Horsham Rural City Council is preparing to submit an application to the state government for funding to make further upgrades to Horsham Aquatic Centre, having missing out on federal funding for the facility.
Victoria's Parliamentary Secretary for Sport Danielle Green said the council was in discussion with Sport and Recreation Victoria to "refine the scope" of the further works it has planned.
She made the comments while officially opening the upgraded centre on Friday.
"(Mayor) Mark Radford said they will be submitting an application in a future funding round of an SRV program," she said.
Horsham Rural City Council had applied for $323,000 to improve all-abilities access and family change rooms at the aquatic centre under the Federal Government's Community Sports Infrastructure program.
It was ultimately unsuccessful. An auditor-general's report in January found applications submitted to the program of lower merit but in marginal electorates did receive funding, kicking off a scandal that has come to be known as Sports Rorts.
Ms Green said projects in her electorate of Yan Yean also missed out.
"I was deeply disappointed to hear Horsham was a victim of that too. I'd be happy to support them in being firm with the commonwealth that proposed projects should be funded in the order they are proposed," she said.
The state government provided more than $2 million for the construction of a new concrete hob and wet deck around the aquatic centre's outdoor pool, upgrades to Dudley Cornell Park in Horsham North and two synthetic greens at Sunnyside Horsham Bowling Green. All three upgraded facilities are fully operational.
Sports community representative John Ackland said the changes at Dudley Cornell Park - which have seen female-friendly change rooms for cricket, soccer and athletics teams constructed - were particularly important.
"Getting changed in the car or in public toilets is no longer required," he said.
"It's really great to see the growing participation rates for young women in all our sports. The new facilities are modern and safe, and will increase the number of people being active more often."
While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox twice weekly from the Wimmera Mail-Times. To make sure you're up-to-date with all the news from across the Wimmera, sign up below.
Alexander Darling
Alexander has been a member of the Wimmera Mail-Times' editorial team since December 2018, covering politics, business and property among other rounds. He is a passionate St.Kilda and rock and roll fan, and has previously worked as a radio reporter in Port Macquarie and Gosford, NSW.
Alexander has been a member of the Wimmera Mail-Times' editorial team since December 2018, covering politics, business and property among other rounds. He is a passionate St.Kilda and rock and roll fan, and has previously worked as a radio reporter in Port Macquarie and Gosford, NSW.
