By Tricia Mifsud
GREENHILL Recreational Reserve will benefit from further upgrades if Member for McEwen Rob Mitchell is re-elected as part of a Labor Federal Government.
Mr Mitchell attended the reserve on Wednesday and pledged a $515,000 commitment for upgrades of the lower oval.
Planned works include rebuilding of the oval; levelling, shaping, new drainage and irrigation, regressing and the installation of a perimeter fence.
Mr Mitchell recognised the oval’s value to the Wallan community and the need to improve the facility to keep up with the growing demand of sport in the town.
“The lower [oval] only caters for the local sporting clubs, it is a much-needed recreation space for all local residents, providing a great space for walkers and families,” he said.
“[The oval] has acted as the reserve’s second oval and has made sure the main oval’s condition can be managed and not damaged through overuse.
“It is time the lower oval, which has carried such a heavy load, be given some attention to ensure it can continue to be the valuable asset it is.”
Wallan Football Netball Club president Stephen Shephard said the pledge was ‘fantastic’ for the growing club and would help accommodate for the more than 600 participants across cricket and football.
“We have five, six senior football teams and the juniors have 14 or 15, and we just don’t have enough ground space to accommodate for them. Training, we’re alright just, but game day is just too difficult,” he said.
Mitchell Shire Mayor Bill Chisholm welcomed the announcement saying it would encourage further participation, especially for women.
“We are very grateful for this funding commitment that will help us cater for current demand and prepare for the future,” he said.
“Sport is an integral part of the Mitchell Shire community and the demand on our facilities is only going to grow.
“The successful push to see more women and girls joining local sports clubs means more people are getting active and this commitment would help us prepare and maintain facilities for them.”
Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg last month visited Wallan to announce an $8 million kickstart for the planned Greenhill Recreation Precinct, if the Liberals are elected.
The recreation precinct will provide sporting facilities including a possible future aquatic complex and various sports courts.
Liberal candidate for McEwen Richard Welch did not respond to the Review for comment in regards to Labor’s latest pledge.
