By Gladys Barreta
Funding commitments to support Bacchus Marsh’s recreational and sporting facilities are being made by both major parties in the lead up to the federal election.
The Liberal Party has announced a commitment of $1.4 million towards upgrading the Masons Lane Athletics Track in Bacchus Marsh.
In a social media post, Little Athletics president Sandra Ibrahim said the upgrade would put Bacchus Marsh on the same competitive level as other clubs.
“Our kids will be able to compete just like other kids … and we will be able to host more events and bring people into Bacchus Marsh,” she said.
The Liberal candidate for Hawke, Simmone Cottom, also this week announced a $1 million commitment to resurface the oval and improve drainage facilities at the Ballan Recreation Reserve.
“The Ballan Recreation Reserve is a cornerstone of our community, providing a place for families, sports enthusiasts, and visitors to gather, play, and enjoy the outdoors,” she said.
“However, it’s time to upgrade the oval to ensure that it continues to meet the needs of our growing community.”
Moorabool mayor Paul Tatchell, welcomed both funding commitments, noting that council has long advocated for investment in local sporting facilities.
“Users of Ballan Recreation Reserve were rapt yesterday to hear of the $1 million commitment to upgrade the oval and fix the drainage if the Coalition wins government. The drainage has been a problem for a long time, so this was great news for Ballan,” Cr Tatchell said.
“Equally good news in the lead up to the election was the Coalition committing to fund an athletics track at Masons Lane in Bacchus Marsh.
“This has been on council’s advocacy list for a few years, as our community grows and we look to offer more opportunities for our residents to participate in sport.”
Labor has not matched these specific investments but has made Bacchus Marsh the focus of several major funding commitments in the lead up to the election.
Hawke Labor MP Sam Rae recently announced a $25 million commitment to build the Bacchus Marsh Indoor Pool.
Mr Rae also announced $4 million for a new sports facility at the Bacchus Marsh Racecourse Recreation Reserve, through the Stronger Communities Grants Program, and $1.8 million for a new pedestrian and bike path along Griffith Street in Maddingley, through the Active Transport Grants Program.
