Alpine Shire Council has received a total of $530,000 of funding through the Victorian Government's Local Sports Infrastructure Fund to upgrade amenities at the Myrtleford Indoor Stadium and progress the Alpine Shire Open Space Strategy 2027-2037.
The projects were funded through two different streams, with the upgrade of amenities at Myrtleford Indoor Stadium receiving $500,000 through the Community Facilities stream and the completion of the draft Alpine Shire Open Space Strategy receiving $30,000 through the Planning stream.
The $500,000 investment from the Victorian Government for the Myrtleford Indoor Stadium will contribute to the $223,100 that Council is contributing to the project, bringing the total amount to $723,100.
The upgrades to the amenities at the Myrtleford Indoor Stadium will prioritise renovations to the existing toilets and change rooms, improvements to the existing kiosk area, and construction of a new meeting room, accessible changing facilities, and referee changing facilities.
These upgrades will build on the plans developed in conjunction with the Myrtleford Indoor Stadium Management Association Inc. committee and current user groups to prioritise accessibility, inclusivity, and comfort for sporting and community groups, while providing more welcoming facilities for women and girls, families, and people with disability.
The draft Alpine Shire Open Space Strategy 2027-2037 will build on the existing 2013 strategy and consider how parks, playgrounds, recreation reserves, and other public open spaces can meet the changing needs of residents and visitors.
This next stage will seek input from community members to assess gaps and identify opportunities to improve existing spaces and connections to prioritise future investment across Alpine Shire's townships and smaller communities.
Alongside dedicated community engagement, the draft strategy will also draw on more recent work, including the Alpine Shire Land Development Strategy 2024, Alpine Shire Community Infrastructure Needs Assessment 2026, Alpine Shire Tracks and Trails Master Plan 2025-2034, and other relevant sport and recreation master plans.
Alpine Shire Mayor, Cr Sarah Nicholas, welcomed the funding announcement and thanked the Victorian Government for prioritising investment in sporting infrastructure that is inclusive of community needs.
"These two projects offer Council the opportunity to deliver on-the-ground outcomes for communities right now, alongside planning for the communities of the future," she said.
"We're looking forward to being able to assess our existing infrastructure and open spaces to make sure that they are accessible and welcoming for everyone."
More information about scope, outcomes, and delivery timelines will be available when the projects begin in 2027.