$3 million funding boost for Yarra Ranges sporting infrastructure

Sporting projects across Yarra Ranges will be ready for construction, following a significant funding announcement from the Federal Government.

On Tuesday 26 March Mr Smith announced $3 million for sporting facilities in a number of areas across Yarra Ranges.

The Wandin North pavilion and netball court improvements, Mount Evelyn sporting pavilion and Kimberley Reserve ground and lighting upgrade projects received $1 million in funding each through the funding announcement.

Yarra Ranges Mayor Tony Stevenson welcomed the funding, which he said would completely fund two of the projects.

“Sporting clubs are a vital part of any town, and I think we’d all know someone involved in their local clubs, whether it’s a friend, a neighbour or a family member,” Cr Stevenson said.

“For any sporting club, having good grounds and facilities is essential for giving your players the best experience and attracting new members.

“I’d like to thank Mr Smith for delivering this funding, which will ensure the Wandin North sporting pavilion and netball court improvements are fully funded and can move to the next stage.

“This funding will also cover upgrades to the sporting ovals at Kimberley Reserve to accommodate more foot traffic, a lighting upgrade to allow for night games and training, and renewed fences around both grounds as well as new cricket nets.”

Cr Stevenson said it was important to note that the funding announced was not tied to the upcoming election, meaning sporting clubs would have certainty that these projects would go ahead no matter what the election result is in May.

 “This will also give us a strong base to pursue more State Government funding for projects like the Mount Evelyn sporting pavilion, which needs a little more money to get across the line,” Cr Stevenson said.

He said Council had a strong focus on supporting pavilion redevelopments to ensure that they’re set up for all genders to enjoy sport and participate.

“The changing rooms at Mount Evelyn and Wandin North will be able to be used by both genders and will be fully compliant to Australian disability standards with full wheelchair access and access for other special needs such as sight issues, and by providing ambulant toilets with hand rails for people with mobility issues,” Cr Stevenson said. 

“The showers provided will be individual cubicles and they will be unisex too.

“Children and adults of all ages, genders and people of all abilities will be able to use the facilities.

“The clubs will be able to promote their female teams more widely now that more inclusive facilities are on the way, and start promoting the smaller junior teams that may have been mixed before.”

Caption: Steve Young, Nathan Simmons, Vice President John Wharton, President Adrian Birt, Cr Richard Higgins, Federal Member for Casey Tony Smith MP, Mayor Tony Stevenson, Brooke Slaney and Carly Robson.

Caption: Casey, Senior Club President Graeme Northey, James , Austin, Billie, Project Manager Mal Darke, Bridie, Junior Club President Anthony Burns, cricket club president Tim Heaphy

The Wandin North pavilion and netball court improvement project has now received $1 million from the Federal Government, $1 million from the State Government’s Community Sport and Infrastructure Fund and $150,000 in club contributions, with Council funding the remainder of the project cost.

The Mount Evelyn sporting pavilion project has now received $1 million from the Federal government, with State Government funding being actively pursued. Council will be funding up to $2.35 million of the $4.5 million project’s total cost.

 The Kimberley Reserve ground and lighting upgrade project is funded entirely from the Federal Government’s $1 million funding.