General News
6 June, 2024
City Oval snubbed but stage nearly set
Horsham’s bid to upgrade the City Oval has been snubbed in the first round of the federal government’s Growing Regions Program.
Horsham Rural City Council submitted an application for funding to build a new community pavilion and changerooms at the oval, part of its multimillion dollar City Oval/Sawyer Park redevelopment project.
Mayor Robyn Gulline said the outcome was particularly disappointing as the wider Grampians region also was excluded from the government’s $207 million handout to 40 new local priority infrastructure projects.
Only eight projects in Victoria were given a share.
Cr Gulline said HRCC would continue to seek external funding.
“Our council remains steadfast in its commitment to this important project and will continue to seek state and federal funding,” she said.
“The new community pavilion and changerooms are seen as a significant addition to the Horsham City Oval, and we believe that securing funding for this project is crucial for the community.
“Despite the recent setback, our resolve remains strong, and we’ll continue to pursue all available avenues for funding.
“Council thanks the community for its ongoing support."
The application, including a ticket box and City Oval landscaping, was for $4.8 million.
The Growing Regions Program provides funding of between $500,000 and $15 million to support local government and not-for-profit organisations to deliver capital works projects in regional and rural Australia.
Round 2 of the program will open later in 2024.
Meanwhile, Horsham City Oval Multipurpose Stage is nearing completion, with the first event planned for early 2025.
It is designed to host large-scale outdoor music and entertainment events for up to 8000 people.
The $3 million project, funded by state and federal governments, also includes reconstruction of Hocking Street and nearby parking.
Council will be scheduling two large events in the first year of operation, which it hopes will increase tourism numbers by 15,000, worth about $5 million to the Wimmera economy.
Community events also can make use of the stage.