Last updated: 24 September 2024
At last night’s City of Unley Full Council Meeting, the motion to proceed with the next stage of investigating a permanent perimeter fence at Unley Oval was passed, eight to four vote in favour. This phase will involve developing concept design options and indicative costing.
Deputation speakers both supporting and opposing the fence were heard during the meeting.
A key takeaway from the recent community consultation was that many people were undecided, largely due to a lack of clarity about the fence’s potential design. Some had been swayed by misinformation from opponents, suggesting the fence would obstruct views, remain locked, or feature unsightly design elements like Yatala Prison.
We are pleased that the Council has chosen to move forward, enabling us to explore what a permanent fence could look like, how it could benefit our Club and community, and what the financial impact may be.
While this is an encouraging step, the journey is far from over. We encourage all members to stay informed, engaged, and involved in the discussion with positivity and respect.
Last updated: 11 September 2024
The City of Unley will present the results of the community consultation on the permanent perimeter fence at Unley Oval at the upcoming Full Council meeting on Monday, 23 September from 7:00pm in the Civic Chambers 181 Unley Road, Unley.
We encourage members to attend in support of the motion, which seeks to move forward to the next stage of costing and design. Throughout this process, the Club has clearly stated its position in support of investigating the installation of a permanent perimeter fence. If such a fence were to be installed, it is essential that it include multiple access points that remain open except during ticketed events.
Unfortunately, opponents of the fence have circulated misinformation about the issue to garner support. This includes false claims that the Club intends to lock out the community and increase its usage of Unley Oval. Let us be clear: these claims are not true. The Club fully understands that Unley Oval is shared with the community, and we adhere to the terms of our lease regarding its use.
Additionally, some have expressed concerns about the proposed design of the fence, suggesting it would be aesthetically unpleasing and have limited openings. Once again, this is incorrect, as no design phase has occurred yet, and there are no actual designs on which to base these claims.
Your respectful support on the night would be appreciated as we continue to work together for the best outcome for both the Club and the broader community.
Last updated: 24 July, 2024 4:01PM
Your feedback is crucial – Have your say now!
As previously advised The City of Unley is exploring the possibility of installing a permanent perimeter fence with public access openings around Unley Oval.
Why does Sturt Football Club support this initiative?
- The Club currently incurs an annual cost of $30,000 to erect temporary fencing for 10 league games (since 1998 over $1M). This expense is a significant financial burden and is expected to increase over time. A permanent fence would eliminate this recurring cost, allowing the Club to allocate these funds more effectively toward other initiatives and operational needs including community projects.
- Over the last ten years, there has been over $9 million investment into the Unley Oval precinct, from the City of Unley, the Federal & State Government, and the AFL. Sturt Football Club has contributed $2.5 million. This investment has transformed Unley Oval into a premier facility. A permanent perimeter fence with appropriate public access would complement this investment, serving as the crowning glory of the precinct.
- We are the only SANFL Club unable to comply with the SANFL directive to charge an entry fee for SANFLW games, as the costs of erecting temporary fencing for these games are not financially viable. SANFLW players are league players in the AFL pathway, and we do not wish to devalue them as athletes by providing free entry. A permanent fence would enable us to charge appropriately and recognise the value of our athletes.
- To ensure that the Club’s ticketed events realise their full revenue potential from ticket sales and provide an accurate account of crowd numbers. The current temporary fencing is frequently compromised, allowing unauthorised access.
- To reduce health and safety concerns caused by the current temporary fencing. There have been multiple incidents where patrons have been injured by the concrete bases used in the temporary fencing. A permanent solution would enhance safety for all attendees.
- To permit ticketed events for all community groups with access and controls resting with the City of Unley.
The Club fully supports the Council’s co-design process, which allows you to help shape the investigation and provide essential feedback.
How You Can Participate:
You can join the conversation about the perimeter fence at Unley Oval by:
- Completing an Online Survey: SURVEY
- Attending a Drop-In Session at Unley Oval to Discuss Your Views with Council Staff:
- Wednesday, 24 July, 10:00am – 12:00pm
- Thursday, 25 July, 4:30 – 6:30pm
- Sunday, 28 July, 10:00am – 12:00pm
The survey closes on Monday, 29 July, so now is the time to have your say.
Your feedback is invaluable, and we encourage you to participate in this process to help shape the future of Unley Oval. Together, we can ensure that our facilities meet the needs of our players, members, and the broader community.
