Major Boost for Recreation Reserves in Baw Baw

Major Boost for Recreation Reserves in Baw Baw

Published on 01 March 2019

Recreation facilities in the Baw Baw Shire received a major boost with Harriet Shing MP announcing the State Government is to partner with Council to deliver two key projects.

At an event at the Darnum Recreation Reserve on Thursday evening, Ms Shing announced State Government funding to enable the delivery of a brand new, female friendly netball pavilion including netball and AFL umpires’ space at Darnum.

Funding for a second project, an oval redevelopment at the Neerim South Recreation Reserve was also announced.

Current facilities at Darnum Recreation Reserve are outdated with no separate facilities for both males and females.  The new development will see the demolition of the existing netball shelter and the construction of a new netball pavilion complete with player and umpire change rooms and amenities, accessible toilets, baby change facilities, storage space, administration space and kitchenette.

The oval at the Neerim South Recreation Reserve is the only oval in the growing town of Neerim South, and over time has suffered from over use.  This project will see the oval shaped, a sand base added, sub-surface drainage installed, a pop-up irrigation system and the oval re-sown with rye grass.

Along with the oval upgrade works, it is proposed to upgrade the existing synthetic cricket wicket surface, install a new chain mesh perimeter fence, and new football goals to suit AFL standards.

In addition to the State Government funding, the AFL have also joined with Council to contribute towards the Neerim South oval redevelopment.  A full breakdown of funding and each partners contribution is outlined below.

Darnum Recreation Reserve Netball Pavilion Sport and Recreation Victoria            $500,000 Baw Baw Shire Council                      $400,000 Total                                                   $900,000 Neerim South Recreation Reserve Oval Redevelopment Sport and Recreation Victoria            $250,000 AFL                                                     $  70,000 Baw Baw Shire Council                      $380,000 Total                                                   $700,000 Quotes attributable to Mayor Cr Mikaela Power

“Local sporting clubs are the heartbeat of many regional communities, just like ours. These projects are a further example of our commitment to further developing dynamic, vibrant and inclusive communities and enhancing our community’s quality of life.”

“Many of the sporting change rooms in our Shire were built some time ago with the player amenities catering predominantly for male use only. As a Council we are determined to ensure all our facilities cater for everyone.”

Quotes attributable to Cr Peter Kostos

“This new development will transform the sporting and recreation landscape for females in the Darnum community now and into the future with the bonus of ensuring inclusion of umpire facilities.”

“The Neerim South Recreation Reserve oval is the only oval in a growing township which services the entire community, including seven local user groups and sporting clubs, as well as two local schools.”

“A redeveloped oval will lead to improved participation numbers, player safety and satisfaction now and into the future.”

Harriet Shing MP and Mayor Cr Mikaela Power present a cheque for $900,000 to the Nilma Darnum Football Netball Club.

 

Harriet Shing MP and Mayor Cr Mikaela Power present a cheque for $700,000 to the Nilma Darnum Football Netball Club.