The Western Metropolitan Region is one of the fastest growing regions in Australia. Collectively the local government authorities within the Region are expected to grow by 198,000 people over the next 10 years to 2025.
The Western Metropolitan Region Football Facilities Strategy was completed in early 2016 in collaboration with the five LGAs in Melbourne’s west of Hobsons Bay City Council, Melton City Council, Wyndham City Council, Maribyrnong City Council and Brimbank City Council.
The strategy involved analysis of the 64 football facilities operating in the region, future infrastructure demand to support the growth of football, and the establishment of clear objectives to guide future investment into community football facilities.
The strategy’s vision is: To collaboratively plan football facilities that enhance the opportunity for participation, inclusion, access and sustainability across the western region community
In pleasing news for all involved in the Western Region Football League, recent analysis by the partner local government authorities has shown that over $40 million in facility development has been undertaken or committed to, across 33 separate projects, consistent with the strategy recommendations since the strategy was developed.
Projects range from a $120,000 upgrade to lighting at Shorten Reserve in West Footscray, to a $12 million upgrade to Chirnside Park in Werribee.
Venues have been upgraded to improve unisex changeroom provision, install lighting for improved fixturing flexibility, ground renovation to increase their carrying capacity along with a host of other projects. As participation in the game continues to grow, so does the need for facilities to support not only the growth, but the changing profile of participation. Increasing the capacity of grounds and pavilions and the development of unisex facilities that welcome participants and umpires from each gender has never been more important.
The WRFL and AFL Victoria wish to acknowledge and thank each of the partner local government authorities for their continued support of footy in this region. When you consider the above outcomes, there is little doubt that local government is our game’s biggest supporter in this region.
Last Modified on 29/08/2017 13:00