Planning for the Future of Sport in Goondiwindi
Published on 09 December 2025
The development of a new long-term Sporting Facilities Strategic Plan is commencing soon to guide long-term investment in sporting infrastructure in Goondiwindi.
The plan will help Council take a proactive, coordinated approach to maintaining and upgrading its facilities while ensuring future decisions are sustainable and financially responsible.
Cr Kym Skinner, Council’s portfolio holder for Lifestyle, Sport and Education, said the project reflects Council’s commitment to planning for the region’s evolving needs while staying focused on responsible management of existing Council assets.
“Sport is the heart of life for many here in the Goondiwindi Region,” Cr Skinner said. “It brings people together and strengthens the fabric of our community. This Strategic Plan allows us to look ahead and ensure Council-owned facilities continue to support players, families, volunteers, and spectators for many years to come.”
Council has appointed consultancy firm ROSS Planning to deliver the project, drawing on their extensive experience in developing sports strategies for councils across Australia.
With master plans already completed for the major facilities in Inglewood and Texas, we are now focusing on Goondiwindi. Council is prioritising a long-term approach that focuses first on the ongoing upkeep and care of existing Council-owned facilities. In recent years, Council has received an increasing number of requests for upgrades, expansions and new infrastructure. As part of the new strategy, each request will be carefully assessed to ensure it is viable, sustainable, evidence-based and does not create a long-term burden for future ratepayers.
Importantly, having a clear and coordinated long-term plan in place will also strengthen Council’s and local sporting groups’ ability to attract external funding. Demonstrating community need, readiness and a strong strategic direction makes applications more competitive and ultimately helps reduce reliance on ratepayers’ funds for future projects.
Shifting from short-term fixes to a more strategic approach will help future investment be efficient, targeted, and aligned with how the community plays, trains and gathers, both now and into the future.
As part of the project, detailed mini-master plans will be developed for Council-owned facilities: including the PCYC, sports ovals, the pool and tennis courts.
In addition to broader community engagement expected in early 2026, Council is also forming a Project Reference Group, comprising of Council staff, a Councillor, and community representatives from key sporting organisations using Council-owned facilities.
Cr Skinner said taking a long-term view is essential. “We know how important it is to look beyond quick fixes and take in the bigger picture,” she said. “This approach helps us make smart, considered decisions that reflect how our community uses our facilities today while also recognising our responsibility to manage costs and maintain assets we already have.”
Community input will play a major role in shaping the final strategy, with local sporting clubs, volunteers, facility users, and residents invited to participate in engagement opportunities throughout the project.