By MELISSA MEEHAN
MONBULK Recreation Reserve’s ageing pavilion will be replaced regardless of who wins the upcoming State Election.
Last week Monbulk MP James Merlino said a Andrews Labor Government would build a new community pavilion at the reserve.
The reserve currently caters for more than 800 players from local cricket, netball and footy clubs as well as school kids and families at Monbulk Primary School and other local community groups.
The $600,000 promise will also provide new meeting rooms and male and female changerooms.
Mr Merlino said the works would help the local clubs and groups grow.
“Monbulk has a very proud sporting history and the recreation reserve is part of an impressive sport and community precinct,” Mr Merlino said.
“But the facilities don’t match the quality and excellence of the volunteers or the hundreds of players.”
Earlier this month, Liberal candidate for Monbulk Mark Verschuur promised $500,000 if his government wins the elections.
Monbulk Recreation Reserve Committee president Paul Utting said news of the promise was fantastic.
“Now we can plan with confidence,” he said.
“We know that we are getting a minimum of $500,000 which is great.”
Mr Utting said that the committee was working closely with the council on concept plans, and said the promised funding meant there was now pressure on council to bring the project to the front of the list.
“Over the next few weeks, we should have an idea from council about an agreed plan and budget, so we can work out what else we need in terms of fund-raising,” he said.
“We’re very excited about the whole project.”
