Local sports facilities receive project funding boost
August 5, 2021
Colac Otway Shire Council has welcomed the State Government funding announcement of $250,000 toward an upgrade of oval sports lighting at the Birregurra Recreation Reserve and $25,000 for a new electronic scoreboard at Colac’s Lake Oval.
Shire Mayor Kate Hanson said the funding announcement made by Member for Western Victorian Gayle Tierney was a win for the community and local sporting clubs.
“This funding will provide the Birre Recreation Reserve with an upgrade of the oval sports lighting to 100 lux, making for safer football training at night. This follows on from the upgrade of the netball/tennis courts and its lighting completed in 2018.
“With the current oval lighting, only a small section of the ground is lit, the upgrade will mean all of the oval surface can be utilised, reducing wear and tear in areas of the ground.
“The Birre oval is central to the town and attracts a lot of use for community events and sporting groups throughout the year, delivering benefits to the wider local community.
“Improved safety and facilities are likely to attract more people to sports and other night time activities and encourage greater participation in junior and all-gender sports too,” Cr Hanson said.
In addition to the State Government funding of $250,000, Colac Otway Shire Council will contribute $80,000 toward the lighting upgrade project along with the Birregurra Football Netball Club who will contribute $55,000.
The Victorian Government funding will also contribute towards a new electronic score board at the Lake Oval, one of Colac’s principal cricket grounds.
Cr Hanson said the installation of a new electronic scoreboard would benefit the community and the many users of the Lake Oval.
“Colac’s Lake Oval has the highest rate of participation of all cricket clubs in the shire with nine sides across all grades within the Colac & District Cricket Association, including two female teams.
“The ground is used extensively over the summer for cricket and during the winter by the Colac District Football Umpires Association for umpire training.
“The scoreboard that’s there now isn’t easily seen by players and spectators. A new electronic scoreboard will provide user groups with sponsorship opportunities and will also be able to display score updates from other venues and club matches taking place at the same time.
“Funding for both these projects will provide improved facilities for players, members and volunteers, encouraging the community to come together and be involved in local sports and events.
Funding for these projects is through the Victorian Government’s 2021 Local Sports Infrastructure Fund.
Council Enquiries
(03) 5232 9400