Dear Members,
As you would be aware, this week we held an information session with an update from our Executive Committee and Turf Feasibility Group on the potential for future redevelopment of our Association’s playing surfaces and facilities. What follows is a summary of the processes undertaken, and why, for those who were unable to attend the meeting.
Greater Sports Ground Redevelopment
In 2019, the Shire of Esperance formed the Greater Sports Ground Redevelopment Committee (a formal committee of Council) to review the GSG Redevelopment Implementation Plan. This Committee was made up of community members, elected members and representatives of key stakeholders in the Greater Sports Ground Area. They surveyed user groups current and future needs to create a map and plan for future development and prioritise projects. The full Masterplan is attached to this update for your reference. Within the map and plan, the Esperance Hockey Association (EHA) has been allocated space for two synthetic turfs, and two grass fields. This allowance and potential development, whilst supported by the Shire of Esperance, is a project that needs to be led by the EHA. Council voted to endorse the Greater Sports Ground Redevelopment Masterplan (GSGRM) in October 2021.
Turf Feasibility Group
Following the endorsement of the GSGRM, a group of like-minded individuals came together to form the Turf Feasibility Group (in November 2021) as an official sub-committee of the Esperance Hockey Association. The purpose of the group is to investigate the potential for new playing surfaces to be developed for the Esperance Hockey Association, and to work with the Executive Committee to ensure a strong future for hockey in our community. The Group met several times to discuss obtaining quotes, investigating grants and processes that would need to be undertaken. However, it quickly became obvious that sourcing an expert in this kind of research and project would be beneficial to make sure all bases were covered so the Association can make an informed decision regarding future facility development.
Consultant
After obtaining quotes for reputable Strategic Consultants, the Association engaged Caroline Robinson of 150 Square to conduct a Feasibility Study. Not only does Caroline come with years of consulting experience - she is also from regional WA and a hockey player herself, so she’s the perfect person to understand where we are coming from! Caroline engaged with the Turf Feasibility Group to develop a survey for EHA members to determine their current usage of the facilities, their needs both current and future and any comments or queries they had about redevelopment of EHA facilities.
Survey & Working Group
In March 2022, the survey was distributed to members, with everyone given a month to respond. The results of the survey were then collated and summarised by Caroline and were generally incredibly positive. Areas of concern and additional queries were recorded for attention.
Strategic Plan for the Association
Our Association’s Executive Committee, alongside our Turf Feasibility Group met with Caroline in early October for an engaging session. We broke up into smaller groups to answer some targeted questions about the Association and its functions and goals. These responses, alongside the outcomes of the member survey, were used to develop a working Strategic Plan for the Esperance Hockey Association for 2022-2027. There are five key focus areas, or “strategic pillars” within the plan. These align with Hockey WA’s key focus areas and will give us direction for ongoing initiatives and to create measurable goals for our Association. Another key takeaway from the session was outlining the values of the EHA based on member feedback, and the Strategic Plan acts to supports these. This Strategic Plan (attached with this update) has been provisionally accepted by the Executive Committee.
Next Steps
So where to from here? We now need to consider the options, and financial implications of any kind of facility redevelopment. For this, we would need to engage a second consultant, this time focussing on the business side of the Association and the project.
We have received a quote from NAJA Business Consulting Services to complete a detailed Whole of Life analysis and report. This would entail analysing the costs of construction, operations, maintenance, and renewal associated with new Turf/Grass alternatives, Lighting and associated built facilities. The Executive Committee is currently sourcing a second comparative quote for the same service.
It's important to note that all options would be explored in the Whole of Life analysis and report – two turfs, one turf and one top quality grass surface, two high quality grass fields, upgrading all grass fields, addition of high standard lighting, clubroom redevelopment. By completing the analysis, we will be able to determine and compare costs and how we would cover these in both the short and long term.
Essentially, the Business Analysis, alongside the Feasibility Study from Caroline would provide us all the information we need to be grant ready for whatever redevelopment path the Association may choose to head down, for which both consultants would be able to assist us further. We would then present our proposal to both Hockey WA and the Shire of Esperance for their formal support.
The EHA Executive Committee can see the importance of investigating our options, and believe it is important to continue this positive momentum. If you have any questions about the Strategic Plan or steps undertaken in the redevelopment investigation thus far, please reach out to the Committee via email esperance.hockey@gmail.com
We thank you for taking the time to read this update and appreciate your support in our endeavours.
Executive Committee
Esperance Hockey Association
Greater Sports Ground Redevelopment Master Plan
EHA Strategic Plan 2022-2029
