Coalition backs football, netball, cricket upgrades in Bendigo

A Coalition Government will deliver major upgrades to regional sporting reserves in Bendigo, as part of the plan to boost participation, improve female-friendly facilities, and support practical crime prevention initiatives.

Leader of The Nationals David Littleproud said a future Coalition Government will commit $3million to the Stage 2 North Bendigo Recreation Reserve redevelopment and $500,000 to Malone Park upgrades in Marong.

“These recreation reserves are the hub of community life with thousands of boys and girls, plus adults, participating in football, netball and cricket competitions,” Mr Littleproud said.

“Improving the facilities will allow the clubs to cater for more juniors and installing lights will improve safety for people exercising in the evenings.

“Funding sports field lighting will significantly enhance women’s safety by providing well-lit environments especially during evening training sessions.

“Improved lighting will also reduce barriers to female participation in sport, as many women and girls feel unsafe using poorly lit facilities after dark. By ensuring safe and accessible spaces, more women will feel encouraged to participate in sports, leading to greater inclusion and community engagement.”

The Nationals candidate for Bendigo Andrew Lethlean said he was confident that better and safer community facilities would increase participation in local sport.

“Our football, netball and cricket clubs are a centre for community life but the facilities are not up to standard in several locations and we are determined to increase participation in positive physical activities,” Mr Lethlean said.

“The volunteers do a great job but it’s beyond their capacity to fund such significant upgrades and I welcome the Coalition’s commitment to invest in new and improved facilities across the region which will increase participation levels.

“An increase in crime and anti-social behaviour in Bendigo has emerged as a critical issue in this campaign and we know that sport can build values like respect, teamwork and resilience.”

Liberal candidate for Bendigo Matt Evans has welcomed the announcement as another positive step in the Coalition’s plan to invest in the region.

“Our community has been taken for granted by the Labor Party for the past 27 years and I am determined to secure a fairer share of Federal Government funding for our community,” Mr Evans said.

“A Coalition Government will work in partnership with local councils and community groups to deliver better facilities for towns across the electorate.

“We will always back our hard-working volunteers in community and sporting groups who make a huge contribution to our region.”

'Unite the North’ spokesperson Andrew Gibbs said the funding injection would literally be a game-changer for North Bendigo Football Netball Club and Bendigo Cricket Club.

“This announcement is incredible and will make our clubs so much better,” Mr Gibbs said.

“It will allow us to cater for both males and females and give them separate toilets, additional change rooms, umpire change rooms, a kitchen, kiosk and storage area, plus an outdoor undercover viewing area.”

The projects will involve a contribution from the City of Greater Bendigo for improved change rooms, new lighting installations and female-friendly facilities.

The announcements are in addition to previous Coalition funding commitments to: Rochester Recreation Reserve, Truscott Recreation Reserve, Kangaroo Flat Skate Park, Kyneton Skate Park, completing the Ironbark Gully Trail and improving CCTV security cameras in Bendigo.