By PETER DOUGLAS
SEVERAL community groups and individuals fronted Yarra Ranges Council last week to put forward their case for inclusion in this year’s budget.
At a special council meeting, the public was invited to speak before council votes to adopt the budget at its 30 June meeting.
Among the submissions raised was one of the bigger considerations for council, which came from the Lilydale Football Club.
The club is seeking a major upgrade of its facilities, similar to what has been achieved for the Montrose Soccer Club.
Speaking for the move was club secretary, Vicki Hottes.
Ms Hottes said despite the club playing in one of the most prestigious leagues in Victoria, the Essendon District Football League, the club lacked adequate facilities.
“It’s not a safe environment … vermin are damaging the wiring … the kitchen is overloaded and the hot water system caught fire due to overload,” she said.
“The roof leaks and there is a lack of storage … the ice baths are converted wheelie bins.”
In addressing council, Ms Hottes said the club was more than prepared to do its fair share for the project, including holding working bees and fund-raising.
Ms Hottes said the club needed to cater for as many as 90 senior and junior footballers each week.
In addition to being a council Neighbourhood Safe Place, the facility is also in use among cricketers and netballers.
Other submissions raised at the meeting included a proposal for a safety fence at the Kallista playground near the Kallista-Emerald Road.
It is argued there is a major need for a rail, given the use by nearby primary school students and kindergarten children.
The road in question attracts heavy traffic.
Another submission focused on the facilities of the Chirnside Football Club, which is one of the only clubs in the region to field a senior women’s football side.
Presently, it is argued, the facilities offer inadequate privacy for the female players, who can be as young as 16.
Yarra Ranges councillors will now consider the submission before the vote on 30 June.
