The Mount Alexander Women’s Sports Club, Mount Alexander Falcons and Harcourt Lions footy and cricket players will be scoring goals and taking wickets well into the evening at Harcourt Recreation Reserve, thanks to a lighting upgrade backed by the Allan Labor Government.
Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards MP joined representatives from the clubs at the reserve to officially launch the new lighting, made possible thanks to a $250,000 investment from the Victorian Government’s Local Sports Infrastructure Fund.
Works around the oval have installed four new 30-metre-tall 100 lux LED lighting towers around the grounds, giving the more than 250 players more opportunities to perfect their kicks, handballs and fast bowling.
Brighter lights allow better use and more time on the oval, increasing the number of playable hours. The new lights will also give the local football and cricket clubs a chance to expand their programs and rosters, giving more people the opportunity to kit up and get in the game.
Benefits from the new lighting will also extend to the wider community, who will have more time to get together with friends and family to use the facilities for casual sport and play.
“The Lions and Falcons have long been important to the local sport scene, and these lighting upgrades ensure they have facilities that will help them get the most out of their game," Ms Edwards said.
“This lighting upgrade will open up more participation opportunities here at Harcourt Recreation Reserve sportsground, meaning more people will have the chance to grab a footy or a cricket bat and join in the fun day and night.”
The new lighting complements the recently completed female friendly pavilion at the ground made possible by a more than $372,000 in funding thanks to the Allan Labor Government.
Over the past decade the Allan Labor Government has invested more than $1.9 billion in community sport and recreation infrastructure across the state.
Initiatives like these create jobs, stimulate local economies and improve the health, wellbeing and social outcomes for Victorian communities.
Maree Edwards MP acknowledged the Mount Alexander Shire Council for their commitment and more than $102,000 contribution with the Harcourt Football Netball Club kicking in $5,000 to the project.
For more information about infrastructure grant opportunities available through the Victorian Government, visit sport.vic.gov.au.
