Magazine: Gippsland's First Ever Synthetic Sports Pitch
By Editor in Synthetics on 6th Jul 2008 6:00
The Baw Baw community will be able to play year-round on a new weather-resistant sports field, thanks to a $300,000 Brumby Government grant that will deliver the Gippsland region’s first ever synthetic pitch, to be used mainly for hockey.
Sport and Recreation Minister James Merlino made the funding announcement today at Drouin’s Bellbird Park and said the new surface would be low-maintenance as well as drought-resistant and able to withstand more wear and tear. “The Brumby Government is taking action to ensure all Victorian communities have the facilities they need to encourage healthy, active involvement in sport and recreation,” Mr Merlino said. “The new artificial ground is the first of its kind in Gippsland and will benefit local sports clubs as well as members of the wider community. “The effects of the drought have forced us to think of new ways to keep sport alive in the face of climate change. Today’s funding is about giving the local community more opportunities to get involved in sport – no matter what the weather brings.”
Mr Merlino said the funding was part of the Brumby Government’s $3.6 million Synthetic Surfaces Program to assist communities with Stage 3 or higher water restrictions. “Managing the effects of the drought is a challenge for all Victorians. That’s why the Brumby Government has been working in partnership with local councils and their communities to keep sport participation alive and meet the challenges of the drought,” Mr Merlino said.
Member for Eastern Victoria Matt Viney said the funding was a significant boost for the local community.
“This funding is a wonderful result for the region with the new synthetic surface to offer many new opportunities for our local sports clubs and the wider community,” Mr Viney said.
“Our local sports facilities are vital to the social fabric, strength and wellbeing of any community and by improving the quality of those facilities we are encouraging greater participation for people across the region.”
Mr Merlino also congratulated the local community effort to secure the synthetic surface project.
“I would like to acknowledge Baw Baw Shire Council for its generous contribution of $300,000, and the West Gippsland Hockey Association, Baw Baw Bulls Hockey Club and the local community for raising $223,000 for the project,” Mr Merlino said.
FROM THE MINISTER FOR SPORT AND RECREATION
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