Budding netball and hockey players can now showcase their skills on brand new courts and pitches at the WORLD Sporting Precinct in Bairnsdale, backed by the Victorian Government.
Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh today welcomed the recent opening of the WORLD Sporting Precinct, made possible thanks to a more than $5.6 million government investment package and a $5 million loan from the Community Sports Infrastructure Loans Scheme.
With grassroots sports booming in Bairnsdale, the new facilities provide more courts and pitches to take local competition to a whole new level.
Works at the Precinct have delivered eight netball courts with 200 lux LED lighting, player shelters and fencing. Four of the eight courts have lines to support multisport activities including futsal.
These are a game changer for the more than 900 members of the Bairnsdale Netball Association and provide more space for grassroots netball to grow and stage the big events.
The two new hockey pitches, one synthetic and one natural, provide a great new base for the Bairnsdale Hockey Club to build on training and development programs, local competition and memberships.
The Precinct also comes complete with a female-friendly hockey and netball pavilion with four changerooms, umpire rooms, baby change facilities, accessible amenities, kiosk, kitchen, social space, and dedicated storage spaces for both hockey and netball.
And it’s not just local sports that benefit, the Precinct is available for a range of community activities from casual play to school sport carnivals.
Future works also include the rollout of two new soccer pitches with lighting and player shelters, as well as a fit-for-purpose soccer pavilion set to boost local football and benefit growing numbers at the East Gippsland United Football Club.
The Victorian Government has invested more than $2.3 billion in community sport and recreation infrastructure over the past decade.
Tom McIntosh MP acknowledged the Federal Government for its more than $4.4 million contribution to the project, and East Gippsland Shire for its more than $2.4 million, in addition to its commitment to repay the $5 million loan.
For more information about infrastructure grant opportunities available through the Victorian Government, visit sport.vic.gov.au.
Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh
“The WORLD Sporting Precinct is a first-class venue, and means that locals of all ages can get the most out of their sports.”
“This new multisport venue opens up more participation opportunities for the whole community including local Bairnsdale hockey, netball, and futsal, keeping locals fit and healthy as well.”
Quotes attributable to East Gippsland Hockey Association Offical Beck Corben
“The opening of the first stages of the WORLD Precinct was a success last Thursday afternoon.”
“Members from netball spoke about the opportunity for players to develop and the ability to host events in the near future.”
“The need for the synthetic field is much needed to allow development for teams and individuals to keep up with the competitors from around the state, including those in metropolitan areas. This would allow hockey to also hold events and bring more visitors and income to the region.”
