Work has started on not one, but six major infrastructure projects, putting the spotlight on local sport in Nillumbik.
Nillumbik Mayor Peter Perkins today joined Eltham MP Vicki Ward and local sporting clubs to turn the first sod on the Diamond Creek Netball Courts resurfacing project as well as lighting upgrades for five sporting grounds and facilities.
Vicki Ward was representing the Minister for Community Sport, Ros Spence.
The netball court surface upgrade is a $2.16 million project made possible with
$1.97 from the Victorian Government through Sport and Recreation Victoria's Community Sport Infrastructure Stimulus Program and $196,000 from Council.
The sports lighting upgrade will see just over $1.6 million spent on new LED lighting for five sports grounds and facilities including:
- The Eltham Lower Park front oval, home to the Eltham Lacrosse Club and Eltham Lower Cricket Club and used as a training ground by the Eltham Panthers Football Club.
- Bridge Street Reserve, home to the Eltham Rugby Club.
- Hurstbridge East Oval, home to the Hurstbridge cricket, football and netball clubs and also used by the Yarrambat Junior Football Club.
- Diamond Hills Reserve in Greensborough, which is used by Plenty Cricket Club and the Diamond Creek Women's Football Club, Australia's largest women-only football club.
- The Diamond Creek Netball Courts.
The Victorian Government has contributed $1.48 million for this project, again through the Sport and Recreation Victoria's Sport Infrastructure Stimulus Program and Council has put in $148,000.
Nillumbik Mayor Peter Perkins said organised sport was incredibly important in the Shire.
"We have more than 110 local clubs, offering thousands of people the chance to get involved in almost 30 sports.
"The Diamond Creek Netball Courts, when in operation, are used by more than 100 teams and more than 1200 players, making it a significant regional sporting hub.
"These project will allow even more people of all ages and abilities to participate and enjoy the benefits of getting out and getting active, enabling them to connect with others in the community.
"I would like to thank the Victorian Government for its support, and local state MPs Vicki Ward and Danielle Green, for their tireless advocacy to help us obtain the funding for these upgrades."
The surface upgrade to the Diamond Creek Netball Courts will ensure the courts meet compliance requirements needed to host State-level Netball Victoria competitions.
It will also be a huge boost for the Diamond Creek Force Netball Association – the premier netball association for Melbourne's northern suburbs – increasing their capacity to host elite netball competitions and attract new members to its seven associated clubs.
The sporting grounds lighting upgrade will have many benefits including:
- improving visibility, lighting quality and safety.
- extending training and playing opportunities into the late afternoon and evening, particularly in winter, allowing clubs to increase the number of teams and grow their membership.
- The LED lights will be more sustainable, saving on energy use and bills.
The netball court surface upgrade is due to be completed by early next year.
The lighting upgrades are anticipated to be completed in mid 2021.
