LVA funding for Jindivick reserve

An embankment and oval drainage project at Kydd Park Reserve, Jindivick was unsuccessful in receiving Latrobe Valley Authority funding.

Baw Baw Shire has now revised the scope of the works and referred the project to its long term infrastructure plan and annual budget process.

A report to council said the Jindivick Cricket Club was the sole tenanted user group of the reserve. An upgraded oval capable of early season play is the club’s highest priority.

Club representatives Mark Braddick and Kevin Larkman urged council to consider future planning of the reserve and its facilities.

Mr Braddick has been secretary at the club for 27 years. He said Jindivick was one of the largest clubs in the competition.

“It’s not just about sport, it’s about humanity and we have built a real culture there.

“We feel there should be some investment in the place.

“We have issues with the ground and drainage that need addressing,” he said.

Mr Larkman said the club felt it had been “left behind.”

“Council has been very helpful to use with works around the building but we just feel we seem to be side stepped,” he said.

He said the playing surface was a priority. “It can’t be a multi-use reserve because no-one can get on it in winter.”

Council allocated $98,000 to works at the oval and sought an additional $270,000 funds from the Latrobe Valley Authority.

Works completed since then have included construction of a new section of fence to match the existing fence, replace the gate at the top of the embankment and make safe the area where stair access to the oval has eroded.

Council also investigated detailed design and cost estimates required to develop a shovel ready oval upgrade project that is ready for grant application. This was undertaken to support the application for LVA funding.

The scope of works identified as part of the LVA application included:

Earthworks to dethatch, shape and improve the playing surface;

Installation of sub surface drainage including a concrete perimeter spoon drain and drainage pits; and,

A water bore system and supporting tank and pump infrastructure to service a travelling irrigator.

After the LVA submission was unsuccessful, council agreed to revise the scope of the project.

Officers said if council resubmitted an expression of interest for LVA funding for an oval upgrade, embankment and fencing works would be between $435,000 to $480,000, requiring a minimum $160,000 council commitment.

Officers said feedback from the LVA suggested potential future support of a re-scoped project.

“However, it is understood that a standalone embankment project would not meet the LVA – community infrastructure funding guidelines and may need to be partnered with an oval upgrade project,” officers said.

Officers said the ideal timing for works at Jindivick would be during the warmer months as access to the oval was challenging through winter and often leading up to early December with the issue of the oval holding water.

“Warmer conditions also enable the establishment of turf to be optimised. However, without access to a reliable water source establishing grass may be a challenge,” officers said.

Cr Keith Cook said Jindivick probably had the highest rainfall in Victoria which caused problems at the end of the cricket season.

He said the works outlined in the report were very important.

“The cricket club is a very important part of the community and it would be good to see the works undertaken,” he said.

Cr Tricia Jones said she supported referring the program of works to council’s long term infrastructure plan for discussion.