Kiama Council will not be giving John Trevenar the answer he wants, in the time frame he stipulated in our article Clubhouse ultimatum, with regard to the upgrading of the facilities at Gerry Emery Reserve.

In a statement to The Bugle, Kiama Council CEO Jane Stroud has thanked him for his hard work and concept design, while saying he has had multiple opportunities to have his idea and concept plans listened to and considered by Council staff.

Our story said Mr Trevenar had not received a response despite emailing Council months ago.

“John has met with me over the last month, and I am impressed with his initiative passion and commitment to local sports,” said Ms Stroud.

“I am also aware our Director Engineering & Works and Manager Design & Development have likewise met with Mr Trevenar to discuss the concept in recent weeks.

“I understand John’s desire to improve the amenities at Gerry Emery Reserve, particularly female change rooms. It’s an excellent idea, and one worth pursuing.

“All good ideas need proper planning, considering a significant number of factors, not just the cost of construction. These include the ongoing cost of maintenance and depreciation of assets, as well as meeting accessible design standards and environmental regulations. We welcome sports grants and funding, but just want to take the time to do the appropriate planning steps and decision making steps, before public funds are committed to large projects.

“Any major changes to Council facilities such as those proposed for Gerry Emery need the decisions of councillors and considered reports of the whole of asset costs, land tenure arrangements, maintenance and deprecation.”

The coming year will see the preparation of Council’s first Recreation and Open Space Strategic Plan, which will provide sporting clubs an opportunity to contribute their views, discuss operational needs and demands, and identify priority projects. A proposal for a temporary staff member dedicated as a Sports Development Officer has been prepared and is moving through the required union and staff consultation processes.

A disappointed John Trevenar has told The Bugle that he has torn up the plans he had prepared for the project, still not understanding the delay.

“We are well down the list as a Council project, so I got everyone on board to make it happen quicker. We could make it happen in three to four months as a community project and it would cost a hell of a lot less.”