The Golden Plains Shire Council will receive an additional $465,535 from the State Government to develop its football facilities at the Bannockburn Recreation Reserve.
The grant is part of The World Game Facilities Fund and will add to the Federal Government’s $832,000 commitment, meaning the overall funding for the project will reach in excess of $1.29 million.
The Golden Plains Soccer Club will be the beneficiaries of the funding, which will be used to construct two new female friendly change rooms, a referee’s change room, first aid room, 100 lux sports pitch lights, perimeter fencing, and storage services for the recently constructed second soccer pitch at the venue.
Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney, made the announcement and highlighted the importance of modernising facilities to cater for rising demand.
“Football is booming in Victoria and we’re expecting growing numbers of boys and girls, men and women to sign up to play at local clubs, however many clubs are struggling with inadequate facilities,” Tierney said.
The Golden Plains Soccer Club is located 23km from Geelong, Victoria and has experienced a steady growth in participation rates, particularly among women and girls in the region.
“The Victorian Government’s World Game Facilities Fund is getting it done for the Golden Plains Soccer Club, providing more opportunities for passionate football fans to play the sport they love,” Tierney said.
Bannockburn Recreational Reserve has already experienced several upgrades over recent years with more than $3 million in funding helping to transform the venue into a leading regional football facility.
Golden Plains Shire Mayor Owen Sharkey was also pleased by the government’s willingness to invest in the region, stating it was a major boost those already playing the sport and also those wishing to get involved.
“The Golden Plains Soccer Club has an enthusiastic membership of male and female junior and senior players from many towns in the south of our shire, and the new change rooms and lights will further support participation in soccer in Golden Plains,” Cr Sharkey said.
