Recreation reserves in Trafalgar, Longwarry and Thorpdale are set to receive new sports infrastructure thanks to a funding boost by the Victorian Government.
Following applications for funding submitted earlier this year, $750,000 has been secured to deliver the three sports projects through Sport and Recreation Victoria's (SRV) 2020-21 Strategic Facilities, Community Facilities, and Female Friendly Facilities Funds.
New Multi-Use Sports Pavilion at Trafalgar Recreation Reserve
This project will see construction of a new multi-sport pavilion at Trafalgar Recreation Reserve with female-friendly changerooms and amenities, umpire facilities, new storage facilities, dedicated first aid room, a boxing gym and social/flex space to cater for soccer and boxing participants. Externally the pavilion will feature public toilets, a veranda with outdoor spectator viewing space, a canteen, accessible car parking, connecting pathways and landscaping.
The pavilion will address the immediate lack of facilities with participation tracking at 3.5 times the Victorian average (prior to COVID-19). The design has been developed with true multi-use flexibility and future planning in mind to service the five sporting clubs from different codes including soccer, cricket, football and boxing.
This $3.2 million project is being jointly funded by a $500,000 grant from SRV's Female Friendly Facilities Fund and the $2.7 million balance by Baw Baw Shire Council. Works will commence following the tender award, with delivery to take place over two-years. All works due for completion by mid-2022.
New Oval Lighting at Longwarry and Thorpdale Recreation Reserves
This project will see installation of four new 100 lux sports lighting towers and associated works at recreation reserves in both Longwarry and Thorpdale.
New sports lighting will bring the ovals in line with AFL lighting standards and allow clubs to train and play in a safer, well-lit environment and improve flexibility to take training and matches into the evening.
This $425,000 project is being jointly funded by a $250,000 grant from SRV's Community Facilities Fund and the $175,000 balance by Baw Baw Shire Council. This project will be delivered following the tender award, with all works due for completion by mid-2021.
Council has worked closely with all sporting clubs to scope and design the projects to ensure they address current and future needs for all user groups.
The outcomes of other funding applications for a synthetic pitch at Baxter Park in Warragul and oval upgrade in Jindivick are still pending. An announcement on these projects is expected in August.
As noted by East Ward Cr Darren Wallace
"I'd like to thank the members of our community sporting clubs who have advocated strongly for these exciting projects to proceed. Local sporting clubs will soon be able to enjoy new quality and accessible facilities to help them grow and thrive now and into the future".
As noted by East Ward Cr Michael Leaney
"This is fantastic news for sporting clubs in all three towns. Local sports are the heartbeat of our smaller towns keeping the community connected, fit and healthy. These projects will enable greater participation in sport by removing barriers to access in areas of our Shire that haven't seen major investment in sporting projects."
As noted by East Ward Cr Peter Kostos
"I am very grateful for the funding announcement by Harriet Shing, which gives a total of $750,000 toward three local communities of Trafalgar, Thorpdale and Longwarry. This funding will assist Council in fulfilling the ongoing needs of three sporting facilities, that have been advocating to Council for a long time. I thank these community sporting groups for their diligence and patience, which has created a great result for them."
Image: Artist impression of the future $3.2 million multi-use sports pavilion in Trafalgar.
