By Jessica Anstice
New sports lighting is going to be installed at Longwarry Recreation Reserve, thanks to joint funding from the council and the State Government.
Following applications for funding submitted earlier this year, $750,000 has been secured to deliver three new infrastructure projects for recreation reserves across the Baw Baw Shire.
The three recreations reserves to benefit from the funding are: Longwarry Recreation Reserve, Thorpdale Recreation Reserve and Trafalgar Recreation Reserve.
The Longwarry and Thorpdale recreation reserve projects will see installation of four new 100 lux sports lighting towers and associated works.
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.
The $425,000 project is being jointly funded by a $250,000 grant from Sport and Recreation Victoria’s Community Facilities Fund and the $175,000 balance by Baw Baw Shire Council.
It will be delivered following the tender award, with all works due for completion by mid-2021.
“This is fantastic news for sporting clubs in all three towns,” East Ward Cr Michael Leaney said.
“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.”
The council worked closely with all sporting clubs to scope and design the projects to ensure they address current and future needs for all user groups.
“I’d like to thank the members of our community sporting clubs who have advocated strongly for these exciting projects to proceed,” East Ward Cr Darren Wallace said.
“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.”
The Trafalgar Recreation Reserve project will see construction of a new multi-sport pavilion, with female-friendly change rooms 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.
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.
