Excitement grows as reserve overhaul moves ahead

WORK on the makeover of Sebastopol sporting hub Marty Busch Reserve has been given an official nod of approval after an inspection of progress earlier this week.

Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and the City of Ballarat’s Cr Ted Lapkin toured the facility on Monday, with both expressing enthusiasm for the upgrades.

Funded by the City and the State Government, the overhaul involves seven different projects as part of the implementation of the reserve’s master plan.

Since the facility was last officially inspected in March, a new netball court and adjoining lighting upgrades have been completed and are in full use.

New cricket nets are being built now and are expected to be ready for the coming cricket season.

Also during Monday’s inspection, the City revealed concept designs of new changerooms and a pavilion overlooking the number two oval, known as the Dick Fleming Oval.

That facility will provide two separate changing rooms including toilets and showers in line with AFL Victoria guidelines, separate rooms for umpires and timekeepers, a kiosk and kitchen, a social space, an office, an undercover viewing area, and a car park.

A tender for construction is expected to be issued before the end of the year, with a view to construction starting early next year.

The State Government has committed $8.4 million towards the project, with the City contributing $1.026 million.

The master plan was adopted by councillors in April 2023.

“We had a real vision of what Marty Busch Reserve could become and we are thrilled to see the evolution of the sporting precinct,” Cr Lapkin said.

“From footy and netball to cricket and cycling, there are so many different uses of this area and it will become a vital recreation hub for generations to come.”

Ms Addison, who officially launched the new competition court, said the project would transform the precinct and described it as “a real gamechanger for Sebastopol.”

“This is about the whole community, no matter what (sport) you play,” she said. “This is a community investment that’s going to make a real difference to the whole of Sebastopol and beyond.

“Sebastopol is one of Ballarat’s fastest growing suburbs, (and) more than ever quality sport and recreation facilities are essential to the health and wellbeing of all.”

Sebastopol Football Netball Club president Chenay Wilkinson said the investment in the netball facilities had been particularly beneficial.

The work had allowed many more girls to play the sport at various age levels, and Ms Wilkinson said the overall development would be “amazing” for the community.

The overhaul has already seen a complete resurfacing of the number two oval, along with new lighting and a new electronic scoreboard.

Design work on a new criterium cycling track, as well as the upgrade and relocation of the CFA fire and marshall track continues, with construction expected to start later in 2026.