Centre fired up!

By Dion Teasdale
YARRA Junction reached two milestones last week with the Yarra Centre celebrating its first birthday and being connected to natural gas on the same day.
Shire of Yarra Ranges mayor Monika Keane and Gembrook MP Tammy Lobato officially turned on the supply of reticulated gas to the centre at a ceremony last Thursday.
They were joined for the double celebration by local residents, centre staff and representatives from Alinta, the company charged with rolling out natural gas along the Warburton Highway. The Yarra Centre, which comprises an eight-lane 25-metre lap pool, as well as toddler and program pools with disability access, was officially opened last April by the Minister for Sports and Recreation, Justin Madden.
The centre, which came about after more than a decade of lobbying and fund raising by the local community, was funded by a $3 million investment from the Shire of Yarra Ranges and a $1 million grant from the State Government.
Cr Keane said the natural gas connection would provide significant savings for the centre.
“Connecting natural gas is estimated to result in a 40 per cent reduction in the Yarra Centre’s total operating costs,” she said.
Alinta marketing manager James Wong said the natural gas connection was part of a $24 million Natural Gas Extension Program managed by Alinta on behalf of Multinet Gas.
“Alinta has already constructed supply mains from Wandin to Millgrove and distribution mains in the townships of Yarra Glen, Wandin and Seville,” he said.
“Over 77km of pipes have been laid, with more than 700 Yarra Ranges residents connected to natural gas,” he said.
Gembrook MP Tammy Lobato said the project had been made possible through incentives provided by the State Government under the $70 million Natural Gas Extension Program.
“The connection of Yarra Junction to reticulated gas ensures that this area is a great place to live, work and raise a family,” she said.
The Yarra Centre’s manager, Scott Gamble, said the centre was now attracting 11,000 users every month, and that attendances for the year are estimated to be up to 140,000.
Cr Keane said the presence of an outstanding sports and recreational centre in Yarra Junction was an incentive for local people to participate in healthy exercise.
“People of all ages are using the centre, from very young people participating in learn-to-swim programs, right through to older adults enjoying a variety of programs,” she said.
“It is also a valuable social resource – a place where people can meet for exercise, or just get together. I’m sure the centre will continue to be successful, and a great asset for Yarra Junction and the shire.”