A new skate park, revamped multipurpose courts and a major irrigation upgrade are highlights of a $143,000 funding package for sports facilities across the Swan Hill district.
Sports Minister James Merlino visited Lake Boga Primary School today to announce the works that will provide a major boost to community sport.
“Victorians love their sport and that’s why we’re investing heavily in grassroots sporting infrastructure to ensure our communities are strong, happy, healthy and active,” Mr Merlino said.
“By both developing and upgrading local sport and recreation facilities we continue to provide greater opportunities for local people to get active and involved in community sport.”
Mr Merlino said the Victorian Government funding package included:
- $56,000 to surface two new multipurpose courts with an acrylic hard court surface, and install new fencing and lighting at Lake Boga Primary School;
- $60,000 for a new skate park at Woorinen South; and
- $27,600 towards an upgrade of the irrigation system at Swan Hill Showgrounds.
“The new acrylic surface at the Lake Boga Primary courts will be used for a range of sports including netball, futsal, hockey and volleyball,” Mr Merlino said.
“The proposed new skate park in Woorinen South will also open up for a great option for young people who aren’t into traditional rural sports like football and netball.”
Mr Merlino said the new irrigation system at Swan Hill Showgrounds would be more reliable and water efficient, saving the community between three and five mega litres of water each year and ensuring the Reserve continues to be the centre piece of sport in the Central Murray district.
”By investing in quality and water efficient facilities like these, we are not just saving water, but providing more options for locals to stay active and saving community sport from the big dry; ensuring it thrives, regardless of the weather,” Mr Merlino said.
He congratulated Swan Hill Shire Council for contributing over $77,000 to the projects, and the Woorinen South and Lake Boga communities for generous donations and in-kind support.
“We want all Victorians to experience the benefits of an active lifestyle which is why we’re working closely with councils and their communities to develop quality, accessible and water efficient local sporting facilities,” Mr Merlino said.
“Working together we can ensure local grounds can continue to be a focal point not just for the development of grassroots sports, but also provide a range of opportunities for the whole community.”
The Victorian Government has invested more than $190 million through the Community Facilities Funding Program for more than 2,000 community facility across Victoria since 2000.