Sports facility boost for Bendigo

More people in Bendigo will be getting more active, more often, after the Victorian Government announced it would provide $1.05 million to develop a range of new sports facilities at Canterbury Park in Eaglehawk.

Victorian Minister for Sport and Recreation Hugh Delahunty said the funding would revitalise the Park by introducing two multi-purpose netball and tennis courts with lighting, redevelopment of the facilities under the grandstand, a new pavilion to support these courts, five multi-use training nets with lighting, a synthetic bowling green, events area, pedestrian access and car parking.

Minister Delahunty explained "Canterbury Park has played a vital role in bringing the local community closer together to support local clubs like Eaglehawk Football Netball Club, develop skills and build on community traditions and pride.

"This exciting new project worth over $5.1 million will rejuvenate the park and encourage even more participation in a wider range of sports at this much loved local park.

"Our investment in this project is part of our plan to build more sustainable local venues that make a real difference to local people."

Minister Delahunty said the funding included $650,000 from the Community Facility Funding Program Major Facility category and $400,000 pledged during the 2010 election campaign.

Visiting Bendigo on Friday (1st March), Minister Delahunty launched completed lighting upgrades at Strauch Recreation Reserve in Huntly and Raywood Recreation Reserve and also announced a further $100,000 of Victorian Government funding for new lights at Epsom Huntly Recreation Reserve.

Minister Delahunty added "the lights are a fantastic addition for the clubs based at these three Reserves, allowing local teams to make the most of the courts at Raywood and Strauch Reserves and the (football) pitches at Epsom Huntly Recreation Reserve, at night.

"With more opportunity to train, build team spirit, recruit members, host fundraisers and stage night games the 2013 season will be launched in the best possible way."

With the lighting projects, Minister Delahunty acknowledged the City of Greater Bendigo for its contribution of over $350,000 to all three projects and praised local sporting and community reserves associated with the grounds for contributing a further $49,500 to the upgrades, including $7,000 from the Strauch Reserve Committee, $5,000 from the Raywood Recreation Reserve Committee and $37,500 from Epsom Soccer Club towards the new Epsom Huntly Recreation Reserve lighting project.

For information on community sporting facility funding programs in Victoria go to www.sport.vic.gov.au

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