Council to determine ‘best way forward’ for concrete pitch

City of Launceston general manager Michael Stretton said the council will engage with stakeholders to understand the needs of all users, and to find a resolution to the issue.

“As we’ve previously indicated, the council will undertake a process to understand the needs of all users of that facility to determine the best way forward and to see if there’s a workaround for their continued, mutually agreeable use of the area,” Mr Stretton said.

“We haven’t ruled out any options at this stage. Ultimately, the decision [on] the pitch will be made following this engagement process with those affected stakeholders.”

In 2017, the ground was hired to local sports groups on more than 130 occasions. 

This included three equestrian events, junior and senior football clubs, football umpire associations, the Tasmania Fire Service, Camp Quality, and various soccer and cricket clubs.

The concrete cricket pitch was placed to accommodate “booming” junior cricket club memberships across Launceston, and is on the Northern end of the ground “in an effort to avoid conflict with other sports.”

Despite this, users raised concerns about the safety and usability of the ground, with the equestrian community and the North Launceston Football Club among those seeking a resolution.

Mr Stretton said the sporting grounds managed by the council at Inveresk are “some of the most highly utilised in Northern Tasmania.”

“It’s the region’s premium sporting venue, is used by a range of different disciplines and, as with any facility in such high demand, compromises from different groups are sometimes necessary,” he said.

“Our door is always open for any group which wishes to have a constructive conversation about the utilisation of these important community facilities.”

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