By Mikayla van Loon
Kimberley Reserve in Chirnside Park is one of two outdoor sporting facilities to be submitted by Yarra Ranges Council for State government funding for lighting upgrades.
The council moved a motion on Tuesday 22 June to support the submission of two projects to the 2021 Country Football and Netball Program.
The recommendation sees the council contributing $1 for every $1.50 of Sports and Recreation Victoria funding.
O’Shannassy Ward Councillor Jim Child said the co-contribution from the council and State government was outstanding.
“What that does is, going into the future it frees up our council funds to actually do those other works on asset maintenance and asset renewal,” he said.
“So I think this motion gives a good outcome for sport and in particular, women’s sport, within our urban areas and also our rural area as well… It’s a worthy investment of council funds.”
Kimberley Reserve is home to the Chirnside Football/Netball Clubs, Junior Football and Cricket Clubs, servicing over 800 players.
A new three-pole LED lighting system over the training space, as well as better pathway and security lighting from the pavilion to the training space will be installed with the $162,000 in funding.
It is expected that a 10 per cent increase in participation will occur with the lighting upgrades to the dedicated training space, as it decreases the pressure on the two ovals that are currently used by 16 football teams and 20 cricket teams, as well as providing safety for female players.
The well lit training space will also mean the netball teams don’t have to continue training in the car park as previously done.
Eastern Victoria member Harriet Shing announced on Thursday 24 June that Kimberley Reserve would receive $97,500 from the Victorian Government’s 2021 Local Sports Infrastructure Fund.
“Congratulations to Yarra Ranges Shire Council and all who use the Kimberley Reserve – this boost will go a long way to support a growing number of people in Chirnside Park to get active and get involved in local sports and recreation,” Ms Shing said.
“We are determined to continue our support for active and inclusive communities by providing the facilities that enable more locals to play the sports they love.”
