Golden Plains Shire Council welcomes the news that the Leighdale Equestrian Centre Upgrade and Bannockburn Victoria Park Ovals Safety Netting projects have secured funding from the Victorian Government.
Announced by Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney last week, Council will receive $339,296 for the two projects from the Victorian Government’s 2021 Local Sports Infrastructure Fund.
The Leighdale Equestrian Centre Upgrade project will see a new 70 x 24 metre undercover equestrian arena with spectator seating, water tanks and minimum 150 lux lighting constructed, as well as an upgrade of the area surface. The project will allow greater use of the facility outside peak times and improve safety at the site, which is one of two equestrian centres in Golden Plains. With predominantly female participants, the $537,000 project in Teesdale has received $318,296 from the Local Sports Infrastructure Fund’s Female Friendly Facilities category. In addition, Council will contribute $199,000 to the project, with $10,000 from the Leighdale Equestrian Centre Committee and $10,000 from the Inverleigh Riding Club completing the funding for this partnership project.
The $50,000 Bannockburn Victoria Park Ovals Safety Netting project includes the installation of two 10 x 25 metre protector range netting bays behind the southern goals on both ovals. The netting will improve spectator and participant safety, and prevent damage and loss of balls into the netball courts and parked vehicles. Council has secured $21,000 from the Local Sports Infrastructure Fund’s Scoreboards and Fixed Equipment category, which will be complemented by $19,000 from Council and $6,000 from the Bannockburn Football Netball Club and Bannockburn Cricket Club.
Golden Plains Shire Mayor Cr Helena Kirby says the funding will make the two projects a reality and thanks the Victorian Government for its significant contribution.
“Council welcomes the exciting news that the Leighdale Equestrian Centre Upgrade and Bannockburn Victoria Park Ovals Safety Netting projects will be delivered. The State Government has invested significant funding which will partner with money from Council and the local sporting clubs and committees to upgrade these popular recreational facilities.
“The upgrade of Leighdale Equestrian Centre will be a terrific project for the facility’s users and the Teesdale community. This project was born out of the site’s Masterplan which was adopted last year and will help ensure the centre can cater for the current growth in participants and events.
“We are pleased funding has been secured for the Bannockburn Victoria Park Ovals Safety Netting project, which will complement the lighting and netball court upgrades that have been completed in recent years.”
Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney announced the successful funding last week.
“Congratulations to the Leighdale Equestrian Centre and all the sporting clubs at Victoria Park Recreation Reserve. This boost will go a long way to support the growing number of people keen to get involved in local sport and recreation.
“Local clubs bring so many of us together. This is a great example of how the Victorian Government is making sport and recreation more accessible, welcoming and inclusive for more Victorians.
“The Victorian Government is giving communities like ours the facilities they need so more locals can play the sports they love.”