Central Reserve redevelopments acknowledged
Published on 06 May 2022
Council welcomed the Hon. Dan Tehan MP, Federal Member for Wannon, and the Hon. Gayle Tierney MP, State Member for Western Victoria, to Colac today to acknowledge the completion of the Central Reserve Lighting and Netball Courts Redevelopment, as well as the Colac Otway Shire Cricket Pitch Replacement Project.
The Central Reserve Lighting and Netball Courts Redevelopment was made possible thanks to a $425,000 investment from the Australian Government, as part of its Building Better Regions Fund, $375,000 from the Victorian Government, as part of its Community Sports Infrastructure Fund, and a $243,000 contribution from Council.
“The oval lighting and netball court redevelopment project was a key priority of the Central Reserve Master Plan and helps with visibility, safety and for creating a more inclusive environment for participants,” said Mayor Kate Hanson. “Sport is so important for country towns and helps with active healthy lifestyles, as well as social and mental health benefits.”
The project also provides netball courtside spectator grandstand seating, helping more people enjoy the excitement of game day at Colac’s premier sporting facility.
The Colac Otway Shire Cricket Pitch Replacement Project was also acknowledged by Council and was made possible thanks to the $100,000 Victorian Government investment commitment as part of the 2021-22 State Budget.
This funding assisted the replacement of priority synthetic cricket pitches, as identified in the G21 and Cricket Victoria Barwon Regional Cricket Strategy: Central Reserve Hockey Field (women’s and junior venue), Alvie Recreation Reserve, Pirron Yallock Recreation Reserve, Elliminyt Recreation Reserve and Apollo Bay Recreation Reserve.
Council also provided $22,000 to the project, which was complimented by a $5,000 contribution from Alvie, Irrewarra, Apollo Bay and Stoneyford cricket clubs.
“The aim of this project was to provide high-quality, safe and welcoming environments for junior and senior men and women to play cricket,” said Mayor Kate Hanson. “We’re thrilled to have these pitches ready for community sport and look forward to seeing future cricket stars coming from our region.”