Nats, Libs pledge $3.5m for sports upgrades

A COALITION government has committed to spend $3.5 million upgrading sports reserves in North Bendigo and Marong if it wins the 3 May election.

Nationals leader David Littleproud was in Bendigo earlier this week and pledged the sum as part of a plan to boost participation, improve female-friendly facilities, and support practical crime prevention initiatives.

Mr Littleproud allocated $3 million for Stage 2 of the North Bendigo Recreation Reserve redevelopment and $500,000 to upgrades at Marong’s Malone Park.

The money for the North Bendigo Recreation Reserve would be for a new pavilion and the Malone Park commitment for lighting upgrades.

Unite the North spokesperson Andrew Gibbs said the money would be a game-changer for the North Bendigo Football Netball Club and the Bendigo Cricket Club.

“It will allow us to cater for both males and females and give them separate toilets, additional change rooms, umpire change rooms, a kitchen, kiosk and storage area, plus an outdoor undercover viewing area,” he said.

Mr Littleproud said these recreation reserves are the hub of community life with thousands of people involved.

“Improving the facilities will allow the clubs to cater for more juniors and installing lights will improve safety for people exercising in the evenings,” he said.

“Funding sports field lighting will significantly enhance women’s safety by providing well-lit environments, especially during evening sporting sessions.”

Nationals candidate for Bendigo Andrew Lethlean said he was confident that better and safer community facilities would increase participation.

“Our football, netball and cricket clubs are a centre for community life but the facilities are not up to standard in several locations and we are determined to increase participation in positive physical activities,” he said.

“The volunteers do a great job but it’s beyond their capacity to fund such significant upgrades, and I welcome the Coalition’s commitment to invest in new and improved facilities across the region which will increase participation levels.

“An increase in crime and anti-social behaviour in Bendigo has emerged as a critical issue in this campaign and we know that sport can build values like respect, teamwork and resilience.”

The City of Greater Bendigo will contribute to the cost of the upgrades.