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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The money for the North Bendigo Recreation Reserve would be for a new pavilion and the Malone Park commitment for lighting upgrades.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
Mr Littleproud said these recreation reserves are the hub of community life with thousands of people involved.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
“Funding sports field lighting will significantly enhance women’s safety by providing well-lit environments, especially during evening sporting sessions.”<\/p>\n
Nationals candidate for Bendigo Andrew Lethlean said he was confident that better and safer community facilities would increase participation.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
The City of Greater Bendigo will contribute to the cost of the upgrades.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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. […]<\/p>\n