The Wandong community has seen the LB Davern Reserve grow from a rural paddock that hosted an iconic music festival to an arena for local sporting clubs and the community.
Last week saw the facility take a step further with drainage upgrades to improve the playing surface at the reserve.
Member for Yan Yean Lauren Kathage was in Wandong to mark the completion of the LB Davern Reserve oval drainage upgrade project.
The project represents a significant investment in the health and wellbeing of the local sporting community. The oval has long served as a hub for sporting activities, hosting Wandong Junior Football Netball Club, Wandong Auskick, and the Kilmore Cricket Club.
However, persistent water ponding in key sections of the oval, particularly within the goal square areas, has hindered optimal usage of the facility.
The project includes the installation of lateral drainage to eliminate water ponding, reshaping of goal square areas to facilitate natural water flow, and the incorporation of a new perimeter collector drain to mitigate surface water accumulation.
The $325,000 investment in LB Davern Reserve reflects a shared commitment to community development and recreational infrastructure enhancement. With $195,000 contributed by the Victorian Government’s Country Football and Netball Program and an additional $130,000 provided by Mitchell Shire Council, the project underscores the importance of collaborative partnerships in addressing local needs and fostering community resilience.
Mitchell Shire Mayor, Louise Bannister said that the project represents a significant milestone in ongoing efforts to enhance recreational opportunities and support community well-being.
“We are grateful for the support of our partners and stakeholders in realising this vision, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on our community for years to come,” Cr Bannister said.
Ms Kathage said that the drainage improvements will help the start to the 2024 football season – particularly for the Wandong Warriors Junior Football Club and the local Auskick program.
“The transformed oval will ensure this great community venue is one that users of the facility can rely on all year round,” Ms Kathage said.
