King commits to soccer upgrades

SOCCER facilities in Creswick and Daylesford will get combined upgrades worth $1.2 million if a Federal Labor Government is re-elected on 3 May.

Member for Ballarat Catherine King announced that the funding pledge would help to pay for improvements at Victoria Park in Daylesford and the Doug Lindsay Recreation Reserve in Creswick.

The works would help to cater for significant growth in women and girls’ participation in soccer in the Hepburn Shire, she said.

The Doug Lindsay Recreation Reserve upgrade will include construction of additional female-friendly changing facilities for players and officials.

The Victoria Park, Daylesford, works will include reconfiguring the existing grounds to incorporate two senior-sized pitches to accommodate growth in junior and women’s participation.

“The Daylesford and Hepburn United Soccer Club has around 150 players, including 40 female players, and has been forced to cap its intake because current pitches cannot accommodate this growth,” Ms King said.

“Growth in female participation at Creswick Soccer Club means there is also an urgent need to expand female change facilities for players and officials.”

Ms King said that consistent with past practice, election commitments including these projects will be delivered in line with Commonwealth Grants Rules and Principles.

“A re-elected Albanese Labor Government will ensure that women and girls who play soccer in Hepburn Shire will have the facilities they need and deserve,” Ms King said.

“Too often women and girls are getting ready in men’s changerooms, the car or old sheds.

“It’s not fair and it’s not good enough. These two clubs have created welcoming and inclusive environments that women and girls want to be a part of, and I’m proud that a re-elected Albanese Labor Government will back them in this great work.”