Mr Ryan said the funding would repair damage caused by torrential rainfall and inundation to the grandstand during the September and December 2010 floods.
Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes welcomed the funding and congratulated local lad Cody Kego for bringing it to his attention last year.
“Cody saw a problem and rather than saying ‘someone should do something’ he wrote to me and the Benalla Ensign and now due to his initiative, these rooms will be repaired for the benefit of all users.”
President of the Benalla and District Junior Football League, Darren Skelton, welcomed the funding announcement, which will ensure that the Benalla Gardens Oval remains a significant sporting and recreational asset for the Benalla and district community.
"The oval itself is regarded as one of the most picturesque arenas in country Victoria, and now thanks to the grant, the facilities will also be refurbished to a high standard.
"Thanks to the support of the State Government, council and user groups, our up-and-coming young stars of the future will now enjoy the benefits of new modern facilities."
Mr Ryan said, “Benalla Gardens Oval Reserve is home to a host of Benalla sporting clubs and organizations, including the Benalla Cricket Club, Benalla and District Cricket Association and Benalla Junior Football League,”
“The Reserve is acknowledged as one the best places to play cricket in country Victoria, having hosted such great players as Indian master Sachin Tandulkar and retired Australian great Darren Lehmann.
“Locals have been known to say if you have ever been privileged enough to play on the Gardens Oval you should count yourself lucky because it is truly one of the great grounds.
“The grandstand is a much-loved community icon and repairing the under section, which was inundated in both flood events, will restore it to its glory and mitigate against future flood damage.”
The restorations involve:
• Restoring electricity supply
• Waterproofing the slab and building
• Replacing gutters, expanding the capacity of the downpipes, installing extra downpipes and installing a rubble pit to facilitate faster drainage
• Repairing change rooms and ceilings damaged by poor drainage capacity
• Repairing and refitting the kitchen to prevent future flooding
• Painting the grandstand.
Mr Ryan said funding for the $173,000 project would be provided to Benalla Rural City Council through the $5 million Flood Recovery Community Infrastructure Fund.
“The Flood Recovery Community Infrastructure Fund is supporting councils and community groups to restore flood-affected local assets," Mr Ryan said.
“The Fund will help stimulate local economies and restore important community infrastructure.”
Mr Ryan said the works were scheduled to be completed by the middle of next year.
Stay tuned 
Comments
Post has no comments.