If you have any questions about the Club’s support for a permanent fence contact the Club at 8271 4611 or email [email protected]
Last updated: 27 June, 2024 9:18AM
Sturt Football Club has long been a cornerstone of our community, providing not only thrilling football matches but also a wide range of community services and initiatives.
As we look toward the future, we are presented with an important opportunity to enhance both the functionality and accessibility of Unley Oval through the installation of a permanent perimeter fence.
On 22 April 2024, Councillor Jane Russo proposed a motion to the Unley Council aimed at developing a concept design and confirming the cost for this installation. The motion was carried, and aligns with our goals of improving infrastructure while maintaining appropriate public access to the oval.
The subsequent steps involve detailed planning and community engagement, ensuring that all voices are heard and considered. The purpose of this document is to outline the specifics of the motion, the proposed timeline, and the Sturt Football Club’s position on this significant development.
We believe that the installation of a permanent perimeter fence will not only mitigate the rising costs associated with temporary fencing but also secure a sustainable future for our club and its community projects.
Your support and understanding are crucial as we navigate this process, and we are committed to keeping our stakeholders informed every step of the way.
Below, you will find detailed information regarding Councillor Russo’s motion and our club’s perspective on this important initiative.
At the 22 April 2024 Full Council Meeting Unley Ward Councillor Jane Russo put up the following motion:
- The Administration develop a concept design and confirm the cost for the installation of a permanent perimeter fence with appropriate public access for Unley Oval for Council’s consideration.
- The concept design to be developed is to be undertaken as part of the proposed redevelopment of the existing public toilet facilities located at Unley Oval, on the corner Frederick Street and Langham Terrace.
- Elected Member briefings are to be held for the purpose of:
* Confirming the scope of the concept design to be developed.
* Presenting the draft concept design and costs once known.
* Confirming community engagement on the draft concept design. - The final concept design is to be decided and endorsed by Council.
The motion was declared carried
At the 24 June 2024 Full Council Meeting the report sought Elected Members endorsement of the proposed approach and timeline to investigate a permanent perimeter fence with appropriate public access for Unley Oval, followed by:
- Design brief / scope: August 2024
- Design options for consultation: October 2024
- Final design and costings: February 2025
Subject to Council endorsement of each step, the final design information is intended to be completed to inform Council’s 2025/26 Annual Business Plan and Budget considerations.
The motion was declared carried
Sturt Football Club’s Position
- We support the motion for the Administration to develop a concept design and confirm cost for the installation of a permanent perimeter fence with appropriate public access for Unley Oval.
- We support that appropriate public access remains open except for ticketed events.
- Once costings are known, the Club would consider contributing to the costs of installing a permanent perimeter fence.
- Under the provisions of the current lease the Club is authorised to use Unley Oval for a maximum of 500 hours in any given year for all of its activities but not including SANFL senior home match days. The Club’s usage of the Oval for SANFL senior men’s home match days is the subject of a separate licence for approximately 10 days in any given year.
Why does Sturt Football Club support the motion?
- Cost: The Club currently incurs an annual cost of $30,000 to erect temporary fencing for 10 league games (since 1998 over $1M). This expense is a significant financial burden and is expected to increase over time. A permanent fence would eliminate this recurring cost, allowing the Club to allocate these funds more effectively toward other initiatives and operational needs.
- Complementing Existing Investment: Over the last ten years, there has been over $9 million investment into the Unley Oval precinct, from the City of Unley, the Federal & State Government, and the AFL. Sturt Football Club has contributed $2.5 million. This investment has transformed Unley Oval into a premier facility. The addition of a permanent perimeter fence with appropriate public access would complement this investment, serving as the crowning glory of the precinct.
- Currently, we are the only SANFL Club unable to comply with the SANFL directive to charge an entry fee for SANFLW games, as the costs of erecting temporary fencing for these games are not financially viable. SANFLW players are league players in the AFL pathway, and we do not wish to devalue them as athletes by providing free entry. A permanent fence would enable us to charge appropriately and recognise the value of our athletes.
- To ensure that the Club’s ticketed events realise their full revenue potential from ticket sales and provide an accurate account of crowd numbers. The current temporary fencing is frequently compromised, allowing unauthorised access.
- To reduce health and safety concerns caused by the current temporary fencing. There have been several incidents where patrons have been injured by the concrete bases used in the temporary fencing. A permanent solution would enhance safety for all attendees.
- To permit ticketed events for all community groups with access and controls resting with the City of Unley.