By JESSE GRAHAM
NEW NETBALL and soccer facilities have been guaranteed for Healesville, after the State Government came on board with the $1.2 million project.
A brand-new sports pavilion will be constructed at Healesville’s Don Road Sporting Complex by the council, following a government funding announcement of $100,000 on 23 October.
Yarra Ranges mayor Fiona McAllister said the council had been successful in its grant application through the government’s Community Facility Funding Program, and that it was “all systems go” for the project.
“It’s been long-awaited, much-pushed-for and very, very well deserved,” Cr McAllister said.
The government funding, which was announced by Seymour MP and Eildon candidate Cindy McLeish, finishes off funding for the project – which also received $500,000 in funding from Casey MP Tony Smith as a pre-election promise last year.
The new pavilion would feature change rooms and amenities for players and referees, along with a first-aid room, meeting room, a kitchen and canteen, storage and spectator viewing area.
The pavilion would cater specifically to soccer and netball clubs, which currently have no facilities at the complex.
Cr McAllister said the change would be thrilling for the clubs and their supporters, and that a timeline for the development of the pavilion was yet to be established.
Ms McLeish announced on Saturday 15 November that the new pavilion would receive additional government funding of $150,000 if the Coalition was re-elected on 29 November.
“I am pleased to offer further assistance so that the project scope can be expanded somewhat to better meet the current and future needs of the local clubs,” Ms McLeish said.
Nationals candidate, Jim Child, said the announcement would help to improve participation and could potentially allow for larger events to be hosted at the venue.
