New netball courts coming to Paynesville

Paynesville’s netball facilities will be improved following a decision by East Gippsland Shire Council on Tuesday.

Facilities at the town’s AJ Freeman Reserve are currently limited to one full court for competition, a half court for training, storage shed, two small player shelters and limited seating for players, officials and spectators.

At its monthly meeting, Council was told the current facilities were insufficient for the number of people who wanted to play netball, limiting potential growth of the sport and opportunities for physical exercise.

Netball is the most popular sport for women and girls in the shire to play, with a significant uptake in the Paynesville area.

Council awarded a contract to Cranes Asphalting & Bitumen Sealing for $313,770.58 that will see the full and half netball courts upgraded to two full sized courts that meet competition standard.

Both courts will have new asphalt and lighting. The project also includes new seating and shelters and a new storage facility.

Upgrading the netball facilities is a priority project in the AJ Freeman Reserve management plan.

The improvements will allow two competition-level games to be played at the same time, as well as the flexibility to hold games and training at night.

It is estimated the upgrades will see an increase in the total participant hours for the netball courts in autumn and winter, and a major increase in spring and summer.