A Teesdale oval has received funding to help improve its existing facilities and develop female-friendly change rooms.
The Don Wallace Recreation Reserve oval upgrade project received $250,000 from the state government’s 2022-23 Country Football and Netball Program and $1.5 million from the State Budget.
Golden Plains Shire Mayor Brett Cunningham said the funding would go into modernising the reserve and supporting the community.
“Council is pleased to welcome these exciting funding announcements, and we thank the State Government for their ongoing commitment to projects like these in Golden Plains Shire,” he said.
“We will continue to advocate for further funding opportunities to continue upgrades for the reserve which will deliver benefits for Teesdale and surrounding townships now and into the future.”
Proposed upgrades to the oval included resizing the oval, subsurface irrigation and drainage, new perimeter fencing, and new shelters and goal posts.
Mayor Cunningham said the project formed part of the Don Wallace Recreation Reserve Teesdale Masterplan 2022, which aligned with the “Council’s vision for sport and active recreation”.
“It ensures that the long-term development aspirations of the tenant clubs, community groups and residents are taken into consideration,” he said.
“The upgrades to the change rooms will have a positive impact on the community by increasing accessibility and promoting inclusion while also attracting new users to the reserve.
“The proposed oval upgrade will also have many benefits including improving pedestrian and parking access around the oval.”
Golden Plains Shire Council will also contribute $400,000 to complete the Don Wallace Recreation Reserve oval upgrade, expected to be completed in late 2024.