘cradle to the grave’. 1. Wyndham (201) 1. Geelong (73)
• The City of Casey will experience a 45% increase in the number of 5 to14 year olds 2. Casey (171) 2. Mitchell (54) from 38,784 in 2011 to 56,399 in 2031. 3. Whittlesea (160) 3. Ballarat (47) • In Wyndham, the number of people in the 5 to 14 year age cohort will more than double from 24,745 in 2011 to 50,849 in 2031. 4. Melton (142) 4. Bendigo (44)
• Whittlesea will experience an increase of 77% in the total number of 5 to14 year 5. Melbourne (118) 5. Baw Baw (31) old, from 22,011 in 2011 to 39,037 in 2031. The above information will assist Hockey Victoria in their future planning for the placement and delivery of introductory and development hockey programs and activities including Hookin2hockey. The development of modified or half pitch training facilities to support TOP 5 FASTEST GROWING AREAS junior competitions and as an overflow venue for club training should be 2011 – 2031 (%) a consideration for Hockey Victoria and local councils in these growth ► METROPOLITAN ► REGIONAL areas. 1. Melton (4.2%) 1. Mitchell (4.8%) Overall population increases by LGA from 2011 to 2031 are provided on the map on the following page. The map confirms significant growth corridors in the west, north east 2. Wyndham (4%) 2. Baw Baw ((2.8%) and south east of Melbourne, with minimal to no population growth in the outer western and north east country areas. 3. Melbourne (4%) 3. Bass Coast (2.4%) 4. Cardinia (3.9%) 4. Moorabool (2.3%)
5. Whittlesea (3.5%) 5. Surf Coast (2.1%)
Population projections have been sourced from the Victoria’s Department of Planning and Community Development; (Victoria in Future).
24
HOCKEY PARTICIPATION In Victoria, registered player numbers for outdoor hockey have Hockey Victoria manage a range of hockey competitions and programs with their affiliate remained relatively stable, with only a modest increase in the clubs and associations offering their members a variety of membership options. number of players recorded over the past five years. The following information provides the composition of registered hockey player by membership type. An analysis of Exercise Recreation and Sport Survey (ERASS) and Hockey Census data for organised and non organised hockey, along with Hockey Victoria registered player • Of the 21,605 registered players in 2013, 8520 are senior players (40%) and 7033 and team information data, have informed the following summary of hockey participation (33%) are juniors. in Victoria. • The Hookin2Hockey program currently represents 11% (2,384) of the total playing • The 2008 Hockey Australia census indicates there are 90,579 hockey players membership. in club and modified competitions. This is 12.9% decrease from 2007. Victoria • There are currently 1,651 registered masters in Victoria. are ranked third for the number of registered hockey players behind NSW and WA. • It is important to note that Hockey Victoria offer numerous ‘other’ membership • In Victoria, almost 18,000 registered players were recorded in 2007. Hockey categories such as non playing members, social members and life members which Victoria data indicates player registrations have increased to over 21,000 in 2013. are not included in these membership numbers. • ERASS indicates the participation rate for adults (15+) in organised hockey activities in Victoria is estimated at 0.7% (10 year average from 2001 to 2010). This is below the national average of 0.9%. • 0.7% of the Victorian population equates to approximately 48,983 (15+) people currently participating in some form of hockey (organised or non organised). 8% • In Victoria, participation rates for children 5 years to 14 years is 1.1%, 8% compared to 2.2% nationally (ABS Statistical Information). Senior Player 40% Junior Player • Based on the actual 2013 registered player numbers provided by Hockey Victoria 11% (21,375) and the current Victorian population figures, the current penetration rate Hookin2Hockey for hockey in Victoria is 0.4%. Masters
Other
33%
Source: 2013 HockeyNet data
The following pages provide trend data on team entry numbers in metropolitan and regional areas over the past two season and a participation data on the Hookin2hockey program.
26 Junior and modified hockey team entries have increased across metropolitan Melbourne. Junior modified team entries increased from 77 in 2013 to 103 in 2014, the largest percentage increase of all team entries (33%).
Metropolitan Team Entries 600
400
200
0 Seniors Masters Junior (full field) Junior (modified) 27 2013 2014 Regional Associations with the most team entries include Albury / Wodonga (21%), Hockey Geelong (11%), and Hockey Central (9%).
Regional Team Entries 300
200
100
0 Seniors Junior (full field) Junior (modified) 28 2013 2014 Hookin2Hockey is Hockey Australia’s tailored recruitment program designed to introduce 5-12 year old boys and girls to the game of hockey. There are currently 2,384 registered Hookin2Hockey participants and approximately 60 Hookin2Hockey Centres running across Victoria. In 2013 approximately 2,366 new young people registered in the Hookin2Hockey program. Approximately 8% conversion from primary school hockey clinic participation and Hookin2Hockey participation.
29 PARTICIPATION HOT SPOTS HOCKEY PLAYER PROFILE A analysis of Hockey Victoria’s 2013 registered player database In order to establish and verify the strongest market for hockey and was undertaken to determine key areas of participation across the identify any potential gaps we must first understand the profile of a state. The analysis included a review of metropolitan and country typical hockey player. areas and suburbs and towns with 10 or more registered players. This is important so that hockey competitions and development programs and strategies By suburb can be targeted and designed to not only service existing participants but be attractive to potential new markets. • Inner eastern suburbs of Glen Iris, Hawthorn, Camberwell and Kew recording a • ERASS data indicates that approximately 2.6% of hockey players in Victoria (15 high portion of players (over 1,000 collectively). years and over) are between the ages of 15 to 24, followed by 35 to 44 (1%) and 25 to 34 (0.9%). • Albury / Wodonga, Hamilton, Mildura and Warrnambool make up approximately 20% of the 8,894 registered players in regional Victoria. This • Hockey Victoria registered player data indicates the strongest participation rates coincides with major independent hockey associations operating in these regional for hockey is between the ages of 10 to 14, with over 1,000 registered 10 year centres and the location and close proximity of strong affiliate clubs and shared olds recorded (5% of the player numbers). facilities. • Of the 21,375 registered hockey players in Victoria 55% are males and 45% are By post code females. • There is a much higher proportion of hockey participants aged younger than 10 in • Victorian post codes with the most registered players include 3146 (Glen Iris metropolitan areas than in rural/regional areas. and Tooronga) and 3122 (Glenferrie and Auburn). These areas have 295 and 251 registered hockey players respectively. • This pattern is reversed during the teenage years. The pattern reverses again from the early twenties to the mid forties. • 2640 (Albury) and 3350 (Ballarat) recorded the highest number of registered players in regional Victoria, with 562 and 301 players respectively. The map on the following page illustrates the number and location of registered hockey players across Victoria by post code, based on 2013 Hockey Victoria By Hockey Victoria Zone membership data.
• There are 14,372 registered hockey players residing in Hockey Victoria’s Metropolitan Zones and 7065 in Regional Zones. • The east metropolitan zone has the most registered players of all the metropolitan hockey zones with 3,467. • The east and central metropolitan zones combine for 5,845 registered players and make up over 40% of the total number of registered players in the metropolitan area. • The south metropolitan zone is the second highest for total registered player numbers with 2,698, followed by the north west with 2,564. • Of the 7,065 registered players in the regional zones, 2303 (33%) are located in the north east and 2189 (31%) in the north west. • The north east and north west regional zones have a combined registered playing membership of 4492, which is 63% of the total number of registered players in regional zones. The south east country zone has the lowest number of registered players with only 978. 30
PARTICIPATION PROJECTIONS
To understand the potential future participation projections for hockey in Victoria, the current penetration rate of 0.4% (based on current registered player numbers) has been applied to the projected population growth across all Victorian LGAs and Hockey TOP 5 ADDITIONAL HOCKEY PARTICIPANTS (METRO) Victoria Zones. 2016 & 2026 The adjacent tables provide the top five metropolitan and regional LGAs and the ► 2016 ► 2026 estimated number of additional hockey participants in 2016 and 2021. These projected 1. Wyndham (205) 1. Wyndham (331) additional player numbers are relatively conservative when you consider that school, indoor and casual hockey participation is not included in the current penetration rate of 2. Whittlesea (143) 2. Casey (279) 0.4%. Metropolitan summary 3. Casey (136) 3. Whittlesea (255) 4. Melton (111) 4. Melton (227) • Over the next ten years (2016 to 2026) there is expected to be an additional 638,605 people across the six metropolitan zones, equating to an additional 2,554 5. Melbourne (92) 5. Melbourne (183) hockey participants. • By 2026 the City of Wyndham (West Metropolitan Zone) will provide the largest participation opportunity for hockey, with an additional 536 players expected. Followed by Casey (415) and Whittlesea (398). TOP 5 ADDITIONAL HOCKEY PARTICIPANTS (REGIONAL) • The market for hockey players in Brimbank, Knox and Yarra Ranges is expected to 2016 & 2026 decrease in the future so there will be limited demand for facilities in these areas. ► 2016 ► 2026 Regional summary 1. Cardinia (86) 1. Cardinia (151) • The South East, North East and North West Regions are predicted to provide the 2. Mitchell (35) 2. Mitchell (130) majority of hockey players to 2026. • Based on population growth Cardinia Shire will provide and additional 237 hockey 3. Bendigo (33) 3. Bendigo (70) participants from 2016 to 2026, followed by Mitchell (165) and Bendigo (103). 4. Ballarat (31) 4. Ballarat (63) • The Shires of Cardinia and Baw Baw (South East Region), Mitchell (North East) and Bendigo (North West) are expected to experience the largest growth in hockey 5. Baw Baw (21) 5. Baw Baw (42) participation of all the regions, with an additional 1366 players to 2026. This number is significant when you consider only 1,688 additional hockey players in total are expected to come from country Victoria to 2026.
