AusLeisure

The City of Greater Bendigo’s draft 2020/2021 Budget will fund upgrades to sports and recreation infrastructure across Greater Bendigo.

Projects include the commencement of a new pavilion at Kennington Recreation Reserve (Harry Trott Oval), in partnership with the State Government which has contributed $2million toward the project; tennis court renewal at Eaglehawk; and design of a junior oval and renewal of oval lighting at Strauch Recreation Reserve Huntly.

Other projects include the construction of cricket nets at White Hills (subject to a State Government grant application), a new spectator shelter and replacement of the synthetic soccer pitch at Epsom Huntly Recreation Reserve, and stage 1 of renewal works at Tom Flood oval.

The Budget also implements stage 1 of the Wolstencroft Reserve Masterplan and renewal of the Grevillea Road playspace in Huntly.

Geelong Mayor Margaret O’Rourke said Councillors had focused on progressing projects and priorities named in the Community Plan that support residents to live healthy, active and connected lives and noted “sport and recreation facilities are a fundamental part of community life in Greater Bendigo and it’s important we keep upgrading these facilities to keep them in good condition.

“With a growing population, our sporting facilities are being used more and more, so Council has used its final Budget to deliver these priority recreation projects and ensure a range of communities and sporting groups benefit.

“These projects, along with all the other capital or renewal works this Budget funds, will also continue to support the local economy through the use of various local contractors.

“Council will also continue to lobby the State and Federal Governments to fund similar additional projects that will further benefit the local economy and community.”

To support local sporting clubs impacted by COVID-19, the draft Budget proposes to reduce rent/fees for affected community and sporting groups using Council-owned land/grounds and a 50% reduction in commercial rent for affected Council tenants from 30^th June 2020 to 31^st December 2020.

To view the draft Budget, go to www.bendigo.vic.gov.au/budget

Related Articles

17th May 2020 - Initiative launched to help grassroots sport navigate COVID-19 crisis

17th May 2020 - New Zealand budget includes $265 million for sport and recreation

14th May 2020 - Tasmanian Government commits to supporting sport and recreation sector

13th May 2020 - Community aquatic, recreation and sport industry alliance seeks 12-month stimulus package from Federal and state governments

12th May 2020 - Industry alliance provides guidance on community aquatic, recreation and sport operations in eased Coronavirus environment

7th May 2020 - Tasmanian Government announces sport and recreation organisations benefiting from support package

7th May 2020 - Sport NZ announces $25 million short-term relief package for clubs and regional organisations

---

Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.