Sports grounds in three Nillumbik townships have been upgraded, providing players extended access through winter and improved conditions.
The lighting upgrades at Coventry Oval in Diamond Creek, and Ben Frilay Oval in Hurstbridge, as well as an irrigation upgrade to Research Park Oval, were officially opened this week by the Mayor Ben Ramcharan and Eltham MP Vicki Ward, together with Councillors and club representatives.
More Nillumbik sporting clubs can now extend their oval use for training early in the mornings and later in the evenings, allowing for additional teams and membership growth, thanks to the lighting upgrades.
The 200 lux lighting system at Coventry Oval now allows for night AFL games, while Ben Frilay Oval has a 150 lux LED lighting system.
The irrigation upgrade will enhance the playing surface of the Research Park Oval, providing a high-quality ground for 12 months of the year.
Council received $371,000 from the Victorian Government’s Community Sports Lighting program for the projects and also contributed $353,000.
Nillumbik Mayor Ben Ramcharan said Council was committed to providing high-quality, inclusive sport and recreation facilities across the Shire, and thanked the Victorian Government for its support in doing this.
“Not only do the upgrades provide much better and safer playing and training conditions for our local clubs, but there are the important environmental benefits of energy efficient lighting and water savings,” Cr Ramcharan said.
“More than 1095 junior players and 590 senior members of the respective clubs will be able to enjoy these upgraded facilities. And I hope now with increased access to our grounds, membership will only grow from here.
“I would like to thank the volunteers from all the clubs, who are the sporting champions of our community, for their work in making these projects a reality.”
The three ovals are home to the Diamond Creek Football Netball Club, Diamond Creek Cricket Club, Hurstbridge Football and Netball Club, Hurstbridge Cricket Club, Research Junior Football Club and the Research Eltham Collegians Cricket Club.
