AT its recent council meeting, South Gippsland Shire Council reinforced its support for two major sport and reaction projects in the eastern end of the Shire.
On May 28, 2020, the Victorian Government opened applications to Sport and Recreation Victoria’s new $68 million Community Sports Infrastructure Stimulus Program. The Program is designed to build and upgrade community sports facilities across the state. The investment aims to support local sporting clubs, create jobs, and boost Victoria’s economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.
After consultation with community groups and Sport and Recreation Victoria, Council applied for a grant of $2,260,000 to support for the Foster Indoor Stadium Redevelopment project.
It also lent its support to an application by Wellington Shire Council for a grant of $5,850,000 for the Great Southern Rail Trail (GSRT) Welshpool to Alberton Extension project, which will join the Tarra Trail to the existing Leongatha to Welshpool section of the GSRT. Council already has funding to extend the GSRT from Leongatha to Korumburra and is hopeful of securing support to get the trail all the way to Nyora.
South Gippsland Shire Chair Administrator Julie Eisenbise said that the funding would provide an incredible boon for two much-loved recreation assets.
“Foster indoor stadium is a well-used community facility that supports a range of sporting groups including basketball, the Football-Netball Club, badminton and a gymnasium. It is also used by the University of the 3rd Age, Foster craft market, the Show Society and local school groups.
“Unfortunately, the Stadium is no longer fit for purpose. The court does not meet minimum compliance standards for basketball and the changeroom facilities are not accessible or well designed. The entry and other spaces lack storage and are not adequate to meet community need.
“The redevelopment will include providing a compliant basketball court, changeroom upgrade, dry program area, meeting rooms, kitchen/kiosk, storage space, exterior building beautification and formalised carparking. We’re hopeful that Sport and Recreation Victoria will support our application.
“We’re also hopeful that Wellington will be successful with its application for Great Southern Rail Trail funding. The GSRT has always been a key community recreation asset, but throughout the pandemic its value has been amplified with those community members I’ve spoken to,” said Ms Eisenbise.To view all of Council’s media releases please visit: www.southgippsland.vic.gov.au/media
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