Gordon Street facilities officially opened
NEW sporting facilities at Gordon Street Oval are officially complete following an investment from all levels of government.
The $4.7 million Gordon Street Recreation Reserve redevelopment was officially opened last Friday by Federal Labor Senator Raff Ciccone, Member for Ripon Martha Haylett and Deputy Mayor Jo Armstrong.
Made possible with over $1.8 million from the Australian Government, $2.5 million from the Victorian Government, and $315,000 from Ararat Rural City Council, the new facilities are already improving the local playing experience and boosting community engagement.
Delivered over two stages, the first phase saw the construction of two soccer pitches, new female friendly changeroom facilities, a cricket oval, a multi-use space for Little Athletics as well as upgrades to landscaping.
Stage 2 of the project was fully funded by the Australian Government, with the council receiving $1.4 million through the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program.
This supported upgrades to lighting, fencing and drainage, the construction of new carpark spaces, team seating and Little Athletic facilities.
These upgrades mean that Ararat now has state-of-the-art facilities that will cater for the significant growth in AFL and football within the region.
Senator Ciccone said the new pavilion and surfaces will unlock opportunities for AFL, soccer, cricket and Little Athletics.
“The local sports clubs were extensively consulted throughout the design process, and it’s exciting to see the community already making the most of the facilities.
“The Albanese Government is proud to have worked in partnership with Ararat Rural City Council and the Victorian Government to deliver a project that will boost sports participation and community health in regional Victoria,” Senator Ciccone said.
Ms Haylett said country communities deserve world-class sporting facilities.
“We now have that at the Gordon Street Reserve. This is a huge win for our community and I cannot wait to see it in action for years to come,” Ms Haylett said.
“These brand-new facilities will make sport more inclusive for women and girls, and will bring more opportunities for major events too. I’m proud to be part of a government that helped get this done for Ararat.”
Mayor Bob Sanders was unable to attend last Friday’s opening, but in a statement he said the completion of Gordon Street Reserve’s redevelopment is such an exciting occasion for our community.
“This new facility will nurture sporting passions in our young people, provide pathways for careers in sport, and offer our residents a fantastic new space to come together for events.
“We thank the Australian and Victorian governments for backing our vision,” Cr Sanders said.
Facilities at Gordon Street Recreation Reserve have been in use for several months and several user groups were represented at last week’s official opening.
James Hosking from St Andrews Cricket Club said it was a brilliant facility.
“As a club, we’re pretty excited by these new facilities.
The new turf wicket for us is huge, all the players want to get out on the bat. Also the changerooms and facilities are amazing compared where we came from,” Mr Hosking said.
Minister for Regional Development and Local Government, Kristy McBain said it was pleasing to see the development completed.
“Regional communities deserve high-quality sporting facilities, which is why it’s fantastic to see the Gordon Street Recreation Reserve complete - one of the many projects we’re delivering in partnership with Ararat Rural City Council, as part of over $7.9 million in LRCI funding.
“Thanks to this project, Gordon Street will become regional Victoria’s home of AFLW – creating a centre of excellence, and supporting pathways for women and girls to pursue careers in league football,” Ms McBain said.