Tuesday, 22 October 2019

Residents of Emerald will be enjoying upgraded sport facilities thanks to the Andrews Labor Government’s record investment in country football and netball clubs, with the announcement of improvements at the Worrell Reserve.

Worrell Reserve Sports Field Redevelopment Project in Emerald is one of 17 projects that is receiving funding in the latest round of Country Football and Netball Program grants.

Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Harriet Shing today confirmed that the funding would deliver Stage 2 of the redevelopment of the football/cricket oval at Worrell Reserve, which includes the installation of floodlighting to 100 lux for training purposes and removal of the non- compliant light towers.

The Labor Government launched the Country Football and Netball Program in 2005, and since then the Program has supported more than 500 projects valued at over $100 million.

The program is a partnership with the AFL, AFL Victoria and Netball Victoria and recognises that everybody deserves access to quality facilities, no matter where they live.

The program backs clubs that often serve as the heartbeat of their country and outer-metropolitan communities, allowing them to replace and upgrades facilities so they can grow their sport and best meet the needs of local people.

Grants from the latest round support upgrades including ground resurfacing, irrigation, lighting and new netball courts and pavilions.

Support for local clubs is part of the Government’s commitment to community sport and active recreation, gender equality, and encouraging all Victorians to get out there and get active.

Across Victoria, the Government has invested more than $850 million in community sport and recreation facilities since 2014.

Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Harriet Shing acknowledged Cardinia Shire Council for their $134,000 contribution to the project.

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Harriet Shing

“Footy and netball clubs are the heart and soul of so many towns across our region and we’re proud to help out with funding for this important project.”

“We want to encourage people to be active and healthy and engaged with their community – grassroots football and netball clubs play such an important role in this regard.”