Victorian Government Parliamentary Secretary for Sport Ms Danielle Green MP visited the North Park Sporting Precinct in Stawell today to meet with stakeholders and inspect works to upgrade the netball courts. The Victorian Government is contributing $1.85 million to the redevelopment through the Community Sports Infrastructure Stimulus Program supported by an additional $300,000 of Council funding: a total project investment of $2.15 million.
The redevelopment is an outcome of the 2011 Masterplan and 2018 Northern Grampians Shire Council Netball Strategy and the project was endorsed by Council in March this year. The court upgrade will benefit their home clubs – Swifts FNC and Stawell Interchurch – and visitors as well as Stawell FNC during pre-season.
Works commenced in August this year with the removal of the existing courts located at the Lamont Street end of the North Park precinct. Most recently at the site the project contractor Fieldform has been engaged in screwpiling and trenching with plumbing and electrical works to follow.
When complete the project will provide the netballing community with:
- Three reinforced concrete netball courts
- Lighting at 100 lux
- 1.5m wide pathways interconnecting spectators’ walkways with wheelchair/standing areas
- Two shelters with seating
- Fencing
The inspection was attended by Minister Green, representatives from Swifts FNC, Stawell Interchurch Netball Association, Fieldform Construction Manager and operators and Council staff.
Quotes attributable to Parliamentary Secretary for Sport Danielle Green:
“Sport precincts like North Park are an important hub in the community. Stawell residents deserve appropriate facilities they can be proud of.”
“Once complete, the new netball court upgrades will go a long way to inspiring even more locals to join in the fun at these local Stawell clubs who can soon welcome more women and girls to play on quality facilities.”
“Better facilities make it easier for Victorians to get back into local sport and recreation and live active and healthy lifestyles.”
Northern Grampians Shire Council Mayor, Cr Tony Driscoll welcomed Ms Green to the site and expressed Council’s gratitude for the support.
“Thank you to the State Government for making a substantial investment in improving our shire’s netball playing infrastructure.
“We had reached a critical point with these courts where only a complete court replacement would resolve the surface defects and other concerns. Wider footpaths and areas that make room for wheelchairs and prams is a much-appreciated step forward in accessibility for spectators and players.
“Netball is an integral part of community sport with a large following in our shire. The local community is very excited by this redevelopment and I know Swifts cannot wait to debut on these courts next season.”
