In what is possibly the largest sporting project in East Gippsland, the $10.7 million redevelopment project at the WORLD sporting precinct has received a Federal Government grant.
Announced oncourt by Member for Gippsland, Darren Chester, last Friday, the Federal Government is chipping in $5.36 million for the upgrades, which will see more netball courts, a better surface and plenty of other benefits for local netball, hockey and soccer players.
Dedicated WORLD (Women’s Organisation for Recreation Leisure and Development) committee members, Fran Fitzimon, Robyn Dunkley and Jodie Stevenson, have worked hard on keeping the project front-of-mind for all involved for almost 15 years.
“We’ve waited a long time for this, we want to start now,” Fran Fitzsimmon said.
Mr Chester said it was the largest Building Better Regions Fund grant secured in Gippsland in his memory.
“It’s a credit to the community for pulling together such a great project and making it happen,” Mr Chester said.
“The facilities are tired and some don’t meet modern standards. To avoid injury and to encourage more people to play we need to provide a safe facility where people can enjoy their sport.”
He said in the aftermath of the drought, bushfires and coronavirus pandemic, the focus must be on jobs.
“Funding like this will help create new opportunities in the long and short term,” Mr Chester said.
The netballers are looking forward to having eight courts, upgraded shared change rooms with toilets and showers, along with lights and three courts with a sunken base and viewing area.
The project also includes new lighting and amenities for the main hockey pitch, four netball courts marked for futsal and netball; a soccer precinct with a dedicated pavilion and two pitches with lighting; car parking and new walkways and connections to the Bairnsdale Aquatic and Recreation Centre and Bairnsdale Secondary College.
Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, said full credit must go to Mr Chester, the Federal Government and also the council for fully funding the project.
“As part of our bushfire recovery I am hoping to attract similar levels of state funds for various other projects in our region including the Metung Hot Springs and a significant lump sum for Bullock Island, projects that will assist our recovery,” Mr Bull said.
“The Premier talked a big game about helping us recover and as I said in Parliament last week, its time to deliver. I am seeking a $20 million commitment for infrastructure in our region.”
East Gippsland Shire Council mayor, Cr John White, said it was a significant day for the project, led by East Gippsland Shire Council, and the future of community sport in Bairnsdale and East Gippsland.
“When fully constructed, the WORLD will provide a great home for over 750 netballers, 630 soccer players and 50 hockey players, most of whom are juniors, allowing these sports to grow,” Cr White said.
“It will be a great day when the project is complete, and the Bairnsdale Netball Association and Bairnsdale Hockey Club are joined by East Gippsland United Football Club (soccer) and Bairnsdale Soccer Club (futsal) at the precinct.”
Cr White said council was seeking matching funding from the Victorian Government to progress the important project.
IMAGE: Young under 11 netballers, Jemma Gibbons, 10, and Molly East, 9, with East Gippsland Shire Council mayor, Cr John White, Federal Member for Gippsland, Darren Chester and State Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull. Watching on are Bairnsdale Netball Association’s Fran Fitzimons, Robyn Dunkley and Jodie Stevenson.
