By Russell Bennett
LAST minute pre-election promises by Evelyn MP Christine Fyffe have drawn the ire of Yarra Ranges Council.
Ms Fyffe, along with Shadow Sport and Recreation spokesman Hugh Delahunty, last week made a $140,000 funding promise to the Mount Evelyn Tennis Club and called on Yarra Ranges Council to match the contribution.
Billanook Ward councillor and deputy mayor Tim Heenan blasted the Opposition for trying to force a financial commitment, which could not be guaranteed.
“I’d prefer the state member stopped interfering in shire business,” Mr Heenan said.
“She knows sporting clubs need funding so she’s going around to all these clubs to make promises and have her photo taken at election time.”
Mr Heenan defended both his and the council’s reputation for consistently providing funding for sporting and community projects.
“She (Ms Fyffe) won’t be taking any credit for what I’ve accomplished in my ward, that’s for sure,” he said.
The Coalition’s commitment would enable the Birmingham Road club to resurface its courts and install lights to improve player safety, should they come away with a surprise election win.
“When I came to visit the ladies of the Mount Evelyn Tennis Club back in April and saw the condition of the courts, I instantly thought this was a project that deserved funding assistance,” Ms Fyffe said.
“So I have been lobbying everyone from the Minister for Sport and Recreation to Yarra Ranges Council on the club’s behalf to try and get the necessary funding.”
Mount Evelyn Tennis Club vice-president Wendy Ekins said it had been more than 50 years since the courts were last upgraded. Mr Delahunty said: “Years of drought have taken a serious toll on the playing surface”.
“While the club members do a fantastic job looking after the courts, natural deterioration combined with the impact of drought has increased the need for the courts to be resurfaced.”
“By putting lighting on the court, it increases participation time. For students and younger ones who want to get involved, it gives them more time for coaching.”
“We need to get more people participating because we’ve got growing health issues – like cardio-vascular problems and diabetes.
“If they play sport, it solves a lot of those problems.”
Ms Fyffe also called on the State Government to commit matched funding to the club. “Mount Evelyn is lacking in a lot of facilities for people to socialise and mix in but this is one of those important places,” she said.
The State Government did not provide a response prior to deadline.
•Puffing Billy raises a head of steam, Page 3.
•Funding cooked up, Page 7.
•Fare lack of interest, Page 7.
