Dreams of upgrades at Stawell's North Park turned into reality at the weekend when it was confirmed federal funding would be invested into the project.
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Wannon MP Dan Tehan announced on Saturday night to Swifts Football Netball Club members the federal government has allocated $500,000 for upgrades and improvements at the multi-purpose venue.
The funding provided is predicted to increase participation, particularly in women's sport.
Swifts vice-president Ian O'Donnell has been lobbying for the upgrades since the last state election in 2014.
He said this newest batch of funding will help the proposed upgrades get under way.
"This announcement has topped all the hard work right off," he said.
"We were so close to the dream of new facilities for all the users of North Park - but without this money we would have had to wait a little bit longer.
"Now, it looks like it will go as plan and things should start to happen very quickly."
Mr O'Donnell said the lobbying and work behind the scenes has not just come from the Swifts Football Club but from a variety of different community groups.
"There are a number of people part of the recreation community group," he said.
"This project isn't just about getting something done for the football club, it's for the whole community of Stawell.
"An estimated 50,000 people use these facilities one way or another every year - I think that number could be more."
Mr Tehan said the investment is part of the Community Sport Infrastructure Grant program to provide funding for improvements at local sporting facilities.
"The coalition government has prioritised investment in local grassroots sport because we recognise the wider health, social and community benefits that come from greater activity and participating in sport," Mr Tehan said.
"This investment of $500,000 will go to redevelop the clubrooms at North Park. This will provide a huge boost for sport in Stawell."
"It is a key priority of our government to promote the social and health benefits of physical activity and sport. Our investment to upgrade sporting facilities and infrastructure will provide a real encouragement for those local residents not currently active."
Last year the state government allocated $600,000 to the project, with the Northern Grampians Shire Council also contributing as well as users of the venue.
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