Magazine: Drought Proof Plan for Upway High School Oval
By Editor in General News on 9th Aug 2008 6:00
Students at Upwey High School, local sports clubs and the wider community will be able to play year-round on a new drought-tolerant turf, thanks to a $250,000 Victorian Government grant.
Visiting Upwey today, the Premier John Brumby said the grant would go to Yarra Ranges Shire Council to establish drainage and irrigation, implement harvesting techniques and install warm season grass at Thompson Oval at Upwey High School. “Our Government is taking action to ensure all Victorian communities have the facilities they need to encourage healthy, active involvement in sport and recreation,” Mr Brumby said.
“As well as being a great new facility for students, the upgraded oval will also be open to local football, netball, cricket and soccer clubs after school hours and on weekends.
“With the effects of the drought we have had 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 and recreation – no matter what the weather brings.
“Our local sports facilities are vital to the social fabric, strength and well-being of any community and by improving the quality of those facilities we are encouraging greater participation for all Victorians.”
Mr Brumby was also at Upwey with parliamentary and ministerial colleagues to take up a challenge from the school’s Year 9 Girls volleyball team for a warm-up game before their tour of New Zealand and the Australian National Titles.
Sport and Recreation Minister James Merlino said the $250,000 grant was delivered through savings achieved from the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games.
“With this funding we can re-invest in community sports and in this case it means investing in resurfacing projects at eight sports grounds across Victoria to benefit schools and the wider community,” he said.
Mr Merlino said investing in water-efficient assets such as drought-resistant turf for Victorian sports facilities was making a difference now and into the future for local communities
“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 grassroots sport alive and meet the challenges of the drought,” he said.
The project is due to be completed by June next year.
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