Kicking goals with soccer pitch upgrade

Bellbird Park’s main soccer pitch is set to undergo a major redevelopment thanks to new funding secured from the State Government.

The $800,000 grant was distributed through the government’s Local Sports Infrastructure Fund project.

Works will see a complete reconstruction of the playing surface, which has suffered from poor drainage and surface issues for a number of years now.

These issues have impacted the ability of clubs to use the entire surface, has made maintenance challenging, and put matches at risk of cancellation.

The new sand profile surface will increase the carrying capacity of the pitch year-round, improving playing and training conditions, increasing safety and meeting the rising demand for the sport of soccer from the local community, particularly the growing Drouin Dragons Soccer Club.

The total project has been valued at $1.36 million dollars, meaning the newly secured funds will cover the majority of works, with council contributing the $560,000 balance.

Works are expected to commence late 2022, with the project being completed by June 2023.

Council was notified of the successful funding application via a letter from Minister for Community Sport the Hon. Ros Spence MP.

Mayor Michael Leaney said he was “thrilled” that facilities would be receiving the proper funding for the upgrades.

“These upgrades further complement council and the state government’s $4.1 million investment in a multi-use pavilion and community events space at the facility,” Cr Leaney said.

“We thank the Victorian Government for their continued investment in Bellbird Park helping us to maximise its potential as a main sporting hub in Baw Baw Shire.”

Drouin Dragons Soccer Club President Jason Beer said the upgrades “will be a game changer” for the club. It will complement the new Bellbird Park Pavilion and support the increasing number of soccer players at Drouin Dragons,” he said.

“We currently cannot train on a third of the pitch from July due to the unsafe conditions and the upgrade will allow us to use the pitch for both training and games all year round, including hosting Gippsland Soccer League finals.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Baw Baw Shire Council for their support for the Drouin Dragons and also the Victorian Government for their generous contribution to this project.”