The council will undertake an audit of sporting provisions which would include a report outlining what female facilities exist on council sporting grounds, developing a schedule of upgrades, adopting a targeted position for their inclusion in at least 50 per cent of sporting sites by 2030, financing to be included in the council’s long term financial planning and pursuing opportunities for financial assistance from state and federal governments.
Calling for the improvements, Cr Helen Hughes said the Women’s World Cup was exhilarating and ”created a real buzz in the area”, but it also put a focus on the lack of facilities for women.
“The world class teams captured the nation’s hearts and changed Australian sport forever … we must ensure this momentum ripples through generations, creating new opportunities for families and communities to come together by building safer, modern environments for women and girls to play sport,” she said.
“Our facilities need updating … our sporting grounds need facilities to accommodate women and men in sport, Including referees and umpires.
“We need to make it right and do it properly.”
Cr Paul Garrard said that over the years, there had been too much focus on men and “we need to turn it around”.
“We are years behind where we should be,” he said.
However, Cr Joe Rahme, said while he fully supported women in sport, the facilities needed be modernised “for all to enjoy” – catering for all genders.
