Further funding for Ararat Active Link announced

Minister Eren was joined by Ararat Rural City Council Mayor, Cr Gwenda Allgood and representatives from the Skate Park Committee to officially declare the upgrades complete.

Minister Eren also made the exciting announcement of $250,000 from the Community Sports Infrastructure Fund towards Ararat Active Link Stage 2 at the Bill Waterson Skate Park.

Ararat Rural City Council will contribute $126,000 towards the project which will see a multipurpose court, a 300 metre multi-use path including a built-in cycling loop, and a three-metre bouldering wall designed in consultation with Sport Climbing Victoria.

Minister Eren said it will provide the perfect base for community members to test their skills in a range of new recreational activities and provide even more reason for families and visitors to get active at the centre.

“Parks and sports venues are the heart of our communities, especially in regional centres like Ararat,” he said.

“We’re ensuring our communities stay healthy by giving regional Victorians the facilities they need to enjoy the sports and activities that they love.”

Cr Allgood was delighted with the funding announcement.

"This has been a project that Council identified as a priority during 2017 and to see (stage 1) come to fruition is an extremely proud moment for me and my fellow councillors," she said.

"What has been created is a fantastic new tourist attraction which has been getting attention across the state and even nationally.

"We are the talk of the town at other skate parks and that is thanks to the vision of the Skate Park Committee, led by John Cranstoun and Shane Allgood, who have spent an enormous amount of volunteer hours chasing sponsorship and donations and attending project meetings."

"We look forward to further developing the Ararat Active Link in the future as we work towards completing our master plan which includes even more fabulous activities for people of all ages."