Council seeks funding to deliver sport facility upgrades

Published on 21 July 2026

West Wimmera Shire Council is seeking funding to deliver a new cricket training facility in Kaniva and progress designs for upgraded netball and tennis courts in Edenhope.

Council will apply for funding through the 2026-27 Local Sports Infrastructure Fund program for the Kaniva Cricket Training Facilities Project and the Edenhope Recreation Reserve Netball Tennis Facilities Design Project.

The Kaniva Cricket Training Facilities Project will deliver a new two-lane cricket training facility at the Kaniva Recreation Reserve, including dedicated cricket storage, spectator area and associated site works such as drainage, landscaping and septic system alterations.

Currently, the Kaniva Cricket Club uses ageing cricket nets at Kaniva College for training.

The arrangement provides limited security for the club’s ongoing use of the facilities.

A new cricket training facility was identified as a priority project through the Kaniva Recreation Reserve Masterplan and is proposed to be located to the southwest of the reserve oval.

The project designs have been developed in collaboration with the Kaniva Cricket Club, Cricket Victoria and Sport and Recreation Victoria, with co-funding support from Sport and Recreation Victoria during the design development process, to ensure the facility meets the club’s needs and aligns with relevant standards and guidelines.

Council is also seeking funding to undertake design works for improvements to the Edenhope Recreation Reserve netball and tennis facilities.

The current courts and changeroom facilities are ageing and no longer meet modern accessibility, safety and sporting requirements.

The existing courts have accessibility issues, incorrect construction gradients, non-compliant runoff areas and deteriorating surfaces.

The existing changeroom facilities also present challenges, with a single changeroom currently serving as both a changeroom and storage area, creating limitations around privacy and separation between teams.

The proposed design project will investigate new court layouts, upgraded changeroom facilities and improvements to supporting infrastructure including carparking, shelters and pathways.

Council Chief Executive Officer David Bezuidenhout said investing in local sporting facilities was important for supporting active communities.

“Sport plays a vital role in bringing our communities together and providing opportunities for people of all ages to participate,” he said.

“These projects will support the continued growth of local sport by improving facilities, increasing accessibility and creating better opportunities for community participation.”

Council will submit both funding applications through the 2026-27 Local Sports Infrastructure Fund program.