Oval upgrades underway

THE transformation of Marty Busch Reserve in Sebastopol is continuing with the installation of new lighting, field resurfacing, and a turf cricket wicket at the number two oval.

The reserve will be a turf wicket venue option for Napoleons-Sebastopol Cricket Club and the Ballarat Cricket Association.

Some Ballarat Football Netball League women’s and junior matches will also be held on the oval.

The project, which is costing $1.85 million, is the first step of the City of Ballarat’s Marty Busch Reserve Master Plan that was adopted in April 2023.

“This project is going to make Marty Busch Reserve a fantastic sporting and recreation hub for the Sebastopol community,” said Cr Des Hudson.

“We are thrilled to get the ball rolling on the first phase of the Master Plan and look forward to working with the State Government to deliver further items along the way.”

The State Government will contribute $8.4 million towards additional projects and the City of Ballarat a further $1 million.

Next priorities of the plan will be an AFL and cricket changeroom pavilion, an electric scoreboard for the number two oval, upgrades to the netball court and lighting, five-bay cricket nets, a criterium cycling track, and the relocation of the CFA fire and Marshall track.

“We are investing millions of dollars to transform and upgrade Marty Busch Reserve. In doing so, we will deliver the sporting and recreational facilities the Sebastopol community deserves,” said Member for Wendouree, Juliana Addison.