Last week in state parliament Minister Symes was questioned on the Latrobe Valley Authority’s
funding commitments for Yallourn Yallourn North Football Netball Club’s (YYNFNC) netball
facilities.
Minister Symes is responsible for the Latrobe Valley Authority (LVA).
The Nationals, Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Melina Bath said the YYN netballers endure
woeful playing and trainings conditions and deserved answers.
“When I first visited the facility in May 2018 to inspect the netball facilities I was shocked to
see they lacked the most basic requirements,” said Ms Bath.
“From the moment I stepped out of my car it was clear the facility required an urgent upgrade.
The YYN netball playing surface is sinking and cracking. Lighting for training is insufficient and
players have no change room. Equipment is stored in an old alco hut with no electricity. Players
warm up in a gravel car park amongst traffic and parked cars.
There is no permanent toilet servicing the netball court. Players utilise a port-a-loo hired for
six months each year and use mobile phone torches as lighting.
“The club has been proactive speaking with a variety of government departments and organisations in
an attempt to access funding and implement their much needed netball upgrades. They have created a
master plan.
“The Nationals identified the YYNFNC netball upgrades as a regional priority and announced a
funding commitment prior to the state election.
“Latrobe City Council are supportive of the upgrade so I am calling on Minister Symes and LVA to be
fast track funding for the project.
“The Yallourn North community are eagerly awaiting in anticipation for a positive outcome they
deserve.
“The Minister cannot ignore the urgent needs of the YYN netballers and it is difficult to
comprehend how this project has been overlooked.”
