A project to irrigate the Lindenow Recreation Reserve is being supported with $50,000 in Victorian Government funding, Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull said today.

“The project, expected to be completed in July, would see the installation of about 1300 metres of irrigation infrastructure to enable the use of bore water and an automated sprinkler system on the reserve,” said Mr Bull.

“Over recent years the main oval has been extremely hard and unsafe and this project will help ensure the playing surfaces of the reserve’s three sport fields remain in an appropriate, safe and usable condition, particularly during the warmer and drier summer months.

“Sports such as football are vital to regional communities because they provide very important recreational and social opportunities,” said Mr Bull.

The irrigation infrastructure will supply up to three facilities at the Community Complex including the Recreation Reserve, adjoining oval and areas of the Lindenow Primary School grounds.  

Mr Bull said “at present the only available water in the area is the potable town water supply and is expensive and not an appropriate or sustainable use of water."

“Accessing bore water for irrigating the playing surfaces is far more cost-effective and sustainable. The automated system will also ensure consistent and controlled watering of the playing surfaces leading to significant savings,” he said.

Minister for Regional and Rural Development, Peter Ryan, said Victorian Government funding for the $95,000 Lindenow Recreation Reserve – Irrigation Infrastructure Installation project would be provided to East Gippsland Shire Council through the $1 billion Regional Growth Fund’s Putting Locals First Program.

“Putting Locals First is a $100 million initiative that enables regional communities to devise and deliver service and infrastructure responses that reflect local priorities,” Mr Ryan said.

“It is supporting stronger and more sustainable regional communities by building their capacity to drive development in their region.”