Mildura Recreation Reserve redevelopment completed
Published on 13 April 2017
The biggest redevelopment of the Mildura Recreation Reserve since its inception has been completed.
The Reserve’s new netball courts, change rooms and Number 1 Oval playing surface are all in readiness for the start of the 2017 Sunraysia Football Netball League (SFNL) season this weekend.
These three projects are among a $1.4 million suite of works as part of the massive Mildura Recreation Reserve redevelopment.
For the first time since netball has been played at the venue, players will now compete on three brand new, modern courts as well as having access to dedicated change rooms for females.
The redevelopment has been funded through the Australian Government’s National Stronger Regions Fund ($723,000) and a joint contribution from Council ($468,500) and relevant clubs and associations ($255,000).
Major components of the redevelopment include:
- three new netball courts and associated lighting;
- new car park;
- dedicated netball change rooms;
- re-aligning of Number 1 and 2 Ovals and associated resurfacing works;
- new, more efficient raw water irrigation system;
- new cricket turf wicket; and
- new, additional toilets.
Mildura Rural City Councillor for Recreation and Sport Mark Eckel said the successful completion of the redevelopment in time for the SFNL season paved the way for a new era for the precinct.
“This project has been a major undertaking and credit must go to the Council staff who planned, led and drove this initiative, local contractors and the associated sporting and user groups for their cooperation and valuable input along the way,” Cr Eckel said.
“The Mildura Recreation Reserve has been one of our region’s major sporting precincts for decades, and with this upgrade, is set to serve thousands of junior and senior sports men and women for many decades to come.
“The new netball courts and change rooms in particular have been sorely needed and represent a significant boost to netball facilities at the Mildura Recreation Reserve, and will be welcomed by both players and supporters.”
The $1.4 million redevelopment followed a comprehensive review of Council’s Mildura Recreation Reserve Master Plan two years ago in consultation with key stakeholders and sporting groups.
Work last year centred on completing detailed design work as well as further consultation with user groups, including the Sunraysia Cricket Association, to determine the timing of the works, which were planned to be completed in time for this weekend’s SFNL season start.
While the majority of works as part of the redevelopment have been completed, there are still some minor works remaining.
These include completion of netball court fencing, a privacy screen which will soon be erected in front of the existing toilet block, and the transition of the new irrigation system, which has been operational since February, to a dedicated raw water supply.
Neither of these works are expected to interfere with sporting club activities at the Mildura Recreation Reserve.
Media enquiries
Ben Piscioneri
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e) ben.piscioneri@mildura.vic.gov.au