32 3. FACILITIES
33 FACILITIES OVERVIEW FACILITY STANDARDS Hockey Victoria has indicated that over the last 30 years hockey Hockey Victoria does not have a recognised facility hierarchy facilities have been developed in a mostly ad-hoc manner, often model or levels of service that define the existing provision or with very little strategic planning involvement of Hockey Victoria. guide the future direction of hockey facilities.
Despite facilities being developed to meet ongoing demand Hockey Victoria has not The level and standard of hockey facilities is generally dictated by the quality of pitch played an active role in the decision making processes. The general attitude was that the surfaces, the level of supporting infrastructure and facility location. ‘more hockey facilities the better’. Hockey Victoria is aiming to be more strategic through For the purpose of analysis, hockey facilities in Victoria are defined as State (State the development of this Plan. Netball Hockey Centre) or Club based provision level. Section 4 explores the suitability The following information provides a brief overview of the current supply of hockey of this hierarchy and provides recommendations for a future Victorian Hockey Facility facilities in Victoria. Hierarchy that strives to create facilities that cater for all people by incorporating Universal Design Principles. • There are currently 70 hockey venues and 88 individual hockey pitches across Victoria. The Federation of International Hockey (FIH) stipulate that all international and top level national hockey tournaments and events must be played on a wet synthetic surface. The • Of the 70 hockey venues, 37 are located in metropolitan Melbourne and the State Netball and Hockey Centre, Monash University and Garden Gully Reserve in remaining 33 are located in country areas or regional cities. Bendigo are the only wet pitch surfaces in Victoria. All other hockey pitches are a mix of • There are 62 synthetic hockey pitches and 26 grass pitches in Victoria. The hybrid and sand based synthetic or natural grass. majority of grass hockey pitches (91%) are located in regional areas. There are some basic facility requirements for certain levels of hockey competition which • Of the 62 synthetic pitches in Victoria, 32 are sand filled, 26 are hybrid and there have been informally adopted by Hockey Victoria, in particular for Premier League are four water based pitches. venues. These are generally based on the type of surface, pitch quality and lighting levels. • There are 18 two pitch venues across the state (12 in metro and 6 in country), and seven modified pitches. Hybrid surfaces are preferred over sand based surface for club based venues and Hockey Victoria sanctioned events are generally run at locations with multiple pitches. • Only three out of the ten hockey zones have water based synthetic pitches. It is Facility requirements and expectations can differ from synthetic pitch venues used for important to note that Victoria has the third lowest number of water based pitches metropolitan competitions to natural grass venues in regional areas. when compared to other States and Territory. The level of play and access to change rooms and lighting infrastructure can mean some • 60 of the 70 hockey venues have floodlighting and 67% of pitches in metropolitan facilities in regional areas may not meet minimum facility requirements but still provides zones are floodlit. Only 33% of pitches in regional areas have floodlighting. participation opportunities for the sport.
• Sub standard lighting exists at the majority of premier league venues and is impacting the scheduling of matches. Hockey Victoria state that all Premier League matches need to be played under 500 lux lighting and will only schedule night matches at venues that have this level of lighting. Due to the number of facilities that do not have lighting to this standard night matches are not scheduled.
The following map identifies the number, type, location and spread of existing hockey venues across the state (metropolitan and regional).
34 SYNTHETIC SURFACES MULTI USE PITCHES Synthetic turf is the preferred training and playing surface for Facility owners and managers recognise the importance for hockey hockey, and hockey was the first sport in Australia to start using a facilities to cater for a range of uses and be more accessible to the synthetic surface at the elite level. community.
The sports conversion to synthetic surfaces in the late 1970’s resulted in an increased Traditionally, hockey facilities were considered single use fully fenced facilities that could speed of the game, rule changes and equipment improvements. only be accessed by members of the resident hockey club. Clubs were protective of their facility and reluctant to ‘share’ in an effort to protect and prolong the life of the pitch. Synthetic turf surfaces were originally made of nylon however advancement in technology and a greater awareness of surface performance and playability has resulted Councils and clubs now more than ever are focussed on programming opportunities to in improvements to hockey facilities. ensure that hockey facility can be used to their full potential. Hockey is working closely with schools and partnering with sports such as lacrosse to identify future development Water based, sand based and hybrid synthetic are the most common opportunities for multipurpose facilities. forms of playing surfaces, with a recent trend towards semi sand filled Design elements such as extended run off areas to cater for lacrosse, low fencing to hybrid surfaces for community hockey. facilitate casual use, and adequate lighting for elite level competition and training for Water based surfaces are required for elite level hockey including international and other sports is being provided. national level competitions, events and training, FIH world level competitions and are not The Footscray Hockey Facility is a good example of a multi-use hockey pitch that is shared with other sports. This surface is critical for high performance athletes as all being used by lacrosse, and the proposed Newbury Park Hockey and Lacrosse Facility National and International Events are played only on water based pitches. in Craigieburn will provide for multiple sports and community activities. Sand based surfaces were once the sports preferred surface but are now less The Newbury Park Hockey and Lacrosse Facility is considered a common. These surfaces are generally used for school competitions and some club level activity. contemporary multipurpose facility design which will provide opportunities for multi-use and casual participation by other sports, Hybrid surfaces are recognised as the preferred surface for club and regional level play. schools and the local community. Synthetic hockey pitches can also be used by other sports or community activities and The following page outlines the proposed site layout for the Newbury Park Hockey and new pitches are now being designed to cater for other sports such as lacrosse. Lacrosse Facility. This new facility will include an extended main pitch to cater for lacrosse and other sports, community playground and recreation areas, connecting trails Other compatible sports for the shared use of hockey facilities include tennis, touch and passive spaces, warm up area, and a future community and child care centre. football / rugby and gridiron, but only at a social or community level or for training purposes. Consideration, where appropriate, should also be given to the development of half pitch facilities that provide multi-use options including junior development programs and overflow hockey training. Half pitches are best suited to projects with limited budgets or inadequate development areas. School facilities generally also provide opportunities for multi-use, with the model of school use during the day and community use after school hours working at a number of facilities. A significant number of schools also offer some form of synthetic surface where a range of activities can be conducted. Although these areas may not be suitable for competition hockey, they can be beneficial to a number of sports and community activities.
35 36 LIFECYCLE OF A SYNTHETIC HOCKEY PITCH Many hockey facilities in Victoria have reached the end of their natural life and some remain unsafe to play on due to a lack of maintenance and upkeep. As part of the audit of hockey facilities eight existing pitch surfaces were rated as either poor or very poor and requiring replacement within the next few years.
Depending on the level and intensity of use of the synthetic pitch there is a general acceptance that a synthetic surface will last approximately 10 years and the base 20 years. Regular maintenance and grooming of the synthetic surface will extend its overall life and the development of a sinking fund for the replacement of the surface is highly recommended. The hockey club survey undertaken as part of the consultation process indicated that approximately 55% of clubs have a managed sinking fund for the future replacement of their synthetic hockey pitch.
The diagram below illustrates the typical lifecycle of a synthetic hockey pitch and the state of some existing surfaces across Victoria.
Synthetic turf life Shock pad life (10+ years) (20+ years)
Minor and major servicing Minor and major servicing
Beyond end of life
5 years 10 years 15 years 20 years
37 WHOLE OF LIFE COST The development of any new synthetic hockey facility requires The most significant challenge facing indoor hockey is the need for a dedicated facility. Competition for indoor court space with other sports such as basketball, netball and significant capital outlay and contributions are generally required futsal is high and there is limited opportunity to develop the sport within peak times. The from a number of different sources. current competition structure is based on availability of facilities. Its not just this initial expenditure that needs to be considered when planning the The ideal indoor hockey facility would involve access to a two court basketball stadium. development of a new facility, the ongoing maintenance and replacement costs of the Dimensions for an international standard indoor hockey pitch is 18m to 22m x 36m to entire asset must be factored in to provide an appreciation of the whole of life cost of 44m with a fully sprung floor. A recent rule change saw the number of players per team the facility. The following table provides an overview of the whole of life cost for a reduced from 6 to 5. hybrid hockey pitch over a 10 and 25 years lifespan. There is a market for a school based indoor hockey competition as almost every school has a facility where you can play a modified version of indoor hockey. European ESTIMATED REPLACEMENT COSTS OF A Handball is also played on the same size field and is played over winter so there is SYNTHETIC HOCKEY PITCH potential to work with the association to develop a usage and management schedule for ► COST OF OWNERSHIP ► HYBRID PITCH any new venue. (10 YEARS) Expansion of the State Netball Hockey Centre could provide an opportunity for the Construction $750,000 future development of a purpose built indoor hockey facility with capacity to host Maintenance $250,000 National Championships. The facility could be multi purpose with potential to be used as a warm up/cool down court for netball. Replacement $300,000
Total cost of ownership (10years) $1,300,000 SCHOOL HOCKEY FACILITIES ► COST OF OWNERSHIP ► HYBRID PITCH (25 YEARS) It is difficult to determine accurately how many schools in Victoria (private and public) are actually providing full or half size hockey pitches. With the exception of known Construction $750,000 school facilities that are currently being used for competitions and events, Hockey Maintenance $625,000 Victoria is unaware of the current location, distribution and condition of all existing school facilities. Replacement $600,000 Although direct consultation with schools was not part of the project scope, a list of Total cost of ownership (10 years) $1,975,000 school facilities that have some form of synthetic surface has been given to Hockey Victoria. These school facilities will require proper assessment to determine their Source: Hockey Australia (30 years of synthetic surfaces – 2013 prices). Please note figures based on a suitability to potentially cater for any modified hockey competitions and address the hybrid surface - does not include lights, fencing, goals or netting demand in areas where significant scheduling issues exist, such as the Eastern Metropolitan Zone. INDOOR HOCKEY It is recommended that Hockey Victoria investigate the use of school venues in Indoor hockey is considered the entree to outdoor hockey and is a very important areas of high participation to alleviate pressure on existing full size club hockey component of Hockey Victoria’s core business. pitches. There are two tiers of senior indoor hockey in Victoria (super league and metropolitan). There is currently no regional indoor hockey competitions operating, other than one in Kerang. Juniors have a district based Shield and District competition (under 13,15 and 17). There is currently no Master Indoor competition.
