New cricket nets a hit for Mount Clear

The City of Ballarat will begin works to install five new cricket nets at Mount Clear Recreation Reserve later this year. 

The $600,000 project, which includes $500,000 in funding from the City of Ballarat and $100,000 from the State Government, will provide five cricket nets for the Mount Clear Cricket Club, with two of the five nets dedicated to the community for year-round use. 

The project includes earthworks and the installation of a new synthetic base, state-of-the-art nets with fully enclosed soft netting, providing a safer environment for players and people passing by – preventing cricket balls from escaping the nets. 

Mount Clear Recreation Reserve is home to Mount Clear Cricket Club. The works will provide five new cricket training bays for the club. 

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Daniel Moloney said the upgrade and additional nets will help support the Mount Clear Cricket Club, which in addition to being home to 55 senior players and 180 juniors, has experienced significant growth within its female playing ranks. 

Cr Moloney said the nets will also allow anyone in the community to participate in cricket thanks to the two dedicated community lanes, which will remain open for public access. 

“The City of Ballarat is thrilled to support this fantastic project through the Ballarat Recreation Capital Improvement Program, which is continuing to upgrade a number of sporting facilities across our municipality,” he said.  

“State-of-the-art sporting and recreation facilities help build stronger, healthier and happier communities – from meeting the needs of today’s players to encouraging future players into the sport.” 

Member for Buninyong, Michaela Settle said with grassroots sports back in full swing, now more than ever clubs like Mount Clear need quality facilities they can depend on. 

“The new cricket nets will go a long way to inspiring even more Mount Clear locals to join their booming local cricket club that boast Ballarat’s fastest growing women and girls’ teams. 

“Better facilities make it easier to get back into local sport and recreation and live active and healthy lifestyles.” 

The tender for the contract will soon be announced. Works are expected to begin in August and will be completed late December.