THE big men will fly again at Banksia Reserve for Beaumaris Football Club’s opening round following completion of the ground’s reconstruction project.

Bayside Mayor Councillor James Long said players, spectators and residents would see a huge improvement in the sportsground.

“The major improvement works have really been worth the wait,” Cr Long said. “The works have created a long term, water-wise outcome for the Bayside community.”

The total cost of the project was approximately $500,000, which included a $40,000 grant from the Victorian Government through the Drought Relief for Community Sport and Recreation program.

Bayside City Council identified Banksia Reserve as the city’s highest priority sportsground improvement project.

While the ground was reopened for Beaumaris Cricket Club and community use in January, the April 18 match will be the first time Beaumaris Football Club players have pulled on their boots for a home ground match since September 2007.

“The turf cricket table has been centred, there is a more effective drainage network and new irrigation system in operation,” Cr Long said. “The ground is now safer for everyone to use and the introduction of a new grass type will reduce potable water use by up to 40 per cent.”

Banksia Reserve is the home ground of Beaumaris Football Club and Beaumaris Cricket Club.

The football club is among the largest AFL clubs in Australia, fielding 23 teams this year, while the cricket club is among the largest in Victoria.

The seniors and reserves teams are playing Old Geelong in the C Section of the Victorian Amateur Football Association competition.

Banksia Reserve is also a popular dog off-leash area and is enjoyed by local residents daily.

What: Beaumaris Football Club’s first match at their home ground since 2007.
Where: Banksia Reserve, Tramway Parade, Beaumaris (Melway 86 E7).
When: Saturday 18 April 2009