The following pages provide an overview of hockey facility type and location (metro and regional), and a full inventory of hockey facilities in Victoria by Hockey Zone. 38
INVENTORY OF HOCKEY FACILITIES – METROPOLITAN ZONE
PITCH TYPE NO. FLOODLIT NO. CHANGE FACILITY LGA NO.OF PITCHES SYNTHETIC HYBRID GRASS PITCHES ROOMS CENTRAL ZONE Hawthorn-Malvern Hockey Centre Boroondara 2 1 1 0 2 0 Albert Park Hockey/Tennis Centre Port Phillip 1 1 0 0 1 2 MHS-MCC Hockey Facility Melbourne 1 0 1 0 1 4 Melbourne Grammar Sports Complex Port Phillip 1 0 1 0 1 0 EASTERN METRO Koonung Secondary College Boroondara 1 1 0 0 1 0 Matlock Reserve Boroondara 1 0 1 0 1 2 The Knox School Knox 1 1 0 0 1 2 Hedley Hull Field Monash 1 0 1 0 1 0 Monash Uni - Clayton Campus Monash 1 0 1 (WET) 0 1 2 WEST METRO King Lloyd Reserve (Grass Field) Geelong 2 0 0 2 0 2 St Ignatius College Geelong 1 1 0 0 0 0 Stead Park Geelong 2 0 2 0 2 2 Geelong Grammar Geelong 1 1 0 0 0 0 Altona Hockey Centre Hobsons Bay 1 0 1 0 1 2 Footscray Hockey Centre Maribyrnong 2 0 2 0 2 4 Presidents Park Wyndham 2 2 0 0 2 4 SOUTH METRO Brighton Secondary College Bayside 1 1 0 0 1 0 Berwick Secondary College Casey 1 1 0 0 1 3 Mills Reserve Dandenong 2 0 2 0 1 4 Hailebury College Kingston 2 2 0 0 0 0 Kingston Heath Reserve Kingston 1 0 1 0 1 4 Mentone Grammar School, Kingston 1 1 0 0 1 2 Peninsula Hockey Centre Mornington Peninsula 1 1 0 0 1 2 NORTH EAST METRO Elgar Park Whitehorse 1 1 0 0 1 2 Doncaster Regional Hockey Centre Manningham 2 1 1 0 2 2 Yarra Valley Grammar School Maroondah 1 1 0 0 1 2 Greensborough Hockey Centre Nillumbik 2 1 1 0 2 2 NORTH WEST METRO Cyril Cummins Reserve Banyule 1 1 0 0 1 2 KP Hardiman Reserve Darebin 1 1 0 0 1 1 Maribyrnong College Maribyrnong 1 0 1 0 1 7 Melbourne University Hockey Centre Melbourne 1 0 1 0 1 0 State Netball Hockey Centre Melbourne 2 0 2 (WET) 0 2 8 Melton Hockey Club (Kurunjang) Melton 1 1 0 0 1 0 Essendon Hockey Centre Moonee Valley 2 2 0 0 2 4 Penleigh Sports Fields Moonee Valley 2 2 0 0 1 2 St Bernards College Moonee Valley 1 1 0 0 1 0 Brunswick Secondary College Moreland 1 0 1 0 1 2 SUB TOTAL 49 26 21 2 41 75 INVENTORY OF HOCKEY FACILITIES –REGIONAL ZONES
PITCH TYPE NO. FLOODLIT NO. CHANGE FACILITY LGA NO.OF PITCHES SYNTHETIC HYBRID GRASS PITCHES ROOMS NORTH EAST REGIONAL Alexandra Park Albury 2 0 2 0 2 2 Churchill Reserve Benalla 1 0 0 1 0 0 McKewen Reserve Shepparton 1 1 0 0 1 2 Beechworth Hockey Club Indigo 1 0 0 1 0 2 Assumption College (Sebastian Oval) Mitchell 1 1 0 0 0 0 Echuca College Campaspe 1 0 1 0 1 0 Wodonga Hockey Centre Wodonga 1 1 0 0 1 2 Appin Park Oval Wangaratta 1 0 0 1 0 2 NORTH WEST REGIONAL Birchip-Watchem Hockey Ground Buloke 1 0 0 1 1 0 Charlton Hockey Ground Buloke 1 0 0 1 0 0 Donald Hockey Ground Buloke 1 0 0 1 1 0 Wycheproof Hockey Group Buloke 1 0 0 1 1 0 Garden Gully Reserve Bendigo 2 1 1 (WET) 0 2 2 Kerang Technical High School Gannawarra 1 0 0 1 0 0 St Arnaud Hockey Ground Grampians 1 0 0 1 1 0 Dimboola Memorial Secondary Hindmarsh 1 0 1 0 1 2 Boort Hockey Ground Loddon 1 0 0 1 1 2 Wedderburn Hockey Ground Loddon 1 0 0 1 1 0 Old Aerodrome Sporting Complex Mildura 1 1 0 0 1 2 SOUTH WEST REGIONAL Prince of Wales Park Ballarat 1 0 1 0 0 2 Nelson Park Glenelg 1 0 0 1 0 2 Pedrina Park Grampians 1 0 1 0 1 0 Cramer Street Warrnambool 1 0 1 0 1 2 Camperdown Showgrounds Corangamite 2 0 0 2 0 2 SOUTH EAST REGIONAL Bellbird Park Baw Baw 1 0 1 0 1 0 Bairnsdale Hockey Ground East Gippsland 1 0 0 1 0 2 Nagle Hockey Ground East Gippsland 2 0 0 2 0 0 Orbost Hockey Ground East Gippsland 2 0 0 2 0 0 Swan Reach Hockey Ground East Gippsland 1 0 0 1 0 2 Federation Uni – Churchill Latrobe 1 1 0 0 1 0 Cameron Sporting Complex Wellington 1 0 0 1 0 2 Stephenson Park Wellington 2 0 0 2 0 0 Lions Park Wellington 1 0 0 1 0 0 SUB TOTAL 39 6 9 24 19 32 TOTAL 88 32 30 26 60 107
42 PITCH SURFACES FIELD LIGHTING There are four main types of full size hockey pitch surfaces spread The standard and quality of hockey pitch lighting is critical in across the state, with hybrid synthetic surfaces the most popular supporting the development and growth of the sport, and to for club and community hockey. building the capacity of facilities to ensure their optimal level of
The graph below provides the current supply of the type and number of hockey surfaces performance and use. in Victoria, being use for club competition and training. Hockey Victoria does not have an adopted lighting standard for their current level of As previously mentioned in this report there are only four wet hockey pitches in Victoria, competition and is guided by the FIH standards for training and competition. the preferred surface for national and international hockey competition. The majority of club facilities in Victoria are classified as Class II facilities under the FIH Of the total number of hockey pitches across Victoria (88), 34% are lighting standards which indicate that for non-televised matches the average level of lighting (lux) across a pitch is 250 or greater. hybrid surfaces, 35% are sand based, 27% are natural grass and 3% are water based. Of the 88 hockey pitches in Victoria, 60 (72%) were identified as having some form of floodlighting. Natural grass pitches are generally located in country areas and vary in their overall quality, condition and compliance. Grass pitches are used by many country based Where possible the audit process included light meter readings at the majority of these hockey associations and although not the preferred hockey surface they are generally pitches and provided information on the approximate range of lighting levels being considered suitable in these county locations and the level of competition being played. provided. It is the view of Hockey Victoria that any new or redeveloped club or community level The facilities audit identified that sub standard lighting exists on the majority of existing hockey pitch should provide a synthetic hybrid surface that does not require any watering premier league venues and is impacting the scheduling of matches. As previously for general use but performs similar to a water based surface in wet conditions. mentioned Hockey Victoria state that all Premier League matches need to be played under 500 lux lighting and will only schedule night matches at venues that have this level
of lighting.
Surface type and number Floodlit pitches 26 32 88 26 60
7 4
Total No.of modified Synthetic grass - sand Synthetic grass - Synthetic grass - Natural grass Number of pitches Total No. Floodlit pitches pitches hybrid water
43 FACILITY PROVISION BY ZONE To support the analysis of hockey facility data, this section focuses • 84% (or 41 of the 49) hockey pitches in metropolitan Melbourne contain on the existing provision of hockey facilities and infrastructure and floodlighting, with 13 out of the 14 pitches located in the north west region providing lights. provides comparisons between Hockey Victoria’s metropolitan and regional zones. • Only 7 out of 10 pitches in the west and 6 out of 9 pitches in the south metropolitan zone provide lighting, highlighting a gap in lighting provision at some venues. Metropolitan Zones
The following information provides a summary of hockey facilities in the Victorian • The most popular surface type in metropolitan Melbourne is sand filled synthetic metropolitan area, including information on the number of venues and pitches located in (53%), followed by hybrid surface (42%), water based pitches 6%) and natural each zone and the number of floodlit pitches. grass pitches (4%). • There are 37 hockey venues and 49 hockey pitches located in metropolitan • The south and north west metropolitan zones have the highest percentage of sand Melbourne, making up a total 54% of all pitches and 58% of venues across Victoria. filled surfaces (20%) , followed by the east (17%) and the west (10%).
• The north west zone provides the highest provision of hockey pitches in the • For hybrid surfaces the most populated zones are in the north west (21%) and west metropolitan area (14), which equates to 28% of the total number of pitches across (17%). metropolitan Melbourne. • 67% of all water based synthetic surfaces in Victoria are located in the north west • The west (11), south (9) and east (6) metropolitan zones provide the next most metropolitan zone, at the State Netball Hockey Centre. number of pitches in the metropolitan area.
16
14
12
10
8 Venues per Region 6 Number of Pitches per Region 4 NumberFloodlit Pitches per Region
2
0 Central Metro Zone Eastern Metro Zone Western Metro Zone Southern Metro Zone North East Metro North West Metro Zone Zone Metro Metro Metro Metro Metro Metro
Pitch information by metropolitan zone 44 Regional Zones • 92% of natural grass hockey pitches are provided in the regional zones. Of these The following information provides a summary of hockey facilities in the Victorian regional areas, including information on the number of venues and pitches located in 61% of the 39 pitches in the regional zones are natural grass, with only 19 synthetic surfaces (9 hybrid and 6 sand filled synthetic grass) being provided in regional each region and the number of floodlit pitches. zones. • There are 33 hockey venues and 39 hockey pitches located in the four regional zones, making up a total 44% of all pitches and 47% of venues across Victoria. • 42% of natural grass pitches are located in the south east regional zone and 33% in the north west region. • The north west and south east regions each provide 12 hockey pitches respectively, providing 62% of all pitches across the regional zones in Victoria. • Natural grass surfaces in country areas are common and in some instances suitable for the level of use and competition being played. However, hockey • There are six pitches in the south west regional zone providing for over 1,500 stakeholders responsible for the management and maintenance of natural grass registered players, and only two of these pitches provide floodlighting suitable for surfaces should consider the cost benefit of providing a suitable multi-use synthetic training. surface.
• Of the 60 hockey pitches in Victoria that provide floodlighting, only 32% are located • Of the synthetic hockey surfaces provided across Victoria only 30% of the hybrid in country areas. surfaces are provided in country areas, along with 19% of sand filled synthetic. Bendigo, in north west zone has one water based synthetic pitch. • Only 19 of the 39 hockey pitches in the regional zones provide floodlighting (49%), highlighting the need to build the capacity of these venues and provide suitable lights for training.
14
12
10
8 Venues per Region 6 Number of Pitches per Region NumberFloodlit Pitches per Region 4
2
0 North East Country Zone North West Country Zone South East Country Zone South West Country Zone Country Country Country Country Pitch information by regional zone 45 FACILITY PERCEPTIONS - CLUBS An online survey was distributed to all hockey clubs and affiliates • Onsite car parking is generally provided at most club venues with approximately 80% across Victoria to collect information and assist the development of of respondents indicating they have access to parking for players and spectators. the Strategic Facilities Master Plan. Survey questions focussed on • Over 80% of respondents have access to unisex change room suitable for both men's the condition of facilities, club occupancy, usage and management. and women's teams.
In total 170 surveys were distributed and 80 surveys were received. Of the 80 surveys • Only 18.5% of hockey facilities were reported as having a dedicated first aid room, received only 43 were fully completed and 37 only partially completed. The Southern potentially compromising the safety of players and spectators and the capacity of Metropolitan Zone and North West Regional Zone were well represented in the survey clubs to respond appropriately to an injury or an emergency. responses with approximately 40% of the surveys received were from within these zones. A summary of findings from online consultation is provided below. Management and Maintenance
On field • Approximately 30% of clubs have existing lease agreements with their local Council for the overall use and management of their hockey facilities, with 11% operating • Approximately 60% of survey respondents indicated that their lights were in under an annual licence and 10% under a seasonal licence. excellent or good condition. • Clubs indicated they generally have secure long term lease agreements with their • There is a trend towards the provision of electronic scoreboards with approximately local Councils, with almost 60% having leases of five years or more and 30% having 32% of survey respondents indicating they had access to an electronic scoreboard, agreements of 1 to 5 years. with 20% still operating a manual scoreboard. • Clubs are paying an average of $5,000 per annum for the use of their hockey facility, • Only nine clubs have fixed hockey goals at their facility, meaning that most facilities whilst Clubs under seasonal tenancy arrangements pay approximately $1,300. have capacity to cater for other sports and recreation activities. • Approximately 55% of respondents indicated that their Club or Association have a • 50% of respondents stated they have outgrown their facilities and require more managed sinking fund for the future replacement of their synthetic hockey pitch. playing space. Approximately 40% of clubs believe that there facilities are being well looked after with nine clubs indicating their facilities were not being well looked after. Off field • The responsibility of maintaining hockey facilities is generally being shared between • The ability for clubs and associations to generate their own revenue through the Club volunteers and paid contractors (50/50). This suggests that when surface operation of off field amenities and infrastructure is important to their long term grooming or technical expertise is required paid contractors are being engaged by survival and sustainability. clubs. • Over 80% of clubs have access to a kiosk or canteen facility, with 70% having a social area and 50% operating a licensed bar.
46 33 clubs rated their pitch lighting and pitch condition as either excellent or good. EXISTING CLUB PRIORITIES FUTURE CLUB PRIORITIES Clubs and associations were asked to provide a list of facility Clubs were asked to identify their top three priorities in relation to improvement priorities for their existing on field and off field overall facility use, provision and management. Responses were infrastructure. consolidated and the top three responses categorised below.
• On-field facility priorities for clubs from 1 to 5 (1 being most critical / immediate 1. Pitch Lighting priority) were pitch surface replacement (60%), followed by pitch lighting (19%) and goals (11%). 2. Clubrooms
Priority club improvements – on field 3. Playing surface
Perimeter fencing 3.80 Clubs were also asked what was most important thing to assisting Scoreboard 3.54 future club growth and development. The top three responses Goals 3.00 were as follows. Pitch lighting 2.81 Pitch surface 1.85 1. Better playing facilities
2. Better social facilities
• The top three off field priorities for clubs were player change rooms, social rooms 3. Assistance with promoting their club and canteen / kiosk. Gymnasium, licensed bar and public toilets ranked as the lowest priorities for clubs. Clubs also indicated that they would like more support from their local Council and Hockey Victoria regarding facility development and technical information. Increased program support and training from both Hockey Victoria and Hockey Australia was also requested. Priority club improvements – off field More clubs were dissatisfied with their off field facilities and amenities than their on field 13 playing facilities, suggesting more engagement with local Councils and facility owners 9 regarding improvements to clubrooms and spectator amenities. 7 5 4 3 3 3 2 2 Only 50% of survey respondents stated they have a strategic business plan in place, 0 0 with the remaining 50% seeking support on the future development of a club business plan.
47
HOCKEY VICTORIA| DRAFT STRATEGIC FACILITIES MASTER PLAN | NOVEMBER 2014 FACILITY PERCEPTIONS - COUNCILS A range of Councils were surveyed to assist in the development of Councils were asked to identify current projects in their municipality that they are working on that involve hockey, and also what future projects are being considered. the Facilities Master Plan. Councils were identified by Hockey Victoria as having a significant influence over the current and future development of hockey facilities, with a particular focus on CURRENT HOCKEY PROJECTS BY LGA New hybrid pitch with lighting, practice area fencing and player growth areas and potential site development opportunities. Geelong shelters at Stead Park ($1.6m) recently completed. A total of nineteen (19) Councils were invited to participate in the hockey survey. Replacement of existing synthetic surface is a high priority Casey Responses were received from the following Councils: (2 – 3 years - $750,000). Preparing the Elgar Park Master Plan which covers the hockey • Bass Coast, Cardinia, Casey, East Gippsland, Geelong, Kingston, Knox, Melton, Whitehorse facility to identify any improvements for the future. Mitchell, Monash, Wellington, Whitehorse, Wyndham. No improvements but have received funding to construct a new Summary of Council responses Melton facility (pitch and pavilion – combined with athletics) at Bridge Road Reserve. Existing facility will close once new facility is built.
• 75% of Councils surveyed currently have an existing hockey facility, with Pavilion upgrade ($200,000) Kingston approximately 57% of these being Council owned and the remainder owned by a mix Southern United Hockey Club. of crown land and the education department. Hockey provision 'earmarked' in growth corridors to north and Wyndham west in Wyndham. • The majority of these facilities are shared by other groups with external access being Newbury Park Hockey and Lacrosse Facility being developed in managed directly by the clubs as part of their lease agreement with Council. Hume Craigieburn. • Four Councils reported that their hockey pitch has been upgraded in the last three FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES years. Key facility improvements identified were pitch upgrades, spectator seating, disabled access and canteen and kiosk upgrades. Casey Cardinia Creek Park Lands – Parks Victoria Land ($1.8m).
