Upgrades pitched for Marty Busch

SEBASTOPOL sporting hub Marty Busch Reserve could see more than eight million dollars’ worth of upgrades if a State Labor government is re-elected this month.

Yesterday, Labor candidate and the Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison promised $8.4 million for facility and infrastructure upgrades at the reserve.

This project would aim to improve its appeal and functionality for hundreds of weekly users, including CFA volunteers, footy players, cyclists, BMX riders, netballers, cricketers, frisbee players, and the spectators supporting them.

Ms Addison said the works would be “transformative” across the ovals, netball courts, the cycling facilities, and fire tracks.

“This is community renewal at the grassroots, and it’s going to be so significant to Sebastopol families, many of which have three generations involved in sport at Marty Bush,” she said.

“We’ve upgraded Alfredton Recreation Reserve and Russell Square, we’ve done this for Wendouree West Recreation Reserve, and now it’s time to do this for Sebastopol.

“I’m so incredibly proud of this project because we know that when you invest in sports and rec, you have such incredible health promotion benefits.

“There was a La Trobe University study that said for every $1 you spend on sports and rec, you save more than $4 from your health budget. This is about keeping people fit, healthy, and living socially connected lives.”

Upgrading Marty Busch Reserve is a priority project for the City of Ballarat. The space has ovals, club rooms, netball courts, cricket nets, a velodrome and BMX track.

It is home to the Ballarat Sebastopol Cycling, Sebastopol Football-Netball, and Napoleons Sebastopol Cricket clubs, and is regularly used by local CFA brigades.