A SECOND sports complex upgrade in the south of the Bendigo electorate has received a funding commitment from the Liberal Party as the election campaign enters its final week.
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Bendigo candidate Megan Purcell announced $1.9 million for the Wesley Hill sporting complex redevelopment in Castlemaine, likely to fund the second stage.
The announcement was just a few days after Ms Purcell also promised $250,000 for the Kyneton Showgrounds.
The Wesley Hill project is much further along in planning, with its first stage already fully funded and works soon to get under way. The Kyneton project does not have detailed design plans.
Ms Purcell said a redeveloped Wesley Hill sporting complex would provide opportunities throughout the region.
“The local community has been working on this project for many years now and I’m excited to join them today to make this funding announcement,” she said.
Stage one of the Wesley Hill project involves court lighting, ground works, and a new netball pavilion.
Mount Alexander Shire councillor Tony Bell said the first stage, costing $1.7 million, had been fully funded and drew on council funds.
Cr Bell, who is a member of the Wesley Hill facility committee of management, said they were looking for funding for the second stage, costing $2.3 million. The second stage includes a multi-purpose pavilion.
The third stage, years down the track, would see the construction of a cricket pavilion, playground and barbecue area.
Cr Bell said the Liberal Party’s funding commitment would ease some of the pressure in raising funds for future stages.
“This funding would help to free us up for stage two,” Cr Bell said.
“Wesley Hill recreation reserve was always meant to be the major sporting complex in Castlemaine, but it just hasn’t happened in recent years for a number of reasons.
“We hope to have the dirt turned before Christmas.”
The Wesley Hill sporting complex hosts hundreds of users each week for basketball, netball, cricket, junior football, cycling, badminton, billiards and athletics.
Mount Alexander Shire mayor Christine Henderson said the funding was a welcome surprise, and urged the Labor Party to match the commitment.
Labor member for Bendigo Lisa Chesters said she would work with Mount Alexander Shire Council to secure the funding needed to complete the three stages.