By MELISSA MEEHAN
FUNDING promised to Chandler Recreation Reserve is not part of funding the Cardinia Shire Council would normally receive from the State Government, despite rumours claiming it is.
Some councillors believed that an election promise by Brad Battin of $650,000 towards facility upgrades was part of capital works funding made available to the council each year.
But Cardinia Shire Council Team Leader for Recreation and Facilities, Heather Callahan, said the funding was an election commitment and not funding usually provided to the council.
“Chandler Reserve pavilion and social club rooms form council’s Victorian Government election priority works list and have been and will be discussed with candidates for Gembrook,” Ms Callahan said.
Mr Battin said the election promise was new money and not attached to funding usually received by council.
“The council approaches all parties approaching any election and put forward a list of priorities to be funded,” Mr Battin said.
“I received various drafts of the document dating back to 1 October 2012 and on each edition, Chandler Reserve was listed.”
The Federal Government, through Latrobe MP Jason Wood, has already committed $500,000.
“I have spoken to council, and Cr Brett Owen who appeared to support the funding,” Mr Battin said.
“It would be a shame if other local councillors did not support the upgrade of Chandler Reserve. Emerald Football Club deserve the upgrade they have waited many years for.
“Chandler Reserve is a priority for the government due to the current condition of the facilities they have, and due to council campaigning on this since October 2012.
“The council requested funding in 2010, just prior to the last election.”
