New netball courts in Castlemaine a hit

The opening of new acrylic netball courts at the Wesley Hill Recreation Reserve in Castlemaine will get more people playing netball and cricket in Mount Alexander Shire.
Minister for Regional Development, Territories and Local Government John McVeigh said the upgrade would enable the Castlemaine Junior Netball Club to host more tournaments, thereby providing the shire with social and economic benefits.
“It also supports the Mount Alexander Shire Council’s goal of providing attractive and safe places for the community to pursue a range of recreational, cultural and social interests,” Dr McVeigh said.
“The Coalition Government recognises the importance of delivering high-quality infrastructure projects in regional areas as part of its commitment to strengthen rural and regional Australia.”
Minister for Sport and Senator for Victoria Bridget McKenzie said the upgraded facilities represented a major boost for netball players and spectators in Castlemaine and the surrounding area.
“It’s great to have brand new courts and all of the other facilities that go with that, including netball shelters, seating for spectators and floodlights for the players,” Senator McKenzie said.
“As Minister for Sport I want to see more Australians, more active, more often and this quality facility will help local kids and families make for a fuller use of the reserve.”
Mayor of Mount Alexander Shire Council Bronwen Machin said the project was a significant investment in the future of sports in the shire.
“The upgrade brings Wesley Hill Recreation Reserve one step closer to becoming a first class multi-purpose sports precinct and junior sports hub,” Cr Machin said.
“The improvements will help increase participation rates in netball and cricket to improve the health of our community and the standard of local competition.”
Stage 2 of the reserve upgrade will be funded by the Mount Alexander Shire Council, with a contribution from Sports Recreation Victoria. It will include a multi-purpose pavilion for AFL, netball and cycling to complement the completion of Stage 1.
Stage 2 commenced construction in April 2018.
The Wesley Hill Recreation Reserve Redevelopment Stage 1 upgrade was jointly funded by the Coalition Government investing $1.9 million and the Mount Alexander Shire Council $68,883.