Bass Coast Shire Council is thrilled that more exciting recreation projects will now be able to go ahead, thanks to significant State Government funding.
Last week, the State Government announced $1.078 million from the Community Sports Infrastructure Stimulus Program, to install new flood lighting on the ovals at Dalyston, Cowes and Inverloch Recreation Reserves.
Through the same funding program, a further $1.78 million has been secured by the State Government, to construct three brand new pavilions for the Phillip Island and Wonthaggi Croquet Clubs and the Wonthaggi Tennis Club.
A grant of $100,000 has also been realised through the Community Cricket Program to build new cricket training nets at Thompson Reserve in Inverloch.
Adding to this, a further $400,000 has been successfully applied for through the World Game Facilities Fund to deliver a major upgrade of the current pavilion at the Newhaven Recreation Reserve.
The lighting projects, which will see new LED lighting installed at the Dalyston, Inverloch and Cowes recreation reserves will also receive $45,000 from Council and $10,000 each from the Dalyston, Phillip Island and Inverloch-Kongwak Football Netball Clubs.
Newpavilions will be built at both the Wonthaggi and Cowes Croquet Clubs, as well as at the Wonthaggi Tennis Club, which will include a social space, male and female toilets and change rooms, accessible toilet facilities and a kitchen area, plus storage space and a viewing area. Council is contributing $125,000 to this $1.99 million project, with each Croquet Club contributing $25,000 each and the Wonthaggi Tennis Club $35,000.
At Thompson Reserve, the project will see the installation of a four bay cricket net facility, that has drawstring curtains on three of the bays, so that it can be opened up and used as a multi-purpose space. This $310,000 project also includes $155,000 in funding from Council and $55,000 in kind from the Thompson Reserve Grounds Committee and Inverloch Cricket Club
The Newhaven Recreation Reserve Pavilion Project will deliver a significant change room, toilet and shower facility upgrade which will be a huge boost to the Phillip Island Breakers Soccer Club, along with other local sporting clubs and schools who use the facilities. The upgrade will meet guidelines and ensure privacy, security and accessibility for all user groups. Council will also allocate $200,000 to this project.
Bass Coast Shire Mayor, Cr Brett Tessari said these successful grant applications are the result of years of hard work behind the scenes.
"Over the past five years, Council has worked really hard to improve the Shire's many sporting facilities and we have achieved so many great outcomes for our community over this time," Cr Tessari said.
"We have seen upgrades to football and netball facilities, tennis courts and cricket facilities, as well as the installation and upgrade of playgrounds and skate parks, right across the whole Shire.
"We are so proud to have such an incredible Team here at Council, as well as the support from local sporting and community clubs, and the State Government.
"We are truly thankful for the support shown to Bass Coast by the State Government, and in particular, the advocacy efforts of Bass MP Jordan Crugnale," Cr Tessari concluded.
The projects will be completed across the 2021/22 and 2022/23 financial years.
