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Funding helps drought-proof Baranduda Reserve
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Posted: 04/06/2008
WODONGA Council has welcomed $20,000 from the Victorian Government’s second round of the Drought Relief for Community Sport and Recreation Program to help drought-proof Baranduda Reserve.
The council has already provided $70,000 of its own funds towards the sinking of the bore, construction of a 120,000 litre tank and connection of the bore to the existing irrigation system to provide an alternative water source for the playing surface at Baranduda reserve.
Member for Northern Victoria and Parliamentary Secretary for Rural and Regional Development, Kaye Darveniza, will officially announce the funding tomorrow along with Wodonga Mayor Cr Rod Wangman.
Ms Darveniza said she would like to congratulate the Wodonga Council staff on their efforts in attracting funding for the project.
“Local sports grounds are vital to the social fabric, strength and wellbeing of any community and by improving the quality of those facilities we are encouraging greater participation for all Victorians, so this is a great result,” Ms Darveniza said.
“A project such as this supports sport at the grassroots level.
“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 that challenge.”
Wodonga Council’s manager recreation and youth services, Mark Florence, said the project will support growing use of the reserve in a growing Baranduda community.
“The bore water system will link to the existing irrigation system to support programmed watering,” he said.
“Activities such as cricket, dog club events and school programs will be able to be conducted on excellent playing surfaces.”
Mr Florence said the project is part of a broad council strategy and program to drought-proof its sporting fields.
“The strategy makes use of a variety of practices to allow for the continued use of important facilities and allow for the continuation of important community programs,” he said.
“Projects include the retention and use of stormwater, the installation of tanks and bores, and the development of recycled water options.”
