Money flows for Ross Creek Reserve

ROSS Creek’s main community sports and recreation space is in for a major overhaul with the announcement of a State Government and Golden Plains Shire backed plan.

Running to $550,000, the project at Ross Creek Recreation Reserve would see a new playground, outdoor gym equipment, upgraded barbecue and picnic spaces and more walking trails installed at the site.

As part of the plan, $450,000 for the works is coming from the State Government’s Growing Suburbs Fund, which Golden Plains Shire has access to via its membership of the Peri Urban Group of Rural Councils.

“This is going to be fantastic for Ross Creek,” said Michaela Settle, the Member for Buninyong.

“It’s a wonderful community and I’m really pleased we could help contribute. I know the council will do an amazing job of making this a wonderful space for all.

“The local community groups have worked really hard to get this project done.”

While Golden Plains Shire falls into the Peri Urban Group of Rural Councils due to its closeness to Geelong, Ms Settle said using the money in the north of the Shire was appropriate.

“The Growing Suburbs Fund is about areas that are growing. There’s a lot of growth happening around this area as well,” she said.

“Really it’s about councils that are under pressure as more movement into the LGA occurs. If it’s within the LGA, if it frees up money to do things in Bannockburn, so be it.”

Ross Creek Recreation Reserve currently hosts the Ballarat-Redan Cricket Club and is also used by students from the local campus of Woady Yaloak Primary School.

The final $100,000 for the project is coming from Golden Plains Shire’s coffers, and mayor Helena Kirby said it showed what could be done when the State Government worked with the municipality.

“This is a great example of how two levels of government can work together to achieve some great results,” Ms Kirby said.

“Securing this funding opportunity has meant that what began as a plan to replace the playground here has grown and it will now be an active recreation upgrade.

“We thank Michaela, and the Victorian Government, for supporting children and families of the growing Ross Creek and Smythes Creek communities with this funding.”