Council & Politics
3 September, 2024
Major regional sporting precinct scores with clubs and enthusiasts
Community scores with new state-of-the-art facility
A major sporting precinct in Ararat is making a huge impact on sporting bodies after a combined investment from all levels of government.
The $4.7 million Gordon Street Recreation Reserve Redevelopment was officially opened on Friday, August 30 by Federal Labor Senator for Victoria, Raff Ciccone, State Member for Ripon, Martha Haylett, and ARCC CEO Dr Tim Harrison for Mayor Bob Sanders.
About 60 people attended the opening, including many of the sporting bodies who will use the facility and those involved in the project.
The unique facility has been in use for several months since its completion earlier this year. At its opening, representatives of many sporting groups that have used it gave it high praise.
The new facility opens from each side to two separate ovals and provides simultaneous events to be played.
Federal Labor Senator for Victoria, Raff Ciccone said, "This new shared-use pavilion, plus playing fields and surfaces, will unlock opportunities for AFL, soccer, cricket, and Little Athletics.
"The local sports clubs were extensively consulted throughout the design process, and it's exciting to see the community already making the most of the facilities.
"The Albanese Government is proud to have worked in partnership with Ararat Rural City Council and the Victorian Government to deliver a project that will boost sports participation and community health in regional Victoria."
The new facilities, made possible with over $1.8 million from the Australian Government, $2.5 million from the Victorian Government, and $315,000 from Ararat Rural City Council, are already improving the local playing experience and boosting community engagement.
Dr Harrison said while the ARCC provided $315,000 to the project, the staffing hours and many other in-kind contributions would increase that figure.
Delivered over two stages, the first phase saw the construction of two soccer pitches, new female-friendly changeroom facilities, a cricket oval, a multi-use space for Little Athletics, and upgrades to landscaping.
State Member for Ripon, Martha Haylett MP: "Our rural communities deserve world-class sporting facilities and we now have that at the Gordon Street Reserve. This is a huge win for our community and I cannot wait to see it in action for years to come.
"These brand-new facilities will make sport more inclusive for women and girls, and will bring more opportunities for major events too. I'm proud to be part of a government that helped get this done for Ararat."
The Australian government fully funded Stage 2 of the project, with the council receiving $1.4 million through the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program.
This supported upgrades to lighting, fencing and drainage, the construction of new carpark spaces, team seating and Little Athletic facilities.
Ararat Rural City Mayor, Cr Bob Sanders could not attend but provided the following statement.
"The completion of Gordon Street Reserve's redevelopment is an exciting occasion for our community.
"This new facility will nurture sporting passions in our young people, provide pathways for sports careers, and offer our residents a fantastic new space to come together for events.
"We thank the Australian and Victorian governments for backing our vision."
These upgrades mean that Ararat now has state-of-the-art facilities that will cater for the significant growth in AFL and football within the region.
Minister for Regional Development and Local Government, Kristy McBain MP said. "Regional communities deserve high-quality sporting facilities, which is why it's fantastic to see the Gordon Street Recreation Reserve complete - one of the many projects we're delivering in partnership with Ararat Rural City Council, as part of over $7.9 million in LRCI funding.
"Thanks to this project, Gordon Street will become regional Victoria's home of AFLW - creating a centre of excellence, and supporting pathways for women and girls to pursue careers in league football."
Project organisers said the change rooms' exposed beams and lack of ceilings allow for the occasional ball kick or throw and reduce maintenance and repairs.