25 Oct 2017 Benalla Ensign, Benalla VIC (General News) NETBALL State Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes last week announced almost $1.5 million worth of sporting upgrades are now under way. The upgrades are going ahead thanks to Andrews Labor Government funding from the Country Football Netball Program. Ms Symes said Chiltern, Tallangatta, Glenrowan and Wodonga netball facilities were the big winners in the latest round of Labor Government funding. Ms Symes said the Chiltern netball courts would be redeveloped with the removal of the single court and would be replaced with two new compliant courts with lighting to 200 lux for competition. Ms Symes said Tallangatta would receive a second concrete court with an acrylic surface at Rowen Park Recreation Reserve, and Glenrowan Recreation Reserve Kelly Tigers Netball Courts would relocate with construction of a new court with 100 lux lighting closer to the amenities at the site. Kelly Park Netball Centre, Wodonga, will undertake a ninecourt upgrade to make sure they are compliant. Ive visited most of these facilities and they were due for an overhaul or major upgrade, Ms Symes said. Country netball continues to grow and these clubs deserve to have proper facilities to train and play on, thats why I worked closely with Sports Minister John Eren to secure this funding. Country netballers deserve to have access to the safe, modern facilities they truly deserve and I am pleased Labor is delivering for these local clubs. Country clubs have bred some of our nations greatest sporting champions and were giving them the facilities they need to continue this proud tradition. The Labor Government is getting on with giving all Victorians no matter where they live better access to the modern and inclusive facilities they deserve. Labor first started the Country Football and Netball Program in 2005, and since, a total of more than 400 projects have shared in funding of more than $22 million through the program. This program replaces and upgrades ageing grounds and facilities for football and netball clubs across regional Victoria, so they can meet growing demand and welcome even more members. The 2016/17 Victorian Budget delivered a further $60 million boost to build new and upgrade sporting facilities across the state and keep our reputation as the nations sporting capital. This included another $8 million boost for the Country Football and Netball Program. The program has an additional $1 million from partners the AFL, AFL Victoria and Netball Victoria. Project contributions from Labor: Chiltern Netball Courts Redevelopment: $100 000 Second court for more sport, Tallangatta: $77 200 Glenrowan Recreation Reserve netball courts: $100 000 Kelly Park Netball Centre upgrade, Wodonga: $100 000 Caption Text: Rapt: A number of local netball clubs will benefit from Jaclyn Symes sporting upgrades, worth $1.5 million. Licensed by Copyright Agency. You may only copy or communicate this work with a licence.