Project Updates

View the most recent project updates here.

Introduction

We are seeking your views on the draft Community Land Management Plan (CLMP) for Football Park and on a non-exclusive licence, enabling shared community use, over the oval for 10+10+10+10+2 years to the South Australian National Football League (SANFL).

Have your say by completing our community survey by 5pm Sunday 2 June, 2024.

A report will be presented to Council in June 2024 following the close of community consultation.

Read on or click the links to find out more about:

For reference, a CLMP is a legal instrument setting out how Council will manage a parcel of community land and how it can be used. A licence is a tool that allows Council to manage the relationship with any proposed tenant.

Football Park Community Survey

Please take 3-6 minutes to share your views on the future plans for Football Park. Consultation closes at 5pm Sunday 2 June, 2024.

Background

We previously consulted with the community in November 2023. Since that time, Council has considered how to address the draft CLMP and the proposed licence. The SANFL has also revised its proposed hours of use in response to community feedback to 5:00pm to 8:30pm on weekdays and 5 hours across the weekend, to a maximum of 90 hours per month. It is proposed that the oval will be available to the community outside of these times.

Who uses the oval now?

Current - Adelaide Football Club / SANFL

  • Adelaide Football Club (AFC) has exclusive use of the oval under a licence from the SANFL (current owners) until 2048.
  • Exclusive use mean AFC has unrestricted use of the oval day and night, seven days a week, all-year-round.
  • AFC's needs are growing, and they expect to use the oval more often.
  • AFC's current average use of the oval is 100-140 hours per month (25-35 hours per week).
  • The SANFL and AFC currently allow community use of the oval when not in use.
  • From 1975, the SANFL has owned the land.
  • In 2013, the SANFL signed a contract to sell the land to Commercial & General (C&G). Under the contract, different parcels of land settle at different times. The oval is the last significant parcel of land to settle as part of the contract.
  • In 2014 the AFC entered into a Licence Agreement over the ground with the SANFL until 2048.
  • The oval is due to settle in 2026 with C&G unless an agreement to settle earlier is made.
  • C&G has an obligation to provide the oval to Council as part of its Open Space contribution.
  • When the SANFL sold Football Park and its administration moved to Adelaide Oval, the high-performance division moved to Thebarton until 2031.
  • The SANFL maintains the oval as the owner.
  • AFC run their own programs and trail matches, including but not limited to:
    • AFL Men's Team.
    • AFL Women's Team.
    • AFC SANFL Men's Team.
    • Academies.
  • Community use is at the SANFL's discretion (when not required by AFC).
  • AFC (Crows) intends to move from Football Park, West Lakes to Thebarton Oval by 2026, where they will have access to two ovals and be able to build their new headquarters.
  • The move to Thebarton Oval is conditional on the SANFL giving up its long-term lease at Thebarton which expires in 2031, which would only occur if the SANFL is able to secure another long-term oval that suits its needs.

What future proposal is being considered?

2026 to 2068 - Shared use by community and SANFL

  • The SANFL is seeking a non-exclusive licence to use the oval from 2026 to 2068, through a 10+10+10+10+2-year licence.
  • A non-exclusive licence means the SANFL would use the oval to a maximum as follows:
    • Monday to Friday - 5.00pm to 8.30pm.
    • Saturday and Sunday - 5 hours per one weekend day (varied hours).
    • A maximum of 90 hours per month (22.5 hours per week).
    • A maximum of 16% of daylight hours.
  • For many months of the year the SANFL use would be much less than these amounts due to actual training requirements with an average of 68.5 hours per month.
  • Community access to the oval will be available for a minimum of 84% of daylight hours.
  • This non-exclusive licence gives our community access to the oval at all other times and means this is a shared arrangement between the City of Charles Sturt community and the SANFL.
  • The SANFL has requested a long-term licence given its intent to construct a training facility (approx. $26m build) on private land adjoining the oval, next to the Mosaic Hotel that it also owns. This is why the SANFL is seeking long-term certainty over access to the oval.
  • No change to these hours of use can occur unless Council endorses a change.
  • Around the oval there are plans to build a running/walking path, playground, seating, and other amenities.
  • Council will own the land.
  • If the SANFL obtains the licence, it will maintain the oval at no cost to Council.
  • The SANFL will continue to maintain the oval at a cost of $120K per year.
  • If the SANFL does not hold a licence, Council will maintain the oval at its cost as part of its operations.
  • Community use will be for the majority of time at a minimum of 84% of daylight hours (outside SANFL licenced hours and when not in use by the SANFL).
  • The SANFL will run its programs and trial matches including:
    • State U16 Girls and State U18 Girls Programs.
    • State U16 Boys and State U18 Boys Programs.
    • First Nations and Multicultural Talent Programs.
  • The SANFL will be granted a limited licence and move from Thebarton Oval to Football Park, West Lakes by 2026.
  • The SANFL proposes to invest $26m in a new talent/community facility adjacent the oval and Mosaic Hotel, and spend $1m on oval improvements.

  • Attend a Community Drop-In Session

    Drop in and chat with Council staff at Ngutungka West Lakes, 9, Charles Street, West Lakes on one of these days:

    • Saturday 11 May, 2024 - Anytime between 10.30am and 12.00pm.
    • Wednesday 22 May, 2024 - Anytime between 5.00pm and 6.30pm.


    We will have copies of relevant documents and information available to view on the day.

    Come and visit us at the drop-in sessions

  • Share Your Feedback

    Feedback closes 5pm, Sunday 2nd June.

    • Complete the community survey online.
    • Call us on 8408 1111 and a staff member can complete and submit your responses to the online survey, on your behalf, over the phone.
    • From Monday afternoon, 6 May 2024, you can download a hardcopy survey from the Document Library or pick up a copy from Civic Centre on Woodville Road or Ngutungka West Lakes on Charles Street.


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Caitlin Tierney

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