Horsham Rural City Council is to apply for funding to help deliver almost $1 million in upgrades and project development at three key sport and recreation facilities across the municipality.
Councillors backed the recommendation at Monday's monthly Council meeting.
Sport and Recreation Victoria (SRV) has two annual funding rounds available only to Local Government.
The Local Sports Infrastructure Fund (LSIF) supports the planning and development of high-quality, accessible community sport and active recreation infrastructure.
The Country Football and Netball Program (CFNP) helps support improvement of facilities for football and netball clubs.
Both programs are highly competitive and, if approved, the projects will require Council co-funding of up to $440,000.
Council is proposing to:
- Provide lighting at 12 tennis courts in Haven
- Conduct a feasibility study into improvements at Horsham Aquatic Centre
- Upgrade lighting at Cameron's Oval, Laharum
New LED lighting at Haven's tennis courts would increase casual use and allow for extended and new tennis competitions on a year-round basis.
It would also allow for time-shifting of competition, avoiding the hottest parts of the day, particularly as there are only two publicly accessible lit tennis courts in Horsham, at Central Park.
Total cost would be $450,000, with SRV contributing $250,000 and HRCC $200,000.
Horsham Aquatic Centre has had several upgrades in recent years, including access to the outdoor 50-metre pool, outdoor function area, and parent change rooms.
The current masterplan was developed in 2017 and requires updating, to recognise the growing participation rates at this important regional level facility.
Total cost would be $80,000, shared equally between SRV and Council.
Council is supporting major improvements at Cameron's Oval, Laharum, where efforts are already underway to seek State Government backing for a $1.7 million redevelopment of the oval into a multipurpose facility to support local AFL football, cricket, tennis, school and general community use.
Under the CFNP, Council wants to upgrade lighting at the oval, with the State Government contributing $250,000 towards the total cost of $450,000.
Outside of the Sport and Recreation Victoria funding rounds, Council proposes to complete plans for the Laharum Oval multipurpose facility at a cost of $80,000.
"Council is always seeking improvements to our community's facilities," said Acting Mayor Brian Klowss.
"Preparing applications for this funding requires a lot of work, and involves a lot of public consultation.
"The SRV funding rounds are important opportunities to advocate for projects to support our community's passion for sport and recreation."
The deadline for funding applications under the LSIF is 2 December. Applications for CFNP grants are open until 26 February 2026.
Successful projects under both programs will commence construction from 1 July 2026, with Council co-funding required in the 2026-2027 capital works budget.
