Funding for major sporting redevelopments

Published on 24 May 2022

West Wimmera Shire Council has received more than $800,000 from the State Government to complete vital sporting upgrades in the shire.

Council was successful in grant applications for three sporting projects, as part of the State Government’s 2021-22 Local Sports Infrastructure Fund.

Through this funding, the State Government is helping communities transform sports venues by building female-friendly change facilities and active recreation infrastructure.

Projects funded in West Wimmera Shire include a new pavilion at Edenhope Equine Facility; new netball and tennis courts, including lighting at Apsley; and the development of a West Wimmera Sport and Recreation Strategy.

The Edenhope Equine Facility project will involve constructing a new, much-needed pavilion that will include toilets, showers, change rooms, all-accessible facilities, first-aid room, and an office.

The building will allow the facility’s volunteers to better accommodate user groups, run more events and competitions, and attract new members.

The total cost of the project is $478,000, which includes $250,000 from the State Government, $200,000 from West Wimmera Shire Council and $28,000 from the community, including the Edenhope Adult Riding Club and Apsley Pony Club.

The redevelopment of the Apsley Recreation Reserve will include the demolition and removal of the current, non-compliant and unsafe netball and tennis courts.

Two new netball courts and three new tennis courts will then be constructed, and new lighting will be installed.

This project also includes new accessible footpaths and parking facilities.

The total cost of this project is $833,179, including $555,452 from the State Government, and $200,000 from West Wimmera Shire $227,727 and $50,000 from the community.

The third project to receive funding is the development of a West Wimmera Sport and Recreation Strategy.

The strategy will identify the current and future needs of sport and active recreation across West Wimmera Shire.

It will be used to guide policy, planning frameworks, and the development and delivery of sport and recreation infrastructure, programming, and services for 2023-2033.

The total cost of this project is $57,000, which includes $30,000 from the State Government and $27,000 from Council.

Council Chief Executive Officer David Bezuidenhout said the funding was a major boost for the shire.

“We are looking forward to working with the community groups on these exciting projects,” he said.

“We thank the State Government for delivering funds to these vital upgrades.”