27 Sep 2018 Wangaratta Chronicle, Wangaratta VIC (General News) by Jeremy Wilson State Government to announce over $1 million to lift our infrastructure FRESH lighting to two of Wangarattas major sporting precincts will headline todays anticipated State Government announcement of more than $1.1 million in local sporting infrastructure. Jaclyn Symes (MLC, Northern Victoria), will be in Wangaratta today when she is expected to announce government funding for three separate projects. Its anticipated Ms Symes will confirm funding to support major upgrades at the WJ Findlay Oval and South Wangaratta Reserve as well as the Mitchell Avenue Recreation Reserve. The upgrades at the WJ Findlay Oval and South Wangaratta Reserve are expected to be in the form of installation of badly needed sports field lighting. Both clubs have pushed hard for new lighting in recent years and are expected to be ecstatic with the news of this announcement, with the chance of night football and soccer games now a possibility. Meanwhile, the upgrades to the Mitchell Avenue Recreation Reserve are likely to be a childrens garden skate-friendly pathway linking the existing splash park and playground as well as the future BMX pump track. Todays funding further enhances Wangarattas growing reputation as a sporting infrastructure centre of excellence with a number of projects recently gaining funding. This investment follows Ms Symes securing $1.5 million for Stage Two of the Wangaratta Aquatic Plan at the Wangaratta Indoor Sports and Aquatic Centre, $95,000 for the Wangaratta Tennis and District Upgrade Project at Merriwa Park and Boorhaman Tennis Club, $200,000 for female change rooms for Glenrowan Football/Netball Club and the relocation and construction of a netball court with 100 LUX lighting at the Glenrowan Recreation Reserve Kelly Tigers Netball Courts. Over $4 million was also secured in July under the Federal Governments Building Better Regions Fund Infrastructure Projects stream to build a new 50 metre, solar-heated pool next to the existing Wangaratta Indoor Sports and Aquatic Centre including a splash play area and indoor hydrotherapy facilities. And of course last weekend saw the incredible success of the Ovens and Murray Grand Final at the Norm Minns Oval which further confirmed Wangarattas ability to host major sporting events.