More South Gippsland sportspeople can now take their game to the next level, thanks to a range of upgrades across local community sport facilities, backed by the Victorian Government. 

Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh MP today joined South Gippsland Shire Council Mayor, Cr Nathan Hersey, and community representatives at Loch & District Bowling Club for a virtual event to celebrate the opening of several projects, made possible by more than $1.1 million in combined funding from the Victorian Government.  

At the bowling club, the 135 plus members can look forward to playing on a new synthetic green made possible with $210,000 from the Local Sports Infrastructure Fund. Saving on water and maintenance, the new green will ensure players can get the most out of the greens at the popular club all year round.  

Also supported by the Fund with more than $207,000, the Meeniyan Recreation Reserve now has 100 lux LED sports field lighting and new goal posts. The upgrades will be a game changer for the Meeniyan Dumbalk United Football Netball Club - providing the opportunity to expand training hours and host night games.  

At Foster Showgrounds, oval upgrades include installation of a new irrigation system, drainage improvements and a new surface. Together they help weatherproof the ground, providing a more reliable fixture for the Foster Tigers Football Netball Club to build on numbers and increase local participation. 

The new scoreboard also adds a whole new dimension to the player and fan experience at the ground, showcasing achievements on the big screen. Funding of $30,000 for the scoreboard came from the Local Sports Infrastructure Fund and $150,000 for the oval upgrades came from the Country Football and Netball Program. 

At the Toora Recreation Reserve and the Walter J Tuck Recreation Reserve, new 100 lux LED sports field lighting, backed by $200,000 from the Country Football and Netball Program, will ensure the Toora Magpies Football Netball Club and Mirboo North Tigers Football Netball Club can use the grounds well into the evening 

New 100 lux LED sports field lighting has also been installed at Korumburra Recreation Reserve providing more playing time for Korumburra City Soccer Club and the Korumburra Cobras Cricket Club, and more chances to get locals in on the action. The lighting was made possible by a $400,000 investment from the Victorian Government.  

These investments are part of the more than $1.9 billion the Victorian Government has invested in community sport and recreation infrastructure since 2014, helping to create jobs, stimulate local economies, and improve the health, wellbeing, and social outcomes for Victorian communities. 

Mr McIntosh acknowledged the Australian Government, South Gippsland Shire Council and local clubs and communities for their financial contributions and commitment to delivering the various projects. 

For more information about grant opportunities available through the Victorian Government visit sport.vic.gov.au  

Quote attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh MP 

“Sport is the lifeblood of many communities in South Gippsland. These upgrades to our sporting venues will make it so much easier to get active and take part in local sport and recreation.”