• 70% of Councils indicated that interest in hockey in their municipality has remained Monash Conversion of grass pitch to synthetic at Ashwood Reserve. steady over the past three years with the remaining 30% stating that interest has increased. Considering development of a new facility in the Kingston Green Kingston Wedge. • The majority of Councils perceived that there were no barriers to increasing hockey East participation however a lack of volunteers and changing demographics were identified Considering development of a community pitch in Bairnsdale. Gippsland by some of the Councils. Considering development of a new pitch between Officer and Cardinia • The following Councils are experiencing current demand for hockey facilities - Casey, Beaconsfield. Monash, Melton, Kingston, East Gippsland, Wyndham. Approximately 70% of Feasibility for a new synthetic pitch at Torquay is currently being Surf Coast Councils surveyed expect demand for hockey to increase in the future. investigated.
• Hockey Victoria will be working with the Surf Coast Shire Council and the Surf Coast College on the future establishment of a synthetic hockey pitch in Torquay to service Torquay, Jan Juc, Anglesea and the emergence of Armstrong Creek. 48 CONDITION RATING AND LIFECYCLE OF HOCKEY FACILITIES - METROPOLITAN ZONES As part of the audit of hockey facilities across Victoria, critical facility components such as playing surfaces and field lighting were rated and where possible performance tested to capture current facility information to guide the future renewal and development of existing facilities. The estimated lifespan of each pitch is identified by the color chart below to assist with the development of a prioiritised renewal program.
0-1 years 2-3 years 4-5 years 6-10 years 10 years +
Enclosure Number Surface condition rating Surface lifespan Approx. lighting levels Lighting lifespan
CENTRAL METRO Hawthorn-Malvern Hockey Centre Pitch 1 Very good 10+ years Not available 10+ years Pitch 2 Very good 0-1 year Not available 10+ years Albert Park Hockey/Tennis Centre Pitch 1 Good 2-3 years 250 to 500 lux 4-5 years MHS-MCC Hockey Facility Pitch 1 Good 2-3 years 200 to 250 lux 6-10 years EAST METRO Koonung Secondary College Pitch 1 Good 6-10 years 250 to 500 lux Unsure Matlock Reserve Pitch 1 Good 10+ years 250 to 500 lux 2-3 years The Knox School Pitch 1 Good 10+ years 250 to 500 lux 10+ years Hedley Hull Field Pitch 1 Very good 6-10 years 250 to 500 lux 4-5 years Monash Uni – Clayton Campus Pitch 1 Moderate 6-10 years 250 to 500 lux 10+ years WEST METRO King Lloyd Reserve (Newtown Grass Field) Pitch 1 Good 10+ years Not available Unsure Pitch 2 Good 10+ years Not available Unsure St Ignatius College Pitch 1 Good 6-10 years <200 lux Unsure Stead Park Pitch 1 Good 6-10 years <200 lux 6-10 years Pitch 2 Very good 10+ years 500 to 800 lux 10+ years JK Grant Reserve (Altona) Pitch 1 Moderate 2-3 years 250 to 500 lux 6-10 years Footscray Hockey Centre Pitch 1 Very good 10+ years 200 to 250 lux 4-5 years Pitch 2 Very good 10+ years 200 to 250 lux 4-5 years Enclosure Number Surface condition rating Surface lifespan Approx. lighting levels Lighting lifespan
Presidents Park Pitch 1 Moderate 2-3 years 250 to 500 lux 2-3 years Pitch 2 Good 6-10 years Not available 6-10 years SOUTH METRO Brighton Secondary College Pitch 1 Good 10+ years 250 to 500 lux 10+ years Berwick Secondary College Pitch 1 Poor 0-1 year 200 to 250 lux 4-5 years Mills Reserve Pitch 1 Good 10+ years 250 to 500 lux 10+ years Pitch 2 Good 10+ years 250 to 500 lux 10+ years Kingston Health Reserve Pitch 1 Good 10+ years 250 to 500 lux 4-5 years Mentone Grammar School Pitch 1 Good 0-1 year Not available Unsure Peninsula Hockey Centre Pitch 1 Moderate 0-1 year 250 to 500 lux 2-3 years NORTH EAST METRO Doncaster Pitch 1 Good 10+ years Not available 10+ years Pitch 2 Good 10+ years Not available 10+ years Yarra Valley Pitch 1 Good 6-10 years <200 lux 4-5 years Greensborough Pitch 1 Good 6-10 years <200 lux Unsure Pitch 2 Very good 10+ years 500 to 800 lux 10+ years Elgar Park Pitch 1 Good 6-10 years 200 to 250 lux 6-10 years NORTH WEST METRO Cyril Cummins Reserve Pitch 1 Poor 0-1 year Not available Unsure Melbourne Grammar Sports Complex Pitch 1 Unable to provide rating 10+ years Not available Unsure KP Hardiman Reserve Pitch 1 Poor 4-5 years <200 lux 2-3 years Maribyrnong College Pitch 1 Very good 10+ years Not available 10+ years Kurunjang Recreation Reserve Melton Pitch 1 Very poor 10+ years <200 lux 2-3 years Essendon Hockey Centre Pitch 1 Poor 2-3 years 200 to 250 lux Unsure Pitch 2 Moderate 4-5 years 200 to 250 lux Unsure Enclosure Number Surface condition rating Surface lifespan Approx. lighting levels Lighting lifespan NORTH WEST METRO continued Penleigh Sports Fields Pitch 1 Moderate 4-5 years 200 to 250 lux Unsure Pitch 2 Poor 2-3 years <200 lux Unsure St Bernard’s College Pitch 1 Good 6-10 years 250 to 500 lux Unsure Brunswick Secondary College Pitch 1 Poor 4-5 years 200 to 250 lux 6-10 years Melbourne University Hockey Centre Pitch 1 Moderate 2-3 years Not available Unsure State Netball Hockey Centre Pitch 1 Moderate 0-1 year * 700 to 1,200 lux 6-10 years Pitch 2 Moderate 0-1 year * 350 to 700 lux 6-10 years
*DENOTES PROJECT FUNDING COMMITTED FOR RENEWAL
51 CONDITION RATING AND LIFECYCLE OF HOCKEY FACILITIES - REGIONAL ZONES
Enclosure Number Surface condition rating Surface lifespan Approx. lighting levels Lighting lifespan
NORTH EAST Alexandra Park Pitch 1 Very good 6-10 years 250 to 500 lux 10+ years Pitch 2 Good 6-10 years 250 to 500 lux 10+ years Churchill Reserve Pitch 1 Very poor 0-1 year Not available Unsure McKewen Reserve Pitch 1 Very poor 0-1 year * 250 to 500 lux 6-10 years Beechworth Hockey Club (Yackandandah Sports Park) Pitch 1 Good 10+ years <200 lux Unsure Assumption College (Sebastian Oval) Pitch 1 Good 6-10 years <200 lux Unsure Echuca College Pitch 1 Good 10+ years Not available Unsure Wodonga Hockey Centre Pitch 1 Moderate 2-3 years 250 to 500 lux 6-10 years NORTH WEST Birchip Watchem Hockey Ground Pitch 1 Moderate 10+ years Not available Unsure Charlton Hockey Ground Pitch 1 Moderate 10+ years Not available Unsure Donald Hockey Ground Pitch 1 Moderate 10+ years Not available Unsure Wycheproof Hockey Ground Pitch 1 Moderate 10+ years Not available Unsure Garden Gully Reserve Pitch 1 Very good 10+ years 250 to 500 lux 10+ years Pitch 2 Good 2-3 years 200 to 250 lux 6-10 years St Arnaud Hockey Ground Pitch 1 Good 10+ years Not available Unsure Dimboola Memorial Secondary Pitch 1 Very good 10+ years 200 to 250 lux Unsure Boort Hockey Ground Pitch 1 Moderate 10+ years Not available Unsure Weddeburn Hockey Ground Pitch 1 Moderate 10+ years Not available 6-10 years
52 Enclosure Number Surface condition rating Surface lifespan Approx. lighting levels Lighting lifespan
SOUTH EAST Bellbird Park
Pitch 1 Very good 10+ years Not available Unsure
Bairnsdale Hockey Centre
Pitch 1 Moderate 10+ years Not available Unsure
Nagle Hockey Ground
Pitch 1 Good 10+ years Not available Unsure
Pitch 2 10+ years Not available Unsure
Orbost Hockey Ground
Pitch 1 Moderate 10+ years Not available Unsure
Swan Reach Hockey Ground
Pitch 1 Poor 10+ years Not available Unsure
Federation University – Churchill
Pitch 1 Good 10+ years 250 to 500 lux 10+ years
Sale Hockey Ground
Pitch 1 Moderate 10+ years Not available Unsure
Wellington Hockey Ground
Pitch 1 Moderate 10+ years Not available Unsure
SOUTH WEST
Prince of Wales Park
Pitch 1 10+ years Not available Unsure
Nelson Park
Pitch 1 Good 10+ years <200 lux Unsure
Pedrina Park
Pitch 1 Good 10+ years 500 to 800 lux 10+ years
Cramer Street (Warrnambool Hockey Association)
Pitch 1 Good 6-10 years <200 lux 10+ years
*DENOTES PROJECT FUNDING COMMITTED FOR RENEWAL
Full site assessment reports for each hockey facility in Victoria are available upon request. Site reports include a detailed summary of current facility conditions, compliance reporting and maintenance and development recommendations.
