Anne Parisianne
A new Maribyrnong council policy will aim to address barriers experienced by women and girls in accessing and using community sports and recreational infrastructure.
The council at its July 24 council meeting endorsed its new Fair Access Policy, which had been out for community consultation.
From July 1, all Victorian local government authorities are required to have a gender equitable access and use policy to be considered eligible to receive infrastructure funding.
Maribyrnong’s policy aims to ensure facilities have appropriate infrastructure to support women and girls, by include female-friendly change facilities and equitable training and competition timetables.
Councillor Michael Clarke said they’re a sheer mass volume of women, girls wanting to participate in sports.”
But Cr Clarke said the lack of change room facilities, such as in the Yarraville Cricket Club and Yarraville Glory Soccer Club, hampers participation.
“We need facilities, we need infrastructure that is going to allow this to occur. If we’re honest about ensuring that we are inclusive, we need to provide these opportunities,” he said.
Councillor Anthony Tran said he supported the policy, emphasising the importance of upgrading existing facilities and said it should have been done long ago.
“For those in community who may not have the time to go through the entire policy in itself, the actual plan will increase speaks to the council’s intentions as to how we wish to execute this policy over time.
It’s about ensuring the current facilities are audited and improved to provide the relevant facilities needed by all residents.
Councillor Sarah Carter said it’s important to have female leaders in sports.
The council said it will work with local sporting clubs to deliver the policy and action plan.
