Warragul’s Western Park netball facilities are set to be fully redeveloped thanks to a $1.44 million funding boost from the Victorian Government.
Baw Baw Shire Council secured funding for the project through Sport and Recreation Victoria’s new $68 million Community Sports Infrastructure Stimulus Program.
At a total cost of $1.6 million, the shovel-ready project will provide netballers with a new female friendly player and umpire amenities pavilion and two upgraded netball courts.
The existing courts and small netball pavilion are no longer compliant with current sporting code requirements and are nearing the end of their useful life. The courts will be realigned to make better use of the space at the reserve to incorporate the new pavilion. Spectator viewing areas and lighting will also be fully upgraded to meet training standards across all courts.
Following extensive advocacy from both the Warragul Football and Netball Club and Warragul Industrials Football Netball Club, Council allocated $60,000 towards the design and investigation works in the 2019/20 Capital Works budget.
Council has worked closely with the Project Reference Group throughout the detailed design phase with consultants Idwala and BuildingDesigned assisting with the project development process.
The project is nearing readiness for tender development and Council is confident works can commence within the next six months.
As stated by Mayor Cr Danny Goss
“I would like to congratulate all those from Western Park who worked so hard to achieve this result. Their hard work has paid off! They worked very hard to show Council why this new facility was so badly needed. They then worked diligently with Council to formulate the plans. I can’t thank them enough and I would like to point out to others in the community that, correctly done, strong advocacy does work. We also express our utmost thanks to the State Government for their fantastic support. It is sincerely appreciated.”
As stated by Kelly Sheehan from Warragul Football and Netball Club
“The Warragul Football and Netball Club is absolutely ecstatic to receive this news. This funding will allow us to turn our plans for upgraded netball facilities into a reality. Current facilities have not been touched in my 20 plus years at the club, so an upgrade is going to be incredibly welcome! We are so grateful to the Councillors who have supported our proposal and the Recreation staff, for their brilliant work on the application. Council has been a pleasure to work with, throughout the entire process.”
As stated by Tanya Brereton from Warragul Industrials Football Netball Club
“The Warragul Industrials Football Netball Club are super excited that the Baw Baw Shire Council has been successful in obtaining this funding. The recreation team have been great to work with on this project and we are grateful for the support of the Councillors. It is some very welcome good news during what is a tough time for our club and community. The new facilities will give our players and families something to look forward to as well as provide the facilities that they will be proud of and that will enable them to participate in a safe and enjoyable environment.”
