Benalla Rural City Council has adopted the Churchill Recreation Reserve, United Friendlies Society Reserve, and Benalla Gardens Reserve Masterplans, and endorsed the Benalla Showgrounds and Recreation Reserve Masterplan, providing a 10-year roadmap to improve local sporting facilities.
These Masterplans were shaped by extensive community input, with 267 submissions received alongside workshops and surveys held throughout the consultation period.
Feedback led to some notable changes to the final plans. Including hardcourt tennis will remain at Benalla Botanical Gardens, and netball courts delivered under the plan at Churchill Recreation Reserve will increase from four to six. Churchill Recreation Reserve will also become home to the new Benalla Multisport Stadium, alongside upgrades to lighting, ovals, and accessibility across the four sites.
Mayor Cr Bernie Hearn said the plans reflect what the community asked for.
“These Masterplans are about delivering better courts, ovals, and facilities for our kids and grandkids to enjoy for years to come,” Cr Hearn said.
“Masterplans are vital in guiding Council in priority setting of projects and providing the ability to advocate for and support the application for the necessary grant funds.”
The planning and development of these Masterplans was supported by a $40,000 grant from Sport and Recreation Victoria.
Council said the next decade of works will be staged over time, with priorities guided by community need and available funding. Further updates on individual projects, including timelines for the Benalla Multisport Stadium, will be shared with the community as they progress.
Residents can view the full Recreation Reserves Masterplans 2026-2036 on Council’s website Recreation Reserves Masterplans 2026 – 2036.