Mount Alexander Shire Council, Media Release, 24 May 2023
Planned sporting facility upgrades at the Bill Woodfull Recreation Reserve in Maldon are one step closer following a recent meeting of Mount Alexander Shire Councillors.
On Tuesday 16 May, Councillors unanimously voted to award a contract for the construction of a new all gender pavilion at the reserve to local builder BLR Provincial Pty Ltd.
The new pavilion will include two gender neutral change rooms, two gender neutral umpire change rooms, public toilets (which includes an accessible toilet), and an administration office, and first aid and storage area.
The reserve is also set to benefit from lighting upgrades on the oval and netball courts. This project will take place concurrently with pavilion improvements, and see four 24 metre poles installed.
Tarrengower Ward Councillor, Stephen Gardner said the improvements provide safe and accessible facilities for the whole community to enjoy.
“The current facilities at Maldon don’t cater for women and girls, and we want to change that”, said Cr Gardner.
Improvements at the reserve are the result of extensive community consultation, involving residents, members of the local tennis, football and netball clubs, and the Bill Woodfull Recreation Reserve Community Asset Committee.
“Thank you to everyone who has provided feedback to Council over the years, advocating for the facilities to be upgraded”, said Cr Gardner.
“From that feedback, we’ve adapted the design of the pavilion to accommodate heritage concerns, and we will ensure that the pre-gold rush trees will be protected.”
“The upgrades at the reserve will transform the space into one that’s modern, multi-functional, and able to be used by a larger proportion of people – which is a fantastic result.”
Pre-commencement works will begin at the reserve in the coming weeks, and will include the removal of vegetation within the building zone, relocation of existing Coliban Water infrastructure, consolidation of existing power infrastructure and completion of regulatory safety checks.
Construction of the new all gender pavilion and sports lighting upgrades at Bill Woodfull Recreation Reserve are anticipated to be complete in May 2024.
“These improvements are part of a range of upgrades we’ve been making at sports and recreation reserves throughout the shire”, said Cr Gardner.
“Over the last few years we’ve upgraded facilities at Harcourt Recreation Reserve and Wesley Hill Recreation Reserve, and we’re planning for improvements at Camp Reserve and Campbells Creek Recreation Reserve”.
“Our focus is on developing facilities that will increase participation in sport and activity across the shire, and that are inclusive and welcoming for all ages, genders, abilities, and backgrounds,” he said.
The Bill Woodfull Recreation Reserve all gender facilities are being developed by Council, in partnership with the Victorian Government through funding from the Local Sports Infrastructure Fund – Female Friendly Facilities stream.
For more details on Bill Woodfull Recreation Reserve and the improvements planned, visit www.shape.mountalexander.vic.gov.au or call 5471 1700.
