Work is underway to upgrade and expand the in-demand Knox Regional Netball Centre, thanks to the Victorian Government.
Member for Bayswater Jackson Taylor broke the ground to officially start work on the redevelopment of the indoor courts at the centre, made possible by a $5 million investment from the government’s Community Sports Infrastructure Stimulus Program.
With 18 outdoor and two indoor courts, the Knox Regional Netball Centre is home to over 2,900 players and home to the popular Mountain District Netball Association and teams in the Eastern Football and Netball League.
Recently the ageing netball centre infrastructure has been struggling to cope with growing demand due to limited court space indoors.
The centre redevelopment will involve construction of an additional two indoor netball courts to Netball Victoria standards complete with adjacent amenities including toilets, change rooms and storerooms.
Other works include upgrades to the entry, landscaping and provision of more car parking.
Once complete the redeveloped centre will provide the perfect venue for local netball to host more teams and competitions and expand on local development and pathway programs.
This project is one of 27 to benefit from a share of $68 million from the first round of the Community Sports Infrastructure Stimulus Program with the Government injecting a further $110 million into the program in the recent budget.
This investment recognises the overwhelming demand for shovel-ready community sports infrastructure across Victoria and is part of the Victorian Government’s $2.7 billion Building Works package creating jobs and kick-starting community sport and active recreation infrastructure projects across the state.
The Community Sports Infrastructure Stimulus Program is part of the more than $1.05 billion government investment in community sport and recreation infrastructure since 2014.
This investment is also improving the health, wellbeing, social and economic outcomes for Victorian communities.
Mr Taylor acknowledged the Australian Government and Knox City Council for their commitment and financial contribution to the project.
For more information about infrastructure grant opportunities available through the Victorian Government visit www.sport.vic.gov.au
Quotes attributable to Member for Bayswater Jackson Taylor
“This investment will support local economies by creating economic activity and jobs.”
“Congratulations to the teams here from the Mountain District Netball Association and Eastern Football and Netball League - this boost will go a long way to support the growing number of people in Knox keen to get involved in local sport and recreation.”
“It’s a great example of how the Victorian Government is making sport and recreation more accessible, welcoming and inclusive for all Victorians.”
“The Victorian Government is giving communities like ours the facilities they need so more locals can play the sports they love.”
