The metaphorical ribbon for the Greenhill Recreation Reserve Lower Oval Upgrade was cut last Wednesday, with Federal Member for McEwen Rob Mitchell declaring the oval officially open.
The project, which saw the installation of a perimeter fence, new goals, a new player interchange area, and additional drainage, was made possible thanks to a $515,000 funding commitment from the Federal Government.
It forms part of a larger commitment to enhance Mitchell Shire Council’s most heavily used sporting area, the Greenhill Recreation Precinct Master Plan.
Backed by Mitchell Shire Council, the master plan will see Wallan’s Greenhill Recreation Precinct gain a state-of-the-art integrated sports facility, providing a space for sports, gymnastics, aquatics, and other leisure activities.
$16.2 million will be required to kickstart the project, with the State Government promising $5 million to get the ball rolling.
Mitchell Shire Council stated that the integrated location of the facilities would allow for a ‘multi-generational and multi-purpose’ precinct that promotes ‘liveability and social connectivity.’
The precinct will ensure that all residents have access to the facilities, with structural considerations given to those with physical and sensory impairments, those requiring mobility aids, and families with young children.
Mitchell Shire Councillor Rob Eldridge thanked the Federal Government for their ongoing commitment to the project.
“We know the importance that sporting and recreational spaces have on health and wellbeing – the benefits are far reaching,” he said.
“We’re very thankful for the support from the Federal Government in helping council provide for the recreation needs of our growing communities.
“With the new infrastructure in place and the planning currently underway, we can better support our local sporting clubs and provide a safe and enjoyable space for all residents.”
Council hopes to see the precinct become a premier sporting site for Melbourne’s northern community, with a park that celebrates the culturally significant site and protects the cultural heritage present at the heart of the precinct.
With the population of Wallan and Beveridge expected to quadruple by 2044, building the precinct now will ensure that future generations can access the facilities when they are most needed, providing essential facilities without delay or compromise.
President for the Wallan Junior Football Club Daniel Brundell is excited for the project, stating the precinct was a much-needed facility for the area.
“It’s a fantastic project that has been a long time coming and has a lot of benefits – not only to the future users of the precinct, but also creating jobs both in the construction phase and also post build with a host of employment opportunities,” he said.
