By PETER DOUGLAS AND VICTORIA STONE-MEADOWS
THE dream of a first-class pavilion at the Monbulk Recreation Reserve has taken another leap forward, with Yarra Ranges Council committing $1 million to the development.
Though there remains a significant $600,000 shortfall, the shire’s pledge represents much momentum for the works, which would see much-needed improvement to facilities and amenities.
The council funding comes after a Municipal Pavilion Audit in 2013, after which council adopted a $2 million Recreation Facilities Fund in the 2014-15 Capital Expenditure Program.
This Monbulk project includes upgraded changerooms and a gym, canteen, recreation room and greater storage capacity.
Presently, many of the core sports groups in Monