New funding for Sporting grounds

Minister for Sport, James Merlino announced another $45,000 grant to Moreland City Council to replace existing rasses on local sporting grounds with warm season grasses.

Managing the effects of the drought is a challenge for all Victorians. That’s why the Brumby Government has been working in partnership with local councils and their communities to keep grassroots sport alive and meet the challenges of the drought. These new surfaces will be a low-maintenance grass that is not only drought-resistant but will also be able to withstand more wear and tear.

The effects of the drought have forced us to think of new ways to keep sport alive in the face of climate change. Today’s funding is about giving the local community more opportunities to get involved in sport and recreation – no matter what the weather brings.

The sports grounds to benefit from new the turf will be AG Gillon Reserve, Fleming Park and Reaburn Reserve in Brunswick; Cook Reserve and Wallace Reserve South in Glenroy; Campbell Reserve in Coburg, Richards Reserve in Coburg North; CB Smith Reserve in Fawkner; and Cole Reserve North in Pascoe Vale.

The grant is part of the Labor Government’s $12.9 million Drought Relief for Community Sport Program that has already funded 72 projects to reduce the impact of drought in 42 Victorian local government areas.