Twenty-five projects across 11 municipalities will share in $2.3 million from the Sustainable Water Fund – Community Sport and Recreation Program.

A total of $107,000 will go towards installing automatic irrigation systems and reseeding oval surfaces at Pomonal and Lake Bolac Recreation Reserves.

Up to $53,900 will be used to connect Concongella Primary School to the Wimmera Mallee Pipeline and $29,548 will go towards connecting Marnoo Memorial Park to a large capacity storm water storage dam at the local Southern Ark Storage facility.

A total of $150,000 will also provide a sustainable and high quality surface to Ararat’s Gordon Street Recreation Reserve, including an automatic irrigation system.

The Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Victoria Danielle Green said sporting clubs and recreational facilities were often cornerstone of local communities and a meeting place for residents of all ages.

“I have seen first-hand the impacts of drought locally and I am proud to be working with communities to ensure they get the support they need,” she said.

“While recent rain is welcome, we are acting now to ensure these facilities in Ararat, Lake Bolac, Pomonal, Concongella and Marnoo have good playing surfaces and water security, especially in dry times.

“Local sport grounds are critical for the well-being of communities, particularly in times of drought, so it is great to be able to provide more water security to ensure they remain open even in dry periods.”

The grants formed part of the state government’s $10 million Drought Support Fund announced in April last year.

The use of the fund was informed by extensive stakeholder consultation which indicated strong support for measures that focused on community health and well-being and preparedness to deal with the impacts of drought.

Victoria’s new Water Plan, Water for Victoria, acknowledged the importance of securing water for a range of purposes.