The Andrews Labor Government is helping to drought-proof sport and recreation facilities across regional Victoria by ensuring there is reliable access to water even during drier times.
Twenty-five projects across 11 municipalities will share in $2.3 million from the Sustainable Water Fund – Community Sport and Recreation Program.
The projects funded include providing water security by harvesting rainwater or stormwater, using recycled water for irrigating sports fields, planting drought resistant turf and investing in water efficient assets such as synthetic surfaces.
The Labor Government understands that sport and recreation facilities are important to rural cities and towns. Sporting clubs are often cornerstones of local communities and a meeting place for locals of all ages.
Victorians understand that while recent rainfall is welcome, conditions can change quickly. This summer is expected to be hotter and drier than usual - with the state likely to see above average temperatures and below average rainfall.
The grants form part of the Labor Government’s $10 million Drought Support Fund announced in April 2016.
The use of the fund was informed by extensive stakeholder consultation which indicated strong support for measures that focussed on community health and wellbeing and preparedness to deal with the impacts of drought.
Victoria’s new Water Plan – Water for Victoria - acknowledges the importance securing water for a range of purposes – include community and recreational activities – and being ready for extended dry periods.
For a list of funded projects see
Quotes attributable to Minister for Water Lisa Neville
“I’ve seen first-hand the impacts of drought in this region – which is why I’m proud that we’re working side-by-side with communities to ensure they get the support they need.”
“Local sport grounds are critical for the wellbeing of communities, particularly in times of drought, so it’s great to be able to provide more water security to ensure they remain open even in dry periods.”
Projects Funded
| Project Name | Applicant | Funding |
| Kaniva College Green 15 (15 L per person per day) | Kaniva College | $150,000 |
| Mt. Difficult Golf Course - Sustainable Water Project | Halls Gap Community Sports Club | $150,000 |
| Nhill Lawn Tennis Club - Synthetic Courts | Nhill Lawn Tennis Club Inc | $150,000 |
| Rain Water Tank for Turf Wicket at Coughlin Park | Horsham Saints Cricket Club | $8,436 |
| Rasmussen Grounds Revitalisation | Horsham Primary School | $97,285 |
| Rupanyup Bowling Club Synthetic Green Installation | Yarriambiack Shire Council | $140,000 |
| Sunnyside Bowling Club - Improving water use efficiency | Horsham Rural City Council | $40,000 |
| Sustaining Harrow Football, Netball & Community | West Wimmera Shire Council | $86,640 |
| Charlton College water security | Charlton College | $22,880 |
| Concongella Primary School Oval Refurbishment | Concongella Primary School | $53,900 |
| Installation of a desalination plant at the Beaufort Golf Bowls Club. | Beaufort Golf and Bowls Club Inc | $67,491 |
| Keeping Gordon St Oval in Play | Ararat Rural City Council | $150,000 |
| Local Partnerships- Creating sustainable water futures | Marnoo Cricket Club | $29,548 |
| Maryborough Sports & Leisure Centre - Rainwater Harvesting Project | Central Goldfields Shire Council | $34,006 |
| Maryborough Tennis Centre - Synthetic Grass Court Development | Central Goldfields Shire Council | $150,000 |
| Rural Irrigation Systems | Ararat Rural City Council | $107,000 |
| Water for Inglewood | Loddon Shire Council | $132,740 |
| Waubra oval watering and surface upgrade. | Pyrenees Shire Council | $99,685 |
| Achieving Green, Building The Team ! | Dunolly Primary School | $75,000 |
| Anzac Park Additional Non-potable Irrigation Water Supply. | Yarriambiack Shire Council | $59,000 |
| Berriwillock Bowls Green Redevelopment | Buloke Shire Council | $150,000 |
| Sea Lake Recreation Reserve & Tyrrell College Drought Proofing Project | Buloke Shire Council | $150,000 |
| Watchem Recreation Reserve reuse pipeline | Buloke Shire Council | $70,000 |
| Sustainable Irrigation at the Sir John Gorton Swimming Pool | Gannawarra Shire Council | $50,000 |
| Sustainable Water Provision for Cohuna Bowls Club Inc. | Cohuna Bowls Incorporated | $33,777 |
Reviewed 19 August 2020