Council welcomes two major funding injections for local sporting hubs

Baw Baw Shire Council is celebrating two major funding wins following a State Government announcement last Friday afternoon of more than $1 million for upgrades at two local sporting precincts in Drouin. 

Through its Regional Community Sports Infrastructure Fund, the Victorian Government announced $1 million for the reconstruction and upgrade of the oval at Drouin Recreation Reserve, as well as $272,000 for the installation of new LED sport lighting at Bellbird Park Recreation Reserve in Drouin. 

This announcement will support Council to deliver the new playing surface at the Drouin oval, with Council also contributing up to $3.19 million to the project, as a major priority of its 2024/25 Annual Budget. 

The new playing surface at Drouin will eliminate current issues regarding drainage and water retention and introduce a new type of turf, TifTuf, the most drought tolerant couch grass on the market. 

Council plans to begin works at the oval in late September 2024, with the new surface expected to be ready in time for the 2025 season. 

Additionally, the installation of new lighting at Bellbird Park is a joint venture between Council and the State Government, with Baw Baw Shire also contributing $68,000, bringing the total value of this project to $340,000. This will see the installation of six new light towers to a height of 21.3m with a total of 16 LED light fittings installed for pitches three and four. 

Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing MP attended the Drouin Recreation Reserve on Friday afternoon to make these announcements, which are a major win for local sporting clubs in the area, including the Drouin Hawks Football Club, and the Drouin Dragons Soccer Club, who play out of these reserves.  Ms Shing said she was proud of the State Government's record investment.

“Across the region we are continuing our record investment in sporting facilities to increase participation, training, competition and build connections for people of all ages and abilities - this is all about bringing the best of communities together.”

The Regional Community Sports Infrastructure Fund encourages councils, clubs, and communities to work together to design the facilities their town wants, with a focus on getting more people involved regardless of their age, gender, or ability. 

Baw Baw Shire Mayor Cr Annemarie McCabe said these announcements were incredibly welcomed news and thanked the Victorian Government for its support towards Baw Baw’s recreation facilities. 

“The Drouin oval resurfacing was a major priority for Council and its fantastic to see the State Government supporting this project with $1 million in funding,” she said.  

“This project will have significant outcomes for local sporting groups, and I am very proud to deliver an upgraded playing surface that these clubs deserve.” 

“The new lights at Bellbird Park also means that all pitches in the Bellbird Park Precinct are now lit and available for the community and the club to enjoy.” 

Drouin Hawks Football Club President Chris Soumilas said the current oval at Drouin cannot cope with the amount of traffic it receives, due to the increasing local population and extra demand, and is grateful a new oval is on its way.  

Cr McCabe added that as the population in Baw Baw Shire increases, Council will continue to call on the State Government for support to fund additional infrastructure and community facilities throughout the area. 

“As I keep saying, Baw Baw Shire Council is one of the fastest growing regional local government areas in the state, and as more and more people choose Baw Baw to live, we want to be able to support our current and new residents with the facilities and services they need and deserve,” she said.