Wednesday 4 July 2018

Football, cricket and netball players are celebrating thanks to a major upgrade of the lighting at Ellinbank Recreation Reserve in Warragul South.

Member for Eastern Victoria, Harriet Shing MP today formally switched on the new lights, made possible thanks to $80,000 funding from the Victorian Government’s Country Football and Netball Program.

The ground is home to the Ellinbank Football Netball Club, Ellinbank Cricket Club and Ellinbank Junior Football Club – with a combined membership of more than 470 players.

The previous lighting at Ellinbank was inadequate and resulted in reduced usage of the ground, and increased risk to player safety through training in poorly lit areas and overtraining in the lit areas.

The oval lighting upgrade will ensure the Ellinbank and wider Baw Baw community will have access to safe, quality sporting facilities that support and encourage ongoing participation in sport.

The reserve was identified as a high priority in the Rural Recreation Reserve Masterplan and was strongly supported by the Ellinbank and District Football League.

The new 100 lux lighting is competition standard and means the entire playing grounds can be utilised for training or night matches.

The Victorian Government’s Country Football and Netball Program is helping boost facilities and participation across the state, having already committed more than $2,200,000  to supporting 25 projects.

The Andrews Government is getting on with delivering more quality sport and recreation facilities to Victorians.

That’s why we’re investing almost half a billion dollars in our 2018/19 Budget to ensure sport and active recreation goes from strength to strength.

Ms Shing acknowledged project partner Baw Baw Shire Council for its commitment and $100,164 financial contribution to the project.

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria, Harriet Shing

“For too long, the netballers, footballers and cricketers at Ellinbank Recreation Reserve have been held back by poor facilities – we’re getting things done and building the sporting facilities that our communities deserve .” 

“These new lights build on the upgrades we’ve already supported for facilities at Ellinbank and will help home clubs cater to growing demand and interest, particularly from women and girls, as the region grows.”

 “The Andrews Government is working hard to encourage and enable all Victorians to embrace a more active and healthy lifestyle.”