Major investment in regional cities

Awater-play park in Horsham, sporting-hub development in Ararat and continued expansion of sporting assets in Stawell are all major winners after confirmation of State Government sport and recreation grants.

The government has allocated $2.1-million to a Horsham Nature and Water Play Park, $2.55-million for Ararat’s multi-sport Gordon Street Recreation Reserve project and $1.8-million for flood-lit netball-court infrastructure at Stawell’s North Park.

They are among 42 projects across the state to receive funding under the second round of the government’s Community Sports Infrastructure Stimulus Program.

The Horsham Nature and Water Play Park, near Horsham Riverside Caravan Park, between Horsham City Rowing Club and Sawyer Park, is part of a broader City to River Masterplan to activate the riverfront.

The park, open to the general public, will include a gently flowing water course, manually operated hand pumps, systems of adjustable dams and weirs, spray heads and pop jets suited to operation by children of all ages. The council will also use $350,000 from its allocation from the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program.

Horsham mayor Robyn Gulline said the entire project would be funded at no cost to ratepayers.

She added she was delighted for the many residents who had told the council that activating the Wimmera River was a key community priority.

“This will be a drawcard and start the process of creating the

Wimmera River in Horsham as a destination – not just somewhere to walk through. It will change the whole dynamic of the area,” she said.

“For years people of the Wimmera have participated in surveys and provided their feedback on future planning.

“This announcement proves that rigorous community engagement and having a long-term vision is the best way to attract the attention of higher levels of government. It gives them confidence that our municipality is a great place to invest.”

Horsham council chief executive Sunil Bhalla said the park would include play elements that families could use it all times of the year.

“What you won’t see is a large aquatic theme park with bright plastic slides and other man-made elements,” he said.

“Our community told us through the engagement process they wanted the Wimmera River’s natural beauty retained and that’s how the park will look.”

Member for Lowan Emma Kealy has long advocated for riverfront ‘activation’ in Horsham and said the park would be a major drawcard.

“A water-play park in Horsham was an election commitment for The Nationals in 2018 and something I was very excited to support because of the wide range of benefits it would bring,” she said.

Ararat project

Victorian Parliamentary Secretary for Sport Danielle Green, meanwhile, joined Ararat officials to celebrate the government’s $2.55-million for a $3.1-million Gordon Street Recreation Reserve project.

Ararat Rural City Council chief executive Tim Harrison said the project would support the growth and development of several sports that needed access to premium competition and training facilities. “After the council identified Ararat required a second major multipurpose outdoor sporting venue, we wanted to ensure we achieved that by providing facilities for a number of sports that are currently under-represented,” he said.

“With the growth of the AFLW competition, and in particular the success of the Ararat Storm Female Football Club on the field, it was important that AFLW was central to the plans.

“After meeting with the AFL, it was clear that Ararat was strategically positioned to become a centre of excellence for women’s football in western Victoria.”

Dr Harrison said the project had involved extensive engagement.

“This gave us a much better plan for the precinct and creates a multiuse venue with competition-grade playing surfaces and female friendly facilities that will enable grassroots sports to thrive,” he said.

“Thanks to this significant grant and with additional support from the Federal Government and the council, the project is fully funded and ready to deliver.”

The redevelopment project is due for completion in 2023.

The $1.8-million funding for Stawell’s North Park will involve construction of three reinforced concrete and floodlit netball courts.

There will be 1.5-metre-wide pathways connecting spectator walkway areas with wheelchair-standing areas, two shelters with seating and fencing.

Northern Grampians Shire Council has had a strong focus on developing North Park. The netball project will follow the opening of multi-million-dollar clubrooms at the multi-use sporting reserve.