Funding for sporting facility upgrades

THE Surf Coast Shire Council has endorsed a grant application to upgrade change facilities at the Spring Creek Reserve.

The upgrades would see the facilities include female friendly change rooms through a grant from the Australian Football Facilities Fund (AFFF).

As a result of the endorsement, additional funding could be received.

“Providing change facilities that can easily accommodate our female football and cricket players at Spring Creek Reserve is a must for our growing town,” Surf Coast Shire Cr Rose Hodge said.

“Being able to enable more females to keep playing sports they love with well-developed facilities ensures the continued growth and success of the Torquay Football, Netball and Cricket clubs.”

The council has also endorsed submissions to the Breaking New Ground Fund (BNGF) for two projects which include an open space upgrade at Torquay College and the potential for new lighting at the Bellbrae Reserve Sports Ground.

Cr Hodge said the upgrades would allow sporting teams to have the space to train.

“With the growth of female and junior sport in Torquay, the pressure is on our sporting grounds, not just for matches but also for training.

The Spring Creek Reserve Female Friendly Change Facilities Project will see the existing change rooms upgraded to include a gender-neutral shower and toilet cubicles for football and cricket.

Council officers have applied with the Regional Community Sports Infrastructure Fund for $1 million in funding, in addition to the $700,000 already secured from the Australian Government.

Currently, the Bellbrae Reserve Sports Ground has limited use in winter without lights, with upgrades providing further use of the facility.

Investigations into an open space project at Torquay College are currently underway, and discussions will continue with college representatives and school council.

Both grants are part of funding from the Australian Football League with the BNFG grant providing $50,000 for planning and up to $250,000 for the project delivery stage

For more information, head to surfcoast.vic.gov.au