Benalla Rural City Council is taking a major step toward enhancing local sport and recreation facilities with the announcement of plans to develop four new local master plans.
Sport and Recreation Victoria have committed $40,000 in grant funding to support the initiative, with Council contributing up to $100,000.
Mayor, Bernie Hearn, welcomed the funding announcement, saying the joint investment of $140,000 would provide a strong foundation for helping shape the future of Benalla’s recreation reserves, ensuring they continue to meet the needs of the community for years to come.
“This investment is a fantastic opportunity to plan for the future of our much-loved recreation reserves,” Mayor Hearn said.
“It reflects the strong partnership between Council, Sport and Recreation Victoria, and our dedicated local sporting clubs and committees.
“By working together, we can ensure these spaces continue to support healthy, active lifestyles and remain central to our community for generations to come.”
The project will deliver site-specific master plans for Churchill Recreation Reserve, Benalla Showgrounds and Recreation Reserve, United Friendlies Society Reserve, and Benalla Gardens Reserve.
These plans will form a strategic framework to guide infrastructure upgrades and investment prioritisation, ensuring the facilities meet the evolving needs of the Benalla community. The master plans will also help Council manage facilities more efficiently and make the best use of resources, helping Council and user groups better manage infrastructure renewal while balancing long-term operational efficiency and cost, the organisation said in a statement.
“Council will continue to engage with user groups and management committees to ensure outcomes reflect community needs and aspirations,” it stated.
This project is supported by funding from Sport and Recreation Victoria through Round 2 of the Regional Community Sports Infrastructure Fund.
