Community sport in the Golden Plains Shire received a boost today thanks to the opening of the new Rokewood Recreation Reserve development and the second oval at Inverleigh Reserve.
State Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney officially opened both developments, and was joined by the State Member for the Western Province, David Koch, and Councillor David Cotsell, Mayor for the Golden Plains Shire Council.
Ms Tierney said the projects would increase sport and recreation opportunities for the two communities.
“The opening of these two projects mean there are now more opportunities for these communities to get active and involved in sport and recreation,” Ms Tierney said.
“Sport is an important part of regional Victoria and helps build community identity, solidarity and participation.”
The $422,000 Rokewood Recreation Reserve development includes a new multi-purpose facility with pavilion, storage and change rooms, time-keepers box, scoreboard, ticket box, walking track and upgrade to the cricket nets and pitch.
Community groups who will benefit from the new facility include the Rokewood Cricket Club, Tennis Club, Primary School and Rokewood-Corindhap Football & Netball Club.
“The Rokewood Recreation Reserve has previously been limited by poor toilet facilities and social rooms and lacked change rooms for netball and tennis,” Ms Tierney said.
“The new facility is now a modern, attractive and functional complex that can cater for a range of sporting and recreational uses at the same time.”
Ms Tierney said the second oval at Inverleigh Reserve will provide a site for small football competitions and training as well as open up community access for recreational pursuits.
The State Government provided funding to both projects contributing $206,000 to the Rokewood Reserve development via the Major Grant category of the 2005-06 Community Facility Funding Program and $50,000 to the Inverleigh Reserve via the 2005-2006 Country Football Netball Program.
“These two projects are excellent examples of what can be achieved when State and local Government work together to provide the best possible sporting services for Victorians,” Ms Tierney said.