53 FACILITIES PER HEAD OF POPULATION – CURRENT PROVISION The following information provides an overview of the number of synthetic hockey pitches provided in each metropolitan and regional zones and includes an analysis of the existing facility provision ratios based on 2011 population figures and current club membership numbers. A benchmark review of existing hockey facility development guidelines and provision ratios currently being used by other State hockey organisations and growth area Councils has been undertaken. The industry benchmark in regards to hockey facility provision is 1 pitch for every 100,000 residents and 1 pitch for every 300 registered players.
Metropolitan Zones
• Based on 2011 population projections and industry benchmark of providing 1 • Based on the recommended pitch to player ratio of 1 pitch to 300 players, there is a synthetic hockey pitch for every 100,000 residents, there is a current lack of facilities current undersupply of facilities in the central and east metropolitan zone (highlighted in the east and south zones (highlighted in orange). in orange).
• Although the overall supply of hockey pitches per head of population in the • A second hockey pitch and supporting amenity at Elgar Park, which is currently being metropolitan zone appears adequate, additional facilities are required in the east and used by multiple clubs, and a proposed new pitch at Auburn High School, would in particular the south zone where the combined population is almost 1.8 million alleviate pressure on facilities in the east and central zone. people. • All other metropolitan zones are currently within the prescribed pitch to population • The lack of hockey facilities in the south will become even more of an issue for and pitch to player ratios. hockey if the fields at Mentone Grammar are not able to be accessed in the future.
Hockey Zones Population est (2011). No. of synthetic Pitch to population Combined club Pitch to member ratio pitches ratio memberships
Metropolitan Zones 4.20m 49 1:85,714 14,356 1:293
Central 370,156 5 1:74,031 2,370 1:474
East 724,438 5 1:144,888 2,595 1:519
West 671,551 11 1:61,050 2,180 1:198
South 1.069m 9 1:118,778 2,696 1:300
North East 454,506 6 1:75,751 1,951 1:325
North West 993,493 13 1:76,422 2,564 1:197
54 FACILITIES PER HEAD OF POPULATION – CURRENT PROVISION Regional Zones Hockey Regions Population est (2011). No. of pitches Pitch to population Combined club Pitch to member ratio (All pitches) (synthetic & grass) ratio membership
Regional Zones 1.33m 39 1:34,103 7,249 1:186
North East 315,859 9 1:35,000 2,300 1:256
North West 495,179 12 1:41,000 2,122 1:177
South East 347,327 12 1:29,000 1,276 1:106
South West 178,516 6 1:30,000 1,551 1:258
• Based on current population and player numbers hockey facility provision (all • Of the 39 hockey pitches across the regional zones there are 15 synthetic pitches surface types) in all regional zones appears adequately serviced. and 24 grass pitches.
• Limited access to synthetic hockey pitches is an issue for the larger associations • In the most heavily populated regions (north west and south east) there are 24 operating in regional zones. pitches in total but only five (21%) are synthetic.
Hockey Regions Population est (2011). No. of pitches Pitch to population Combined club Pitch to member ratio (Synthetic Pitches only) (synthetic) ratio membership
Regional Zones 1.33m 15 1:88,666 7,249 1:483
North East 315,859 6 1:53,000 2,300 1:384
North West 495,179 4 1:124,000 2,122 1:530
South East 347,327 2 1:174,000 1,276 1:638
South West 178,516 3 1:59,000 1,551 1:517
• When only synthetic based pitches are considered the two most heavily populated • No regional zone is currently meeting the prescribed pitch to player ratio of 1:300 regions (north west and south east) highlighted a current undersupply of hockey when only synthetic pitch numbers are used. facilities based on the pitch to population ratio of 1:100,000. • The major hockey associations in the north west and south west regional zones • The development of a new synthetic pitch in East Gippsland will better service and (East Gippsland Hockey Association, Hockey Central and West Vic Hockey do not provide increased opportunity to the south east regions current and future have access to enough synthetic pitches to cater for the level of competition and population growth. number of players.
Following are a series of maps for each hockey zone which identifies the location of facilities and the current number of registered players in each zone. These maps also provide a summary of projected future population projections and likely demand for hockey facilities to 2031. 55
4. HOCKEY FACILITIES STRATEGY
66 HOCKEY FACILITIES STRATEGY FACILITY DEVELOPMENT PRINCIPLES A key strategic goal identified by Hockey Victoria is to provide The following facility development principles are proposed to help guide leadership and advocacy to assist Clubs and Associations with Hockey Victoria and identified stakeholders in the future development of facility improvement plans and ensure that new facilities are hockey projects. developed to meet the future needs of increased Hockey These principles should be considered by land owners and facility managers and used as a participation. guide in the planning, development and management of any new or existing hockey facilities. This goal has been used as the basis for development of the Strategic Facilities Master 1. Enhance existing hockey facility quality and capacity. Plan, along with the identified vision for hockey of providing access to high quality and accessible hockey venues across all levels of the facilities hierarchy. 2. Address the current demand and gaps in existing facility provision. Strategic priorities have been developed from project research, site investigations, stakeholder consultation and analysis of issues raised through the Strategic Facilities 3. Improve access to hockey facilities across Victoria. Master Plan. 4. Invest in facilities that drive hockey participation and support local competitions. Key facility enhancement and development priorities have been prepared for implementation over the next 10 years. Priorities and actions are focussed on increasing 5. Create flexible spaces that encourage shared and multi-purpose use and diversify the overall provision, distribution, quality and long term sustainability of hockey facilities program opportunities. in-line with increased need and demand. Priorities consider the following key criteria: • The immediate needs of Hockey affiliates and the sustainability of the existing 6. Plan for new facilities in growth areas. facility network. 7. Work with stakeholders to develop whole of life costs for facility development. • Overall benefit the delivery of each priority will provide in maximising participation in hockey and shared use opportunities with other sports. 8. New facility developments should include the following Universal Design principles.
• Responds to future population growth and demand for hockey facilities. • Equitable use – the design does not disadvantage or stigmatise any group of users. • Flexibility in use – the design accommodates a wide range of individual presences • The ongoing commitment and capacity of Hockey Victoria to support specific and abilities. actions and their implementation. • Simple and intuitive use – use of the design is easy to understand, regardless of the • Financial and resource commitments required. user’s experience, knowledge, language skills, or current concentration level. • Perceptible Information – the design communicates necessary information effectively Strategic priorities are designed to provide Hockey Victoria with the direction to plan, to the user, regardless of ambient conditions or the user’s sensory abilities. identify and support affiliates and stakeholders on the improvement of existing, and the development of new hockey facilities throughout Victoria. • Tolerance for error – the design minimises hazards and the adverse consequences do accidental or unintended actions. All proposed strategies and actions should be initiated and undertaken in-line with the proposed Victorian Hockey Facility Hierarchy (provided in this section). • Low Physical effort – the design can be used efficiently and comfortably, and with a minimum of fatigue. • Size and Space for approach and use – appropriate size and space is provided for approach/reach/manipulation, and use, regardless of the user’s body size, posture, or mobility.
67
HOCKEY FACILITY HIERARCHY
The following information provides a range of opportunities for establishing an ideal and practical mix of hockey facilities across Victoria.
The Strategic Facilities Master Plan for hockey and its future strategies and actions are based on the provision of a mix of facilities to suit a range of club, participation and program needs that will enable the sport to keep pace with changing trends and demands, and provide players of all abilities with the greatest opportunity to participate in the game at their preferred level. In Victoria, the level and standard of hockey facilities is generally dictated by the quality of the playing surface and the level of supporting infrastructure, rather than the location or number of pitches at a facility. There are no specific facility related standards or requirements documented for any level of hockey competition in Victoria. However, it is mandatory for Premier League Clubs to have access to a hybrid or water based synthetic pitch and preferably suitable lighting for night matches. There are currently only two levels of hockey facilities recognised by Hockey Victoria. Parkville is considered the ‘State Centre’ and contains two water based synthetic pitches, whilst all other remaining venues, regardless of pitch surface type or quantity, are considered ‘club’ venues. It is mandatory under FIH guidelines that international and national level hockey matches are played on a water based synthetic surface and specific lighting requirements are recommended for various levels of hockey. As there is no existing state or national facility hierarchy established for hockey, the table on the following page sets out the proposed Victorian Hockey Facility Hierarchy which will guide the future support, provision and development of hockey facilities over the next 10 years. Its development has been informed by hockey requirements, as well as an assessment of the identified gaps and opportunities associated with the existing hockey facility landscape.
68 HOCKEY FACILITY HIERARCHY
UNIVERSAL DESIGN PRINCIPLES
PREMIER LEAGUE FACILITY TYPE REGIONAL FACILITY CLUB FACILITY STATE FACILITY FACILITY
PREFFERED 2 x water based synthetic Water based or hybrid Hybrid synthetic (capacity for Sand based, hybrid or natural SURFACE TYPE synthetic use by other sports) grass
LIGHTING 1,000 to 2,000 lux >300 lux >250 lux >200 lux
Player, umpire & officials AMENITIES change rooms, covered team Player & officials change Player change rooms, team Player change rooms (2), team benches &media amenities room, team benches benches benches
Covered and uncovered Viewing areas, scoreboard, Viewing areas, scoreboard, SUPPORTING 300 seats spectator area, viewing areas, scoreboard, parking parking INFRASTRUCTURE electronic scoring, parking parking (half pitch desirable) (half pitch desirable)
69 STRATEGIC MASTER PLAN FRAMEWORK
The following diagram outlines the strategic master plan framework and structure for the provision of hockey facilities and development initiatives for the next 10 years (2015 – 2025). Five strategic priorities have been identified to assist Hockey Victoria and other sport, government and community stakeholders with the implementation of key actions to support the development of hockey facilities across the state.
► VISION – PROVIDING ACCESS TO HIGH QUALITY HOCKEY VENUES ACROSS ALL LEVELS OF THE FACILITY HIERARCHY
PRIORITY 1 Renew and maximise the carrying capacity of existing hockey facilities
PRIORITY 2 Develop new hockey facilities in growth areas and targeted locations across the metropolitan hockey network
PRIORITY 3 Support the development of hockey facilities in regional cities and rural communities
PRIORITY 4 Build stakeholder relationships to fund the delivery of hockey projects
► STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS (Defined for each Priority)
70 IMPLEMENTATION AND MONITORING The following section provides a set of directions and Initiate recommendations for each of the four identified priorities and Refers to the planning, scoping , and coordinating the range and timing of actions to be strategic objectives for the development of hockey facilities in delivered. Victoria. Deliver Refers to on the ground delivery of identified actions and the management of key partner The proposed recommendations are designed to assist hockey and government and and stakeholder contributions. community stakeholders to prioritise and allocate appropriate levels of resources, work collaboratively and respond to emerging opportunities to help grow the sport. Support The financial impact of implementing the proposed recommendations has not been Refers to organisational support for action delivery through the provision of resources, determined, however it is critical that key stakeholders, as well as potential funding people, skills, funding, equipment and/or promotional activities. providers adopt a coordinated approach to the scoping and delivery of these The Hockey Victoria Strategic Facilities Master Plan is a ten year plan (2015 – 2025) recommendations and recognise the need for multiple funding partners. designed to provide practical and achievable strategies and actions for key stakeholders. The ongoing ownership and delivery of the Hockey Victoria Strategic Facilities Master Each recommendation has been allocated a level of priority based on their relative impact Plan will rely on the sport to collaborate effectively with government and community on delivering the desired outcomes and supporting the overall Master Plan vision. stakeholders. Regular monitoring of strategic objectives and key actions and recommendations is critical and the alignment of resources (human and financial) is the High key to implementing a successful Strategic Master Plan for hockey. Important action that underpins the delivery of high quality and accessible hockey facilities across the state. It is important to recognise that the implementation of the strategy and the timing of recommended actions can be influenced by a range of factors including the availability of Medium resources, change in government policy or identification of new opportunities. Action that contributes to meeting overall Strategic Master Plan objectives. The diagram at the bottom of the page provides a framework for the ongoing support, Low resourcing and implementation of the Strategic Master Plan. Action that contributes to the overall improvement of hockey facilities in Victoria. The implementation of the proposed recommendations and action plan requires internal and external stakeholders to play three important roles in delivering actions: Ongoing Action that will require an ongoing commitment by key stakeholders or a long-term change in systems and procedures resulting in ongoing consideration and implementation.
Hockey Victoria Action and Strategic Strategic Facilities Reporting Implementation Measurement System Master Plan
Develop a facilities sub- Hockey Victoria committee to oversee Annual Review Annual General Meeting implementation
Strategic Priorities
Implement Master Plan Hockey Victoria Ongoing Review priorities and actions Board Meetings 71 PRIORITY 1 Renew and maximise the capacity of existing hockey facilities
The ongoing renewal and enhancement of existing facilities is critical to participation and growth in hockey and the sustainability of local and regional competitions. The renewal gap for playing surfaces in particular continues to widen and facility owners and hockey users are finding it increasingly difficult to fund replacement pitches from a cost perspective, which is impacting on the level of play and use of facilities. There is a mixed approach to the provision and maintenance of infrastructure across the state and pitches that receive regular maintenance and grooming are generally performing to a higher standard and providing maximum life expectancy. A full audit of hockey facilities was undertaken and provides information on the existing condition of facilities, surface rating, lux levels and lifespan of playing surfaces and lighting infrastructure. A prioiritised list of surface renewal projects has been recommended to assist stakeholders and funding partners with future planning and renewal projects.
SUMMARY OBJECTIVES & OUTCOMES
• Create greater awareness and understanding of hockey facility requirements.
• Reduce the renewal gap and improve the standard of facilities by providing at least one water based synthetic pitch in each hockey zone to support player development and provide suitable facilities for national and international training and events.
• Expand opportunities with school to increase hockey activity.
• Utilise the hockey audit system and develop a fully costed hockey renewal program.
Stakeholder Responsibility Key recommendations Priority Initiator Deliverer Supporter 1. Formally adopt the proposed hockey facility hierarchy model and ensure a consistent approach to the future enhancement and development of facilities that meets the criteria and facility requirements identified at each HIGH HV HV CLUBS / SRV level of the hierarchy.
2. Develop a set of facility development guidelines as a resource for Victorian hockey affiliates, developers, schools and councils. Guidelines to refer to FIH standards and Universal Design Principles, and include pitch HIGH HV HV CLUBS / SRV dimensions, preferred surfaces, change room sizes and lighting requirements.
3. Compile an inventory of existing and planned school facilities (public and private) with spaces for hockey CLUBS / activity and work with facility owners and managers to obtain access to these sites to run a variety of hockey HIGH HV HV / SCHOOLS DEECD activities including Hookin2Hockey, District Primary School Competitions and Intra-club.
72 Stakeholder Responsibility Key recommendations Priority Initiator Deliverer Supporter
4. In partnership with local Council’s, land owners, state government agencies and hockey affiliates implement priority renewal and development recommendations identified in the Hockey Facility Audit Program, giving consideration to the level of competition and use, compliance and funding availability. Aim to provide at least one water based synthetic pitch in each hockey zone.
Priority SURFACE renewal project identified (metropolitan zones): - Peninsula Hockey Centre - Hawthorn Malvern (Pitch 2) - Mentone Grammar - Berwick Secondary College CLUBS / - Cyril Cummins Reserve FACILITY HIGH HV COUNCIL / - Hardiman Reserve OWNER SRV Priority SURFACE renewal project identified (regional zones): - Wodonga Hockey Centre - Churchill Reserve (Benalla) - Swan Reach Hockey Ground
Priority LIGHTING renewal project identified: - Greensborough Hockey Centre (Pitch 1) - Hardiman Reserve (Darebin) - Beechworth Hockey Centre - Cramer Street (Warrnambool)
5. Consider the benefits of licensing the ongoing use of the online Hockey Facility Audit Program to maintain an up to date inventory and condition report of all hockey facilities in Victoria and commit to undertaking a state- HIGH HV HV CLUBS wide audit of all hockey facilities every five years.
6. Develop a lighting strategy to support hockey activity and build the capacity of existing facilities. The strategy HV / FACILITY should provide a detailed assessment of existing lighting infrastructure and lux levels and aim to deliver an HIGH HV CLUBS OWNER appropriate standard floodlighting at every hockey venue.
7. Work with Premier League Clubs to ensure all Premier League venues meet the required facility standards for HV / FACILITY FACILITY MEDIUM CLUBS lighting, pitch type and quality and supporting amenities, in line with the proposed hockey facility hierarchy. OWNER OWNER
73 Stakeholder Responsibility Key recommendations Priority Initiator Deliverer Supporter
8. Develop a clear understanding and knowledge of all hockey renewal projects identified and explore facility HV / FACILITY FACILITY expansion opportunities with hockey affiliates, facility owners and other sporting codes to facilitate shared use MEDIUM CLUBS OWNER OWNER opportunities and other compatible sports.
9. Work with local providers and facility owners to facilitate and encourage the development of indoor hockey FACILITY LOW HV CLUBS / SRV facilities, with the aim of delivering a state level facility within the next ten years. OWNER
10. In conjunction with preferred hockey infrastructure suppliers develop cost estimates for the proposed renewal LOW HV SUPPLIER CLUBS of existing facilities to assist facility owners based on lifecycle recommendations provided in the audit report.
74 Develop new hockey facilities in growth areas and targeted locations across the PRIORITY 2 metropolitan hockey network.
The Strategic Facilities Master Plan has identified gaps in existing facility provision across the metropolitan hockey network to meet the current needs of the sport. The development of new hockey facilities in the east and south metropolitan zones is required to address the lack of facilities and meet the immediate needs of clubs and players in these areas, and to provide access to facilities that promote the future growth and development of the sport. Growth area planning will inform the development of new community infrastructure required to meet future population growth across Victoria. A range of growth area and precinct structure plans were reviewed to establish and understanding of future requirements and the likely demand for hockey infrastructure to support new communities. Integrating the needs of hockey into the future planning of growth areas will be a high priority for Hockey Victoria, and the development of multipurpose regional hockey hubs that act as a central point for local hockey competitions in these locations is the preferred facility development model.
SUMMARY OBJECTIVES & OUTCOMES
• Develop additional hockey facilities to meet future population growth and demand.
• Develop a hockey pitch development framework to guide stakeholder investment and support detailed planning for new facilities in key growth areas.
• Future facility development to support Hockey Victoria’s proposed club based competitions structure and provide player development opportunities through construction of more water based synthetic pitches.
Stakeholder Responsibility Key recommendations Priority Initiator Deliverer Supporter
1. Hockey Victoria to develop a hockey pitch development framework and work with Council’s and hockey affiliates to progress detailed planning of identified hockey projects and to provide additional facilities in locations where gaps and future demand have been identified. Aim to provide at least one water based synthetic pitch in each hockey zone.
New priority development projects identified: HIGH HV - two new hockey facilities in the South Metropolitan Zone FACILITY CLUBS / SRV / (one potentially within the Kingston Green Wedge and one within the Shire of Cardinia between Officer and OWNER DEVELOPER Beaconsfield).
- development of a second pitch at Ashwood Reserve to alleviate the demand for facilities in the East Metropolitan Zone and support growth and capacity constraints of the Waverley Hockey Club.
75 Stakeholder Responsibility Key recommendations Priority Initiator Deliverer Supporter
- one additional pitch in either the East or North East Metropolitan Zone (support the proposed new pitch at Auburn High School and the development of a second pitch at Elgar FACILITY CLUBS / SRV / Park). HIGH HV OWNER DEVELOPER
- In partnership with schools explore the future development of new hockey facilities to meet the current demand for hockey in the Central Metropolitan and South Metropolitan Zone (Mornington Peninsula).
2. Develop at least one ‘community hockey hub’ in each metropolitan zone to support Hockey Victoria’s local FACILITY HIGH HV CLUBS competition restructure and vision of providing dedicated event and shared community use venues. OWNER(S)
3. Provide ongoing support and advice to stakeholders to guide the successful implementation and establishment of new hockey projects in the City of Hume (North West Metro) and Greater Shepparton HIGH HV FACILITY CLUBS (North East Country). OWNER(S)
4. Provide ongoing support and advice to stakeholders to guide the successful establishment and FACILITY implementation of the new hockey facility at Bridge Road Reserve, within the City of Melton’s growth area. HIGH HV CLUBS OWNER This facility will replace the existing Melton Hockey Club facility at Kuranjang Recreation Reserve.
5. Plan for the future development and establishment of new hockey facilities in Melbourne’s designated growth areas of Wyndham, Casey and Cardinia, which are all expected to exceed 100,000 people by 2031 and HIGH HV LGA DEVELOPERS support a potential new market for hockey.
6. Initiate pre-feasibility planning with growth area Council’s and support Council’s in undertaking detailed local MEDIUM HV LGA DEVELOPERS area, site and master planning exercises to help formulate the basis for viable hockey clubs.
7. Adopt the proposed planning benchmarks to guide future provision levels in established and new growth MEDIUM HV FACILITY areas. These include a facility establishment benchmark of one club for every 100,000 residents and a pitch CLUBS OWNER to player ratio of one full-size synthetic hockey pitch for every 300 players.
76 Support the development of hockey facilities in regional cities and PRIORITY 3 rural communities.
Access to high quality synthetic hockey pitches with adequate supporting amenities in regional and rural Victoria is limited, with grass pitches dominating country hockey and many being unsuitable to host competitive matches. Outside of the major regional cities such as Bendigo, Geelong and Shepparton hockey participation is being impacted by access to synthetic hockey pitches and the distance required for players to travel to participate in local competitions. The capacity of rural councils to fund hockey projects and the conversion of grass to synthetic pitches is limited and a partnership approach involving multiple stakeholders and potential providers is essential to achieving sport government and community objectives for hockey. The model of providing community hockey facilities within schools is being considered in a number of country areas and should be pursued by Hockey Victoria as a viable option for developing new facilities and supporting country hockey.
SUMMARY OBJECTIVES & OUTCOMES
• Investigate school partnership in regional zones to progress facility development opportunities.
• Investigate the future role and purpose of grass pitches across regions.
• Initiate planning and club health checks with country hockey leagues and associations.
Stakeholder Responsibility Key recommendations Priority Initiator Deliverer Supporter
1. Work with regional and rural Council’s and local country hockey associations to progress detailed planning of identified hockey projects and provide additional facilities in locations where gaps and future demand has been identified.
New priority development projects identified:
- one new community pitch in the South East Regional Zone with Bairnsdale being the preferred site. The proposed new pavilion development at Federation University (Churchill) and the pavilion upgrade at Bellbird CLUBS / HIGH HV HV Park (Drouin) should be supported by all stakeholders located in the South East Regional Zone. ASSOCIATIONS
- provide at least one community pitch in the South West Regional Zone (either at the Torquay or Newtown Hockey Club).
- monitor the demand for a new synthetic pitch in Portland (South West Region) and provide in principle support for a shared use community facility located at the Portland Secondary College.
77 Stakeholder Responsibility Key recommendations Priority Initiator Deliverer Supporter
2. Conduct a service review and ‘health check’ of country hockey leagues and associations to understand HIGH HV HV CLUBS performance levels, current and future usage and facility requirements to inform decision making.
3. Support and encourage country hockey associations to develop a facility master plan for each hockey venue MEDIUM HV CLUBS LGAS in partnership with local councils to understand future site requirements and development opportunities.
4. Ensure the hockey facility development guidelines include a preferred model for hockey projects developed on school land . These guidelines should consider the broader school and community use of hockey MEDIUM HV HV SCHOOLS facilities on school land.
5. Review the ongoing use and need for existing natural grass hockey pitches in rural and regional locations MEDIUM HV HV LGAS/CLUBS and identify and advocate for the conversion to a hybrid synthetic surface in areas of high demand.
6. Prioiritse the development of accessible and unisex change rooms and amenities in regional zones to LGA CLUBS maximise facility usage and encourage greater participation by women and girls. MEDIUM HV
7. Develop at least one ‘hockey hub’ in each regional zone to support the growth and development of hockey FACILITY MEDIUM HV SRV and to provide a dedicated event venue and shared community use. OWNER
8. Where budget restrictions and land availability is limited, explore opportunities to develop half size synthetic FACILITY pitches at existing venues or in schools to provide opportunities for training and junior development in MEDIUM HV CLUBS OWNER regional and rural areas.
9. Review the role and distribution of regional development officers in regional zones and address key geographical and financial challenges that are currently impacting on the delivery and growth of hockey in LOW HV HV CLUBS the country.
78 PRIORITY 4 Build stakeholder relationships to fund the delivery of hockey projects.
The significant cost required to support the delivery of hockey infrastructure across the state is a challenge for the sport and the implementation of recommended actions in this master plan will require input from multiple stakeholders and potential funding partners. Ownership and acceptance of the strategic directions and facility development prioritise identified in this master plan from the hockey community is the first step to its successful implementation. Strengthening Hockey Victoria’s relationship with hockey affiliates will be a key outcome through the adoption of this master plan, and developing a greater understanding and sharing of facility information will support a collaborative approach to the future enhancement and development of hockey facilities. Hockey Victoria is encouraged to lead the implementation of this master plan and work in partnership with key stakeholders such as state and local government, schools, facility owners, developers and local hockey providers to achieve the vision of providing access to high quality community hockey facilities.
SUMMARY OBJECTIVES & OUTCOMES
• Share and discuss facility audits to empower staff and build stakeholder relationships.
• Develop a funding strategy in partnership with local and state government for the life of the plan
• Align hockey zones with government planning zones.
• Review and improve registered player database and club management system.
Stakeholder Responsibility Key recommendations Priority Initiator Deliverer Supporter 1. Present the key findings and recommendations of the Strategic Facilities Master Plan to hockey affiliates at the Hockey Victoria led Presidents and Secretaries meeting to outline Hockey Victoria’s approach and HIGH HV HV CLUBS strategic intent for future facility development.
2. Share detailed site assessment reports and facility recommendations with each hockey affiliate and share facility information with facility owners and managers to increase communication and to understand renewal HIGH HV HV CLUBS priorities.
3. Hockey Victoria to review its registered player database and adopt a more comprehensive and consistent player and club management system to enable participation and trend data to be analysed and inform future HIGH HV HV HV operational and facility development.
4. Establish strong relationships with growth area planners, developers and local government representatives to advocate for the development of new hockey facilities in designated growth areas where projected HIGH HV HV LGAS population growth is likely to support future facility development. 79 Stakeholder Responsibility Key recommendations Priority Initiator Deliverer Supporter 5. Develop new local competition structures across the state to promote and develop club based hockey leagues and address the poor retention rate of players and conversion of hookin2hockey participants to HIGH HV CLUBS CLUBS existing competitions.
6. Develop a funding strategy framework in line with local government and other facility owner funding policies MEDIUM HV HV CLUBS to financially support and advocate for the future renewal and upgrade of existing hockey facilities.
7. Enhance the relationship between hockey, government and community partners and build the capacity of MEDIUM HV HV CLUBS hockey affiliates to contribute to the renewal and development of facilities.
8. Review existing metropolitan and regional hockey zones and deliver a solid governance structure to ensure alignment of competitions structures, leagues and associations that demonstrates consistency in hockey MEDIUM HV HV CLUBS planning and delivery.
9. Define catchment areas for each zone and geographically align hockey with sport and government planning LOW HV HV CLUBS zones / regions.
10. Hockey Victoria will need to work in partnership with stakeholders to promote the importance and benefits of hockey and ensure greater representation in Local Government sport, recreation and community planning, LOW HV HV ALL particularly in growth areas.
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