Games on as courts reopen

THE upgrade of Rokewood Recreation Reserve’s netball and tennis courts has been completed, with the official opening last Saturday.

The courts feature newssurfacing, markings for both sports, along with new lighting, undercover benches and storage space.

Member for Eureka, Michaela Settle, attended the opening and said the more than $750,000 project was important.

“I think we know that in communities like this our sporting facilities are often the absolute heart of our community,” she said.

“What I feel most strongly about is no matter where we live in Victoria, I think we should have the same facilities and we deserve the same facilities.”

More than $433,000 of the final price tag came via the State Government’s Local Sports Infrastructure Fund, with the rest paid for by Golden Plains Shire.

The work was coordinated by the municipality.

“I’m hoping the next Liz Ellis or Ash Barty will come from these courts because it is the heart of the community,” Ms Settle said.

However, there is already concern about the durability of the courts following rainfall on Saturday morning.

“It would be lovely to say that the courts are open and they’re ready to go, but I think if you go down to the bottom corner you see that they’re floating away to the platypuses which is pretty disappointing,” said Adam Walton, president of the Rokewood Corindhap Football and Netball Club.

Mr Walton said the financial impact of the closure of the courts for construction was significant.

“The club hasn’t been able to play here for two weeks and I’m not sure what’s going to happen after today with the court,” Mr Walton said.

“It does cost money to run clubs and we’ve probably lost between $7000 and $8000 for every home game we’ve missed so we’re $15,000 down and I think people need to be aware of that.”

The overall mood of the morning, however, was still positive.

“It’s a lot of money, and the club and the community is very thankful,” Mr Walton said.