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Courting more participation at Warragul Leisure Centre

The expanded Warragul Leisure Centre, backed by a $6.1 million Victorian government investment, now offers four courts, enhancing sports access and benefiting local schools and clubs.

By news@gippsland - 28th July 2024 - Back to News

Local basketball and netball can look forward to doubling the action with the expansion of the Warragul Leisure Centre now complete, backed by the Victorian government. Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing today joined representatives from Baw Baw Shire Council, Warragul and District Amateur Basketball and Warragul Indoor Netball Association to officially open the expanded stadium, made possible by a $6.1 million investment from the Victorian government.

The stadium now features four courts, a Changing Places facility, new amenities, spectator seating, multi-purpose rooms, and 70 additional car park spaces

Expansion enhances facilities

Sport is the lifeblood of regional communities with local venues like the Warragul Leisure Centre integral when it comes to hosting local clubs and the big events. The stadium expansion delivered two additional courts lines marked for basketball and netball, taking the venue's number of courts to four.

There's also a new Changing Places facility, reception and office, kiosk and kitchen serving healthy choices, spectator seating, lounge viewing area, public amenities and accessible change room, two player change rooms, referee change room, first aid room, storage, two multi-purpose rooms for group fitness or meetings, and 70 new car park spaces with a link road.

The new hub provides a home court advantage for the over 2,000 participants that play in the Warragul and District Amateur Basketball Association, and Warragul Indoor Netball Association. The nearby Warragul and District Specialist School, Warragul Regional College, Warragul Primary, and Marist-Sion College will also benefit.

Sport funding continues

Over the past decade the Victorian government has invested more than $1.9 billion in community sport and recreation infrastructure. The Victorian Budget 2024/25 is also providing more than $23 million to continue delivery of community sport and active recreation infrastructure, and programs to increase participation opportunities and improve accessibility.

From playspace redevelopments to new stadiums, investments like these provide high-quality and accessible places for Victorians to reap the benefits of sport and active recreation participation. They are all about creating jobs, stimulating local economies, and improving the health, wellbeing, and social outcomes for Victorian communities.

Ms Shing acknowledged the Baw Baw Shire Council for its more than $6.7 million financial contribution and commitment to delivering the project. For more information about infrastructure grant opportunities available through the Victorian government visit Sport and Recreation Victoria website.

Stadium expansion praised

Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing said, "With double the court space, new spectator viewing areas and extra facilities, the stadium expansion has been welcomed by locals, and will increase the opportunity for people of all ages and abilities to participate in a training session or a game."

"We are proud to have continued our record investment in West Gippsland's facilities and infrastructure, including in partnerships with Baw Baw Shire Council - this is a wonderful addition to the region that will deliver really positive outcomes for many years to come," she said.

Pictures from Baw Baw Shire Council website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com