The Surf Coast community will soon be enjoying upgraded sports facilities thanks to a $100,000 funding boost from the Andrews Labor Government.
Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney today announced that Surf Coast Shire Council was among recipients of the latest round of the Labor Government’s Community Sports Infrastructure Fund.
The funding will enable the Council to deliver the Banyul Warri Fields Yurrock Soccer Pitch and Lighting Upgrade project. Included in this upgrade is a third soccer pitch facility for the precinct. The project will include the installation of both an adequate drainage system, warm season turf/grass coverage, standard player shelters, fully enclosed black chain mesh fencing with high areas behind both goal ends, two standard soccer goals and netting, plus 100 lux sports lighting.
The upgrade will support the expanding growth in both male and female soccer and enable maximum use by local and regional soccer clubs, and alleviate current scheduling conflicts to also allow hockey a space to train.
Along with the grant from the Labor Government, the Surf Coast Shire will contribute $621,000 to the project
The Andrews Labor Government has already invested $120 million in its Community Sports Infrastructure Fund, which helps clubs rejuvenate tired grounds and ageing clubrooms.
This includes $14 million to build female-friendly facilities at local sports grounds or active recreation facilities across the state.
Labor is working hard to improve gender equality in sport, and has recently appointed Dr Bridie O’Donnell as head of Victoria’s first Office for Women in Sport and Recreation to help make it happen.
We are working with councils, local clubs and peak organisations to actively promote inclusive cultures, policies and initiatives that promote female participation on and off the field.
The Andrews Labor Government is also providing footy and netball clubs with another chance to secure funding to upgrade or replace grounds, courts and pavilions, and welcome more members than ever before.
Ms Tierney today urged all local governments and clubs in Western Victoria to apply for the grants of up to $100,000.
Grants will go to projects such as ground resurfacing, new lighting, building more modern and safer netball courts and new pavilions with female-friendly change rooms.
This is on top of other funds that are upgrading grassroots playing and training facilities to keep up with growing participation rates including grants for aquatic centres, minor facilities works and planning grants.
Applications for the Country Football and Netball Program are now open and close on 12 April 2018. For more information or to apply online, visit sport.vic.gov.au
Quotes attributable to Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney
“We’re working hard to give more locals the opportunity to play the sports they love, and embrace a more active and healthy lifestyle.”
“This boost will go a long way towards helping cater for the growing number of people keen to get involved in sports right here in Torquay, as well as the broader Geelong and Surf Coast region.”
“This funding reflects the Andrew Labor Government’s commitment to building strong, active and healthy communities by helping to provide high quality, accessible community sport and active recreation facilities across Victoria.”