The community of Colac has been given a sporting boost with the Andrews Labor Government announcing $750,000 in grants to upgrade local sporting facilities and playspaces.
In Colac today, Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney joined club representatives from Colac Imperials Football and Netball Club and Colac West Cricket Club to announce a $500,000 Female Friendly Facilities grant to deliver the Western Reserve Oval Redevelopment and Lighting project, and a $250,000 Community Sports Infrastructure Fund grant for the Colac Memorial Square Playspace project.
Today’s grant announcements will enable Colac Otway Shire Council to redevelop the playing surface at Western Reserve by installing drainage, irrigation and turf works, and upgrade the sports lighting to training standard (50 lux) to support participation growth, facility capacity and boost fixturing.
The total weekly facility hours will significantly increase with the upgrade and will allow the Colac Imperials Football Netball Club to establish another junior girls team.
The Colac Memorial Square Playspace will provide residents and visitor at Colac’s Memorial Square with a new regional playspace that provides inclusive and diverse play elements.
These funding packages are part of the Andrew Labor Government’s strong commitment to sports and active recreation, encouraging all Victorians to get out there and get active.
Across Victoria we’ve already invested $420 million in community sport and recreation facilities and added more than half a billion dollars in the Victorian Budget 2018/19 to support sport across all levels.
Ms Tierney acknowledged the Colac Otway Shire Council, Colac Imperials Football and Netball Club and Colac West Cricket Club for their commitment and financial contribution to the project.
Quotes attributable to Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney
“Growing numbers of boys and girls, men and women are signing up to play sport at local clubs, however, many clubs are struggling with inadequate facilities.”
“We want all Victorians to have access to high quality facilities regardless of age, gender or location.”
“These improvements will provide more opportunities for locals here in Colac to get active and play the sports they love, and will benefit our community for many years to come.”