Friday, 03 July 2020

Four Clubs across Cardinia and Baw Baw are set for an even bigger comeback thanks to the Local Sport Infrastructure boost, with new grounds, lighting and inclusive facilities made possible by the Victorian Government’s 2020-21 Strategic Facilities, Community Facilities, and Female Friendly Facilities funds.

Member for Eastern Victoria, Harriet Shing MP today announced that these projects are just four among 100 projects to benefit from a share in more than $30 million from these initiatives.

This investment also recognises the overwhelming demand for shovel-ready community sports infrastructure across Victoria and includes additional funding provided through the Community Sports Infrastructure Stimulus Program.

The following four organisations have been successful in their application:

• Comely Banks Reserve – Regional Rugby League Facility
  The development of a regional rugby league facility at Comely Banks Reserve in Officer. The facility will include four full size rugby league pitches that are overlaid with two football/cricket ovals, two synthetic cricket pitches, four synthetic cricket practice nets and the installation of floodlighting to sports fields to 200 lux.
• Cockatoo Tennis Court Lighting Upgrade
  Install new compliant lights to 250 lux to courts one and two (northern end) of the Cockatoo Tennis Club.
• Thorpdale and Longwarry Recreation Reserves Oval Lighting Upgrade Project.
  Upgrade of lighting to 100 lux and installation of new sports lighting towers on two sports ovals, the Thorpdale Recreation Reserve and Longwarry Recreation Reserve.
• Trafalgar Recreation Precinct Multi-Use Pavilion
  Construction of a new multi-sport pavilion at Trafalgar Recreation Reserve in Trafalgar, with female friendly changerooms and amenities, storage facilities, a boxing gym and social space to cater for soccer and boxing participants.

From change room upgrades to new aquatic centres, investments like these provide high-quality and accessible places for Victorians to reap the benefits of sport and active recreation participation.

This round of the Local Sports Infrastructure Fund will deliver over $243 million in local economic activity, creating hundreds of construction, maintenance and operational jobs.

The fund contributes to over $915 million government investment in community sport and recreation infrastructure since 2014. This investment is improving the health, wellbeing, social and economic outcomes for Victorian communities.

The Local Sports Infrastructure Fund is also a key component of the government’s new suite of infrastructure investment programs including the World Game Facilities Fund, Community Cricket Program and Community Sports Infrastructure Stimulus Program.

The Government acknowledges the Cardinia Shire Council and Baw Baw Shire Council for their commitment and financial contribution to the projects.

For more information about infrastructure grant opportunities available through the Victorian Government visit www.sport.vic.gov.au

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria, Harriet Shing MP

“Congratulations to these organisations – this boost will go a long way to support the growing number of people across Victoria keen to get involved in local sport and recreation.”

“It’s a great example of how the Victorian Government is making sport and recreation more accessible, welcoming and inclusive for all Victorians.”

 “The Victorian Government is giving communities like ours the facilities they need so more locals can play the sports they love.”