By Parker McKenzie
The Liberal Party has committed $4.5 million towards turning the former grounds of Monbulk Rangers Soccer Club into a community park if elected to government at the November state election.
The site of the proposed community park is currently a synthetic soccer pitch located at Main Road, Monbulk and will consist of a public amphitheatre and stage, an all-abilities playground and an area for outdoor markets. The pitch is no longer needed after the construction of the Monbulk Regional Soccer Facility was finished in 2017.
Liberal Party candidate for Monbulk Gareth Ward announced the election promise on Tuesday 11 October.
“Covid made it really clear that open parklands are a crucial piece of our urban infrastructure and play an important role in people’s overall health and wellbeing,” Mr Ward said in an online statement.
“The residents and community leaders of Monbulk have been asking for years for a dedicated space to host events and community festivals, and I’m proud to be able to deliver that.”
The development will consist of a public amphitheatre and stage, an all-abilities playground, an area for outdoor markets, additional car parking, bathroom facilities and improved pedestrian linkage.
The Monbulk electorate is currently held by the Labor Party by a margin of 17.22 per cent but is seen as a vulnerable seat with the retirement of former Deputy Premier James Merlino. Redistricting has also seen it increase in size and it now contains parts of the abolished Gembrook and Ferntree Gully electorates, both of which were held by the Liberal Party.
Labor candidate for Monbulk Daniela De Martino said if you look around the township, you can see “our proud record of investment across both Monbulk Primary and Monbulk Secondary Schools, the pavilion, netball courts and Skate and Scooter Park.”
“I have met with MADCOW and am very supportive of plans for a community park in the centre of Monbulk. The project is in the planning stage with council,” she said.
“Under the Andrews Labor Government there has been annual funding for community projects throughout Monbulk and I will advocate strongly for this funding to continue.”
The Monbulk and District Community Opportunities Working Group (MADCOW) was contacted for comment.
