Brimbank council has signed off on its plan to help guide sports facility funding for the future.
The Sports Facility Development Plan, endorsed at last week’s council meeting, outlines the municipality’s plans for new facilities, ground and pavilion upgrades, lighting and parking improvements, and more female-friendly facilities.
Pavilions at Errington Reserve (St Albans), More Park Nature Reserve (Ardeer), Delahey Recreation Reserve, Bon Thomas Reserve (Deer Park) and Lloyd Reserve (Sunshine) will be the priority for funding in the next five years, while Lionheart Reserve, Parsons Reserve and Green Gully Reserve will be among pavilions to be upgraded between 2023 to 2028.
Added to the plan, following community consultation, are upgrades to the Kevin Flint Reserve changerooms to make them more female-friendly, upgraded lighting at Sassella Park Athletics Track and Kings Park Bowls and ground developments to Sydenham Park.
Speaking at last week’s council meeting, Cr John Hedditch said increased participation in sport needed to be a council priority and upgraded facilities were a key ingredient.
“This plan really does outline the important role that sport plays in our community,” Cr Hedditch said.
“It’s also really clear that increased participation must be a priority goal for this council.
“We have to get people more active, and I think the Growing Brimbank research and evidence has shown that quite dramatically for a long time.
“We have a huge need for better facilities, and also for support from state and federal governments to help us, because we are behind. That sort of funding does have huge benefits for the community in building community pride and giving the same sporting opportunities that other communities have.”
Also added to the final plan is a recommendation for the council to undertake an indoor courts feasibility study to determine if additional indoor facilities are needed in Brimbank to meet future demand.
