By EMMA SUN
Labor and Liberals back recreation hub…
UPWEY-TECOMA is celebrating another funding win under its belt after being backed by two major parties for $500,000 towards its Community Recreational and Sporting Hub project.
The development plans to provide a modern and well-designed facility on Thompson Reserve in Upwey to suit a range of activities, as the current facilities are more than 50 years old and no longer meet the needs of the greater community.
The steering committee is currently supported by 25 clubs and groups, totalling more than 3000 members.
Facilitator Andrew Peterson said it was fantastic to receive bilateral support from the Federal Labor Government and the Federal Coalition.
“We think it confirms what a great community project this is – it caters for so many community recreational sporting groups and I think it is demonstrated by the fact both parties were prepared to provide such a significant amount,” he said.
“This amount is the final part the project needed to get to the next level and guarantee the outcome and it’s certainly created great excitement within our groups.
“It now gives us the opportunity to really get stuck in with Yarra Ranges Council and together with them really push the project along from here on in.
“We’ll now commence further discussion with the State Government and various other sporting bodies and the fire commission about further funding needs required to ensure the most appropriate and best facility is constructed.”
La Trobe MP Laura Smyth said the funding pledge was a great win for the hills community during an announcement with regional Australia minister Catherine King.
“Many thousands of people across the community have campaigned for this project including members of local recreation and sporting clubs, students and staff from surrounding schools and general members of the local community,” she said.
“The announcement is a testament to those who have worked hard to secure funding for this project to deliver a community asset that will be enjoyed by all.
“UT CRASH will support our thriving community and local schools by providing a much needed shared facility for sporting, recreational and community events.”
Liberal La Trobe candidate Jason Wood said the funding would allow sports players, community groups and school students to have access to state-of-the-art facilities close to home.
“Currently, many local community groups don’t have a permanent home so I am glad that my advocacy on behalf of the local community ensures the project will be delivered,” he said.
“The new pavilion will also support a variety of local sporting teams including football, netball, cricket and taekwondo into the foreseeable future.”
The hub will also include a designated Neighbourhood Safer Place, which will serve as a meeting place for the community in the event of a local emergency, such as bushfire.
Mr Peterson said he hoped to have the project, which will include a two level facility with sporting facilities, a large multipurpose room and large number of meeting rooms and offices, started by this time next year.
