A $5.6-million Natimuk Showgrounds masterplan will invest in assets for the ground’s user groups across the next decade, including a combined netball and climbing facility.

Project priorities and costs have been allocated following consultation with the community and the user groups – Arapiles Historical Society, and Natimuk’s agricultural and pastoral society, men’s shed, primary school, pre-school, and the town’s cricket, tennis, football and netball clubs. 

Committee member Mikayla Mackley said the masterplan outlined 29 recommendations.

“We have prioritised the recommendations based on what was at end-of-life and what was creating immediate issues,” she said.

“For example, the netball club’s facilities are rundown and not really fit-for-purpose, so that was a key priority.

“The climbing group is very keen to combine with the netball club to do a combined climbing and netball facility, and they’ve been making things happen in terms of applying for funding, so they have moved up the list.”

Mrs Mackley said the agricultural and pastoral society secured the funding for the development.

“We wanted to make sure we were developing the showgrounds in a way that made sense for all the different stakeholders that use the site, so we engaged an external consultant,” she said.

“The recommendations are all subject to further funding and more community consultation, but it gives us something to work with and somewhere to aim for.”

The masterplan includes rabbit-proof fencing; resurfacing tennis courts; a permanent, powered ticket box; historical society shed demolition, if the group was to relocate; road and carpark sealing; purchase of a portable electronic scoreboard; cricket storage area; female umpires changeroom development; and poultry shed expansion.

In its first year, the plan will see a shade structure installed between the main pavilion and changeroom, oval surface and site drainage improvements, shearing pavilion upgrades, and design of a multipurpose facility to house netball, climbing, gym, show office, changerooms and toilets. 

The entire April 2, 2025 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!