The completion of the Lethbridge Lighting and Irrigation project was marked last night with representatives from the Victorian Government, Australian Government, Golden Plains Shire Council and the Lethbridge Reserve Committee of Management.
Following a Lethbridge Rosellas Junior Football Club training session, the $450,000 project was officially opened by Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle MP, Senator for Victoria Sarah Henderson, Golden Plains Shire Mayor Cr Helena Kirby and Secretary of the Lethbridge Reserve Committee of Management and Lethbridge Junior Football Club Sharon Boyd.
The Lethbridge Lighting and Irrigation project involved the installation of four new lighting towers at Lethbridge Recreation Reserve and a subsurface irrigation system. Works were completed in June and have delivered a quality community sport facility catering for junior sport in Lethbridge, with the new lighting to AFL training standards (50 lux) enabling the increased use of the facility, as well as providing further opportunities for quality physical activity for the township’s children. The subsurface irrigation works addressed safety issues for users, through improving the surface condition of the oval. Works included the installation of an automatic irrigation system, tanks and pumps.
The $450,000 project was a partnership project between all three tiers of government, with $250,000 from the Victorian Government’s Local Sport Infrastructure Fund, $100,000 from the Australian Government’s Community Development Grants Program, and $100,000 from Council.
Quotes from Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle MP
“With grassroots sports back now in full swing, more than ever clubs like the Rosellas need quality facilities they can depend on. The new lighting and irrigation system will go a long way to inspiring even more locals to join in local sport, with local sport now having the facilities they need to welcome more women and girls, train longer, and compete.
“Better facilities make it easier for Victorians to get back into local sport and recreation and live active and healthy lifestyles.”
Quotes from Senator for Victoria Sarah Henderson
“In 2019 the Morrison Government made a $100,000 election commitment to light up Lethbridge Recreation Reserve, such a vital facility for the Lethbridge community.
“Regional sport is the lifeblood of our local communities, and this $100,000 grant through the Community Development Grants Program will support more than 70 junior players to train and play matches in all weather and into the evening.”
Quotes from Golden Plains Shire Mayor Cr Helena Kirby
“It is great to return to Lethbridge to mark the completion of the Lethbridge Lighting and Irrigation project, following funding for the project from the Australian Government in 2019, and from the Victorian Government in 2020.
“Council is grateful to have been able to partner with our state and federal Governments to deliver this exciting project, which will provide great benefits for the Rosellas and locals in Lethbridge.”
Pictured above: Golden Plains Shire Mayor Cr Helena Kirby, Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle MP and Senator for Victoria Sarah Henderson with members from the Lethbridge Rosellas Junior Football Club at Lethbridge Recreation Reserve shortly before the lights were turned on.