Kevin Sharkey, Castlemaine
If one was not aware of the high editorial standards of the Castlemaine Mail, they could be forgiven for thinking that Michael Wright’s letter (Opinions, July 10, 2026) was an advertorial spruiking for business. I for one wouldn’t sign up for the following reasons.
The focus on the size of the oval to meet AFL standards is a furphy. The AFL explicitly does not require this in its preferred facility guide. There is no relevant compliance code in regard to the size of a playing oval at a local facility. The only compliance needing to be adhered to is a 3m space between boundary and fence which can be achieved regardless of oval size.
There are many examples of recent projects being completed at venues with small playing ovals, that do not meet the AFL rules measure referred to. Maldon, Newstead and Harry Trott are three local ovals that have had multi millions spent on redevelopments in recent times that are examples of this.
The glossing over of the continuous use of over 150 years of the recreation precinct of the Camp by groups such as the Show, football and cricket clubs is breathtakingly misleading.
The proposed development is part of the council’s Master Plan, developed with input from the users groups and the broader community, including the football club. When adopted there will be vastly more useful space around the oval for many other activities.
Instead of adopting this plan it is suggested we banish the sporting clubs to who knows where, and have the Camp redesigned to suit non sporting activities. Presumably Mr Wright would inform us in due course as to what these are.
Luke Brown’s letter (Opinions, July 10, 2026) promoting the long overdue upgrading of the recreation precinct of Camp to suit the needs of its user groups is a much more accurate reflection of what the vast majority of the community want. Please make it so council.