Clarence City Council received a briefing from the Department of State Growth this afternoon to assist in understanding options for an AFL High Performance Centre within the city.
The state government has approached council to test the feasibility of the Rosny Parklands to be home of Tasmania’s AFL High Performance Centre.
Clarence City Council Mayor, Brendan Blomeley said while council is open to investigating this option through the City Heart Plan and engaging with the community to hear their thoughts on this, council is also wanting and willing to investigate other sites within the city to find other viable options.
“The State Government has been open in its discussions with the greater Hobart councils around viable sites for an AFL High Performance Centre within their local government areas, and Clarence has been no exception,” Mayor Blomeley said.
“We welcome discussions that see sporting growth and development within our city and like our neighbouring councils, we have been investigating options for suitable sites within our city.
“However, we won’t offer a potential site to the State Government without understanding what our community wants. Further, if we go through community consultation, and the majority of the community are not supportive of having the AFL High Performance Centre in Clarence, or do not support any of the sites we might test with them, then Council will not progress the project.
“We’re in the early stages of identifying sites that not only meet the AFL’s requirements for a High Performance Centre but will also provide benefits to our community and be a good fit for Clarence in the long-term.
“This afternoon, site options have been presented to Councillors in order for us to understand the potential for establishing the AFL High Performance Centre in the City of Clarence.”
A report will be prepared for the next council meeting, for Councillors to vote on whether these options will be taken to the community for consultation.