- Published:
- Monday 4 June 2018
The Coburg football and cricket clubs will soon enjoy first-class facilities after the Andrews Government today announced $3 million dollars in funding to upgrade and expand the facilities of Coburg City Oval.
Minister for Sport John Eren and Member of Pascoe Vale Lizzie Blandthorn visited Coburg City Oval this morning to formally announce the funding.
The oval has been home to the Coburg Lions Football Club and Coburg Cricket Club since the oval was established in 1915 to provide a quality facility in the rapidly growing suburb.
The oval is a focal point of the community and has been home to many top-level matches including numerous VFL Women’s Grand Final. However, the facilities are well overdue for an upgrade and are not female friendly.
This funding will see the oval returned to a first-class facility, but it will also be one that caters for all ages, abilities and the local community.
The pavilion will be redeveloped to include female friendly and accessible facilities for players, umpires and visitors.
The kitchen and kiosk will also be upgraded to provide modern, clean and safe facilities, and a large new multi-purpose area will be developed that can be used for a wide range of training and events.
The funding is part of the Labor Government’s commitment to sports and active recreation, and to encourage all Victorians to get out and get active.
The Victorian Budget 2018/19 invested $241.6 million in community sport, including more than $100 million to improve facilities and access for women.
Mr Eren acknowledged project partner Moreland City Council which will be delivering the project alongside Sport and Recreation Victoria.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Sport John Eren
“Facilities such as Coburg City Oval are cornerstones of local communities and we want to keep them at a high standard.”
“Our latest budget invests almost half a billion dollars to ensure sport and active recreation are accessible for everyone.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Pascoe Vale Lizzie Blandthorn
“This vital funding will help the clubs at Coburg City Oval train, compete and grow; it’s a win for local sportspeople and it’s a win for our community.”
“We want everyone living in Pascoe Vale to be able to access first class facilities, no matter their age, gender or ability.”