The Andrews Labor Government has failed to support amendments to the State Sport Centres Legislation to give tenants at Knox Regional Sports Park a voice.
The Liberals and Nationals proposed the amendment to create a Knox Regional Sports Park Advisory Committee, in line with what the tenants at the State Netball and Hockey Centre already have, to protect the voice of local sporting clubs and ensure ongoing community access to the sports facility.
Under the Liberals and Nationals’ proposal, the Knox Advisory Committee would include up to five local users of the Knox Regional Sports Park, a person nominated by the Knox City Council and a member of the Trust. This provides certainty that the Knox community would be heard and comes as management of the centre transfers from Knox City Council to the State Sport Centres Trust (SSCT).
Knox City Council contributed $27 million into the development of the facilities. It is important for community clubs to be heard and to raise any concerns during the construction period and as the new courts become operational.
Knox Regional Sports Park represents over 11,000 basketball players across 1,069 teams who compete weekly in junior and senior domestic competition. It is home to the State Basketball Centre and Knox Regional Football Centre, hosting players at professional and local levels from across the region. Once centre developments are complete, it will also be home to Knox Gymnastics, offering purpose-built facilities.
Shadow Minister for Sport, Cindy McLeish, said the Andrews Labor Government had failed to support amendments which is disappointing for local community clubs.
“Knox City Council want this to remain a community accessible facility – not only for professional sport. It is important that community sport clubs have a voice and are heard by the State Sport Centres Trust.”
“The Liberal Nationals will continue to stick up for grassroots clubs to ensure they are heard.”
Member for Ferntree Gully, Nick Wakeling, said the State Sport Centres trust is based at Albert Park. It is imperative that local sporting clubs voices are heard in the management and operation of the Knox facility.
“Community sport is essential to communities. We can’t afford to have local club voices lost in larger organisations.”
Member for Rowville, Kim Wells, said for the centre to be run by an inner-city trust would be a disservice to the Knox Community.
“Knox ratepayers have put tens of millions into this facility and it’s absolutely crucial that the Knox community have a say in the running of this facility.”
If elected in November, the Liberals and Nationals will introduce a Knox Advisory Committee to give local clubs and the Knox community a voice, instead of silencing them like the Andrews Labor Government has done.
Cindy McLeish MP Nick Wakeling MP Kim Wells MP
Shadow Minister for Sport Member for Ferntree Gully Member for Rowville