Draft master plan out for Foster showgrounds

AN UPGRADE of the oval playing surface and improvements to entrances, driveways and drainage are among priority projects identified for Foster’s showgrounds in the newly developed Foster Showgrounds Master Plan.

The plan is now out in draft form and the community is invited to get involved and review it.

The Foster Showgrounds Committee of Management has been working hard over the last few months on the development of the master plan, which aims to review the existing facilities and consider future opportunities for infrastructure development at the popular reserve over the next ten years.

Michelle Harris from Hands on Community Solutions has been developing the master plan, involving months of research and discussion.

She explained: “All of the key users of the reserve have provided input and ideas into the development of the plan. However, now we are asking the broader community to get involved and to review the draft master plan.”

Some of the key projects that have been identified as part of the plan include:

1. The significant need to improve entrances, driveways and drainage;
2. An upgrade of the oval playing surface;
3. Landscaping improvements, including park furniture, pathways and tree planting;
4. Improvements to the Show Shed to better house the boxing program;
5. Building Improvements – minor and major – and many other things.

The plan recognises that Foster Showgrounds is the central hub for sport and community activity in the township:

• “Located on Station Road, 500m from the town centre, the Showgrounds is situated on Council owned land. South Gippsland Shire Council has appointed a Section 86 Committee of Management to manage the facilities on site.
• “The Foster Showgrounds is home to the local football netball club, basketball association, Hard Work Café gymnasium and the Foster Show Society. The Foster Agricultural Show and regular markets attract up to 4,000 visitors. The reserve is used for a variety of sporting and social activities, each with a high participation rate. It is a challenge for the Showgrounds committee to maintain the facilities to a high standard with only a limited budget and volunteer labour to ensure they safely meet demand.”

The first master plan for the showgrounds was developed in 2005. Thanks to the hardworking volunteers who form the Committee of Management, many of the initial projects have been implemented.

This new master plan uses a priority ranking scale from Very High to Low. Hands on Community Solutions understands that it is not practical to complete all of the projects identified. “However, this plan allows for well thought out and informed development as opportunities arise,” said Michelle.

The Committee of Management, she said, will need the help of the broader community to raise funds and implement the master plan in the coming years to benefit everyone in the district.

You can obtain a copy of the draft documents by contacting Michelle Harris on 0458 145 596 or email [email protected].  You can also provide comments about the plan directly back to Michelle.  The closing date for feedback on the draft master plan is June 24.

If you would like to find out more about this project from the Committee of Management, please contact Deb Eales at the Hard Work Café at Foster Showgrounds.

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