Council has applied for funding through the 2022 Local Sports Infrastructure Fund (LSIF) for two key recreation projects.
The LSIF is a state-wide competitive Victorian Government investment program that funds the development of high-quality, accessible community sport and active recreation infrastructure.
The funding is administered by Sport and Recreation Victoria (SRV). SRV requires that projects are evidenced in strategic planning documents including recreation strategies, business cases, master plans and detailed site plans.
Based on project readiness, two projects were deemed to have the potential to be competitive in the current funding round:
- Female Friendly Facilities: Deledio Reserve Netball Courts – Construction of two netball courts with lights- Council commitment of $242,569 and SRV contribution of $727,707 (total project cost $970,276).
- Detailed planning: Urban Bike Park, Bristol Hill- Council commitment of $35,00, plus ‘in-kind’ project management by the Recreation Coordinator of $4,875 and SRV contribution of $30,00 (total project cost $69,875).
Deledio Reserve Netball Courts
A Condition and Compliance Audit Report of the two netball courts at Deledio Recreation Reserve identified significant issues:
- Both courts have major structural damage, one is unplayable and has been decommissioned.
- The current competition court is non-compliant and regular remedial works are becoming less effective.
- The lighting is not up to training standard.
- The report notes that ‘to ensure a long-term outcome, planning to reconstruct these courts in the near future is recommended’.
Central Goldfields Shire Flynn Ward Councillor Liesbeth Long said if the courts are not brought up to standard the club would have to find an alternative venue for games.
“This could result in possible loss of participation because it would involve travel to a neighbouring town every week when home games cannot be played at the same location as football matches resulting in increased participants costs. Travelling to other venues every week could present further challenges, with games unable to be played at the same time and/or day as football matches.
“It’s exciting to see this funding application has been made by council officers and I am hoping to hear that the funding is successful.”
Urban Bike Park
A concept plan for the Urban Bike Park, including the velodrome, was prepared during the development of the Walking and Cycling Strategy. Community consultation which followed this indicated support for the proposal.
Central Goldfields Shire Maryborough Ward Councillor Gerard Murphy said Council’s Walking and Cycling Advisory Group has now developed an action plan which includes activating the Urban Bike Park Concept Plan as a high priority.
“Bristol Hill is a significant area for our community and its activation is a priority for Council and the community.
“This project is also an opportunity to increase recreation options for our Shire which in turn will have positive flow on effects for tourism. This is a worthwhile project and one I hope attracts funding.”
For facility development projects, concept and detailed plans are required and proposals must be shovel ready.
Successful projects will be announced, and grant agreements executed in October 2022. Projects must commence construction by April 2023.
Council will need to include its contributions in the 2023-2024 Budget.
As the submission date was before the July Council meeting the CEO provided letters stating Council’s financial commitment to the projects. A Council resolution will now be forwarded to SRV.
