Dear Members,

As you may recall, in October 2022 the EHA Executive Committee provided you an update on the processes undertaken by themselves and the Turf Feasibility Group to investigate the potential for future redevelopment of the Association’s playing surfaces and facilities. What follows is a further update, and options for your consideration.

Recap

The Esperance Hockey Association (EHA) engaged consultant Caroline Robinson of 150 Square to conduct a Feasibility Study on surface redevelopment. Caroline worked with the Exec Committee and Turf Feasibility Group to develop a Strategic Plan for the Esperance Hockey Association which was adopted by the Committee in October last year. As mentioned in the last member update, we looked at two different consultants for quotes on preparing the physical and financial plans for a variety of redevelopment options and engaged SportEng to complete these. Caroline has had countless meetings back and forth with the Esperance Hockey Association, Shire of Esperance, Hockey WA, Hockey Australia, SportEng, Parks and Leisure Australia and other relevant parties to prepare her report.

Surface Option Report

Caroline has presented her comprehensive 84-page report to the EHA. The report includes information on demographics of the region, Association structure and members, stakeholder engagement and implications with planning policies, risk assessment and funding options, alongside facility design concepts and capital and lifecycle costs.

We, the Esperance Hockey Association, together with our membership base need to use this report to determine:

- Status quo or the number of synthetic surfaces to be developed

- Identify which elements of the project are a priority

- Establish an asset sinking policy

- A realistic project timeline

- Funding Strategy including a discussion with the Shire of Esperance about their support and potential financial contribution and growing cash reserve

- Staged fee increase to help cover some costs of redevelopment

- Confirm management model of the facility (Shire owned or leased from Shire)

Option 1: Full Redevelopment

Installation of 2 x synthetic surfaces, lights & new clubhouse between surfaces (see plan below from SportEng)

Pros:

• Completed project will be a major drawcard for the Association
• Increased participation, ability to host events
• Increased revenue through bar and kitchen through improved facilities
• Draw a larger crowd and encourage people to spectate regardless of the weather conditions in new clubhouse
• All grades will be able to play on synthetic surface
• Minimal impact on current fixturing times
• Lighting allows for night fixtures and safer training times

Cons:

• Cost - estimate of probable costs including allowances for project management and contingencies: $10,328,066
• Would be unlikely to get both turfs covered under CSRFF grant opportunity
• Significant time and effort involved in fundraising/sponsorship
• Membership costs will need to increase

Option 2: Staged Approach

Installation of 1 x synthetic surface and lighting now, use existing clubrooms. Clubhouse and second synthetic surface to be revisited at a later date.

Pros:

• Smaller outlay for the Association
• Likely to get funding support through grants
• Can run a full, reasonably “normal” season while development work is completed
• Lighting allows for night fixtures and safer training times

Cons:

• Fixture scheduling would need to change
• Younger junior grades would probably need to play on grass
• All other grades would be spread between Friday night & Saturday night – to be workshopped.
• Greater distance between preferred playing surface and clubhouse will potentially impact bar and canteen sales
• Clubhouse building will continue to deteriorate and will need major works to meet building standards and serviceability
• Membership costs will need to increase

Option 3: No Development

Pros:

• No further cost to the Association

Cons:

• Grass hockey would continue for the foreseeable future
• Development pathways will remain stagnant with limited State representation.
• Clubhouse building will continue to deteriorate and will need major works to meet building standards and serviceability
• May see our member numbers dwindle as other sports improve their facilities in-line with GSGRM

If you have any questions about the Surface Option Report or steps undertaken in the redevelopment investigation thus far, please reach out to the Committee via email esperance.hockey@gmail.com We will also be holding another Q and A session after this weekend’s fixture, Saturday 12^th August at 5pm.

We thank you for taking the time to read this update and appreciate your support in our endeavours.