A crucial step forward has been taken towards providing a major sporting facility upgrade at Sebastopol's Marty Busch Reserve.
City of Ballarat Councillors voted unanimously on Wednesday night to adopt the Marty Busch Reserve Master Plan and note the Marty Bush Reserve Master Plan Implementation Plan.
The vital project was fast-tracked after an $8.4 million State Government election commitment that was announced in November, 2022. It is estimated a further $1.5 million in City of Ballarat contributions could be required to complete the six priority projects.
The main priority projects identified in the plan include:
- No.2 oval redevelopment and lighting
- No.2 oval change rooms
- New criterium track with multiple usage options
- New netball court
- New cricket nets
- Car parking and egress
Design of the first phase of the plan, the oval redevelopment and lighting is expected to begin in the 2023/24 financial year.
City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson said it was exciting to see the Master Plan come to life.
"Having the best possible sporting and recreational facilities is important in so many ways, not just for the clubs that use them but for the community as a whole," Cr Hudson said.
"The benefits of people being active and playing sport continue to be evident in the community and one of the best ways to encourage participation is to provide fantastic facilities like we are going to be seeing at Marty Busch Reserve.
"To see the area used in so many ways, for such a variety of sports, is something I can't wait to see come to fruition.
"We are thrilled with the State Government's $8.4 million contribution, which has been able to fast-track this project by many years."
The Master Plan was developed after extensive consultation with reserve user groups including: Sebastopol Football Netball Club, Napoleons-Sebastopol Cricket Club, Ballarat-Sebastopol Cycling Club, Wendouree Fire Brigade, and Ballarat Ultimate Frisbee.
Also included in the Master Plan, but not yet funded, will be improvements to public amenities including the proposed play spaces, BBQ, shelters, 3v3 basketball court, public toilets, reserve entry points and pedestrian path networks to benefit the wider community.
A cycling hub building and the relocation of the fire track are future items that also form part of the Master Plan.
Community drop-in sessions, a mySay survey and Council Officer workshops were also used in the creation of the Master Plan.
The Marty Busch Reserve Master Plan can be found from page 116 to 123 in the City of Ballarat agenda.
