Netballers in Baw Baw will benefit from significant upgrades to four netball courts at the Drouin Recreation Reserve.
The $652,000 project was made possible after a successful application to Sport and Recreation Victoria’s 2018/19 Community Sports Infrastructure Fund, with the remaining $52,000 coming from Council’s 2019/20 capital works program.
The project focussed on courts three to six at the Drouin Recreation Reserve, home to the Drouin and District Netball Association and Drouin Hawks Netball Club, who run competitions all year round.
The project solved safety and compliance issues concerning the court sizes and layout, provided
an upgraded drainage system, pedestrian access ramps, player shelters, height adjustable goal posts as well as a suite of peripheral items such as upgrades to boundary fences, retaining walls and footpaths.
Council was able to future proof the site by including court lighting into the design phase of the four-court upgrade. Delivery of the project included structurally engineered footings and electrical supply conduits to the positions designated for future lighting towers.
Now complete, the Drouin Recreation Reserve boasts six courts that comply with Netball Victoria’s facility design guidelines. Each court is now fitted with height adjustable goal posts, which allow for maximum flexibility when it comes to scheduling junior and senior competitions, programs and clinics.
The improved drainage network will ensure the site holds up to the unpredictable Gippsland weather, while the addition of improved walkways and shelters have created new vantage points for spectators.
The courts will be put to good use in the upcoming twilight netball season. Council is working with Sport and Recreation Victoria and both clubs to plan for an official opening once COVID-19 restrictions have eased and sporting activities resume.
As stated by Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing MP
“These upgrades have made a massive difference to the quality and safety of the courts and will provide ongoing benefits to players and umpires for years to come. Investments like these also encourage more people to get involved in netball, which is great for competition, and it’s a brilliant result following years of advocacy to secure the funding.”
As stated by West Ward Cr Keith Cook
“We’re grateful for Sport and Recreation Victoria’s funding contribution, which has helped Council to deliver this upgrade to a highly used community facility. These upgrades will provide a tremendous boost to participation and provide Baw Baw with a high-quality venue for not only the local competitions, but for schools and the wider community to use as well.”
As stated by West Ward Cr Tricia Jones
“It’s fantastic to see the big changes that have been made to the courts, offering our local clubs with a great facility to enjoy for years to come. We’d also like to thank the Drouin and District Netball Association and the Drouin Hawks Netball Club for their contributions throughout the project.”
As stated by West Ward Cr Jessica O’Donnell
“This is a significant facility upgrade that will benefit both players and spectators. Thanks to the funding provided by Sport and Recreation Victoria, Council has been able to deliver this upgrade sooner and ensure that our sporting infrastructure can support our rapidly growing community.”
Images: Four netball courts have been extensively upgraded the Drouin Recreation Reserve thanks to funding from Sport and Recreation Victoria and Baw Baw Shire Council.
