Pavilions and lights will be upgraded at sports grounds across Hume over the next seven years as part of a $22.5 million plan to boost sport participation rates.
The council has audited all the buildings and reserves used for sports across the municipality, to determine what improvement works need to be done and where lights need to be installed.
The audit assigned a rating to each location based on size, condition, age, utilisation and the female and family friendly and environmentally sustainable designs of the buildings.
Over the next seven years, the council plans to upgrade, replace or expand the pavilions at 22 locations as part of its draft Sports Pavilion Plan. The work is expected to cost $16.9 million, with $66,000 to be spent in 2018-19.
According to the council’s priority list, replacing the pavilion at Bulla Village Tennis Club, building a new pavilion at Greenvale Equestrian Centre, and expanding the pavilion at Seth Raistrick Reserve in Campbellfield, are among the highest priorities.
It is proposed that work begins on the three pavilions in 2018-19.
Mayor Geoff Porter said the works were driven by increased female participation in sports such as football and soccer.
“These upgrades will ensure improved access for all, particularly with the inclusion of female-friendly amenities, which will go a long way in supporting local female sport participation,” he said.
The council also wants to improve lights at reserves over the next six years as part of its draft Outdoor Sports Lighting and Policy Plan.
The work is expected to cost $5.6 million, with $1 million to be spent in 2018-19.
The council is proposing to upgrade the lights or install new lights at Seth Raistrick, Laura Douglas, Gladstone Park and Westmeadows reserves and Gladstone Park Tennis Club in 2018-19.
Cr Naim Kurt said the lighting plans would be “so valuable” to a lot of clubs.
“We know the important role that sport plays in bringing our community together and the benefits this policy will provide in allowing people to train into the evening,” he said.
