Mt Beauty club nets state funding for facility improvements

THE Victorian government will help bankroll new cricket net facilities for the Mt Beauty United Cricket Club at Mt Beauty Recreation Reserve. Victorian Treasurer Jaclyn Symes confirmed that as part of the Victorian Budget she announced last week, up to $175,000 will be provided from Sport and Rec Victoria and administered to Alpine Shire Council to carry out the project. Outgoing club president Ross Wilson said the club and its members were excited by the news, but were still seeking the finer details from authorities. "It's a bit of a surprise, but something we have certainly been pushing for a long time," he said. "We've been working with council and also the Albury Wodonga Cricket Association to try and get the nets replaced as they're pretty old and in a state of disrepair. "The four nets' cyclone fencing has plenty of holes in the roof and side netting and they're certainly well overdue for replacement. "We've been calling for new cricket net facilities with three lanes that are better quality, fully enclosed and safer." Mr Wilson said it would be nice to have the new practice nets as soon as possible, but realistically he doesn't expect them ready until the 2026/27 season. "We've been putting some funding away for the project and have also received a Cricket Victoria grant," he said. Alpine Shire Council chief executive officer Will Jeremy congratulated the club on securing the funding. “It’s a fantastic outcome for a dedicated local club that plays a big role in the community,” he said. “We’re looking forward to working closely with the club to deliver the new practice nets and support their ongoing improvements.” Treasurer Symes said the government recognises the club brings together players of all ages and all abilities and plays an important role in the community, so better facilities will benefit members, supporters and the wider community - including schools which use the facilities. Mr Wilson, who has been club president for the past seven years, said membership is strong, with the club fielding three senior and two junior teams this season, as well as the Woolworths Blast program for beginners. "We're only a small club in the AWCA, but one of only a couple of clubs with senior, junior and blast programs...and almost all our club members are local residents," he said. The club shares the reserve as a home ground with the Dederang Mt Beauty Football Netball Club and recently secured a grant from the Mt Beauty and District Community Bank to build a front deck at the club pavilion. "That's the next project, with plans afoot to improve shade as well...all part of continuing to improve facilities at this community hub," Mr Wilson said.

Mt Beauty club nets state funding for facility improvements

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