By Tyler Wright
Cockatoo’s Mountain Road Recreation Reserve is set to receive a light upgrade following a successful state government grant application by Cardinia Shire Council.
The State Government announced an investment in 12 new projects across the state as part of the Country Football and Netball Program, developed in partnership with the AFL, AFL Victoria and Netball Victoria.
Cardinia Shire Council’s Acting Coordinator Recreation Cameron Miller said a routine inspection of the four lighting poles at Mountain Road Recreation Reserve in late 2022 showed they were in poor condition.
“Cardinia Shire Council responded swiftly and took the lights down. Further investigation confirmed that the lighting poles cannot be repaired and that a full LED upgrade is needed to meet revised Standards Australia lighting standards introduced in 2021,” Mr Miller said.
“Council made a successful submission to secure funding for the lighting upgrade. The funding will be provided through Sport and Recreation Victoria’s (SRV) 2023-24 Country Football and Netball Program.”
Mr Miller said the council has awarded the contract for the lighting replacement works, which include four new light towers with new 100 lux LED lights.
“It’s expected that the works will be delivered in the first half of the 2024-25 financial year, however this timing may change depending on when the funding agreement with SRV is finalised,” he said.
“The lighting upgrade will enable local clubs and user groups including Gembrook Cockatoo Football Netball Club and Gembrook Cockatoo Auskick Centre to have full use of the reserve again.
“Council appreciates that users are eager for the upgrades, and we appreciate their patience and understanding. Along with AFL Victoria, both groups were consulted on the lighting designs, which they all supported. We will keep user groups fully updated on timelines and progress of the lighting works.”
The program is said to have invested more than $21.3 million in 180 country football and netball infrastructure projects over the past decade, with the 2023/24 budget providing more than $213 million to deliver and improve community sports infrastructure and support initiatives that boost participation and inclusion in local sports clubs and organisations.
Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence said country football and netball is “at the heart” of rural and regional Victorian towns.
“This boost ensures even more clubs have the modern, welcoming and accessible facilities they need to continue to bring communities together,” she said.
“Better infrastructure allows clubs to nurture volunteers, encourage more participation, host more all abilities events and draw bigger crowds, creating a real buzz and boosting local economies.”
AFL Victoria Head Greg Madigan said the funding support provided via the Country Football and Netball Program continues to have a “major impact” on local football clubs and communities across the state, “which benefit greatly from the development of new and upgraded facilities”.
“AFL Victoria recognises the ongoing partnership and support of the Victorian Government, with the program to build on the significant investment in community sporting infrastructure it has delivered over the last two decades,” he said.
Netball Victoria CEO Andrea Pearman said community sport is the “lifeblood of many of our regional Victorian communities”.
“The Country Football and Netball Program offers invaluable support, enabling greater participation and delivering improved facilities across the state to help meet the growing demand in our game,” she said.
