June 27, 2016
Residents in Mallacoota will be a step closer to getting a new “home” for local sporting clubs and community groups under a re-elected Coalition Government.
The Nationals Member for Gippsland Darren Chester today announced $200,000 towards the proposed Mallacoota Recreation Reserve redevelopment, which will provide the town with facilities for sport and social events.
Mr Chester said the total project was expected to cost about $1 million and had widespread community support. It will include new clubrooms, showers and toilets, a kitchen, shelter areas, balcony and storage sheds.
“Community sport and social events are important to small regional communities like Mallacoota, which has a population of about 1000 people that swells to 8000 people including visitors over the peak summer holiday period,” Mr Chester said.
“Many local groups are running out of storage space, and the current facilities for sporting events such as soccer and cricket are not up to standard.
“The new recreation reserve building and associated storage sheds will provide a gathering place for local residents, and additional capacity to local groups including the kindergarten, summer youth programs, service clubs, and sports clubs.
“If re-elected, the Coalition Government will ensure we can get the ball rolling on this important project and deliver it in partnership with the community and East Gippsland Shire Council.”
Mr Chester said planning for the new clubrooms had been underway since 2011 and involved several hours of voluntary work by the Halls and Recreation Reserve Grounds Management Committee, with support from East Gippsland Shire Council.
“This project is a great example of how strong local communities can work together to achieve an outcome that will benefit everyone,” Mr Chester said.
“Mallacoota deserves the same facilities as larger towns in Gippsland and I congratulate everyone who has worked so hard to bring this project together.”
Mr Chester said he would also call on the Victorian State Government to contribute funding towards the project, working in partnership with The Nationals Member for Gippsland East Tim Bull, and East Gippsland Shire Council.
