NETBALL players at Capel Sound are stepping onto a new kind of court after a major upgrade at Truemans Road Reserve delivered a first-of-its-kind surface for Australia.
The six courts have been resurfaced using an innovative product that reuses recycled household paint, giving new life to material that would otherwise end up as waste.
Twenty two per cent of the base layer is made from paint diverted from household waste streams, marking a significant advance in sustainable sports infrastructure.
The project blends environmental and high-performance design, ensuring the courts meet the demands of competitive play while reducing environmental impact.
Acting mayor Cr Paul Pingiaro said sustainability was a key driver, but not at the expense of quality.
“We are always looking to opt for sustainable solutions, but equally important is performance,” he said.
“We did due diligence and tested the recycled product, and it actually came back three times stronger than the alternative product.”
Players have also noticed the difference, with the new surface delivering improved grip underfoot, enhancing safety and playability across all levels of competition.
Tootgarook Ward councillor Cam Williams said the upgrade demonstrated how sustainability could be put into action at a local level.
“This is sustainability in practice, and we are proud to be the very first court in Australia to use this eco-friendly product,” he said.
The Truemans Road Reserve courts are shared by four local clubs – Sorrento, Rye, Capel Sound Tootgarook and Rosebud Netball Clubs – meaning hundreds of players, coaches and supporters will benefit from the upgrade.
Council said the project sets a strong example for future sporting developments, showing that community facilities can deliver world-class performance while embracing environmentally responsible solutions.
First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 4 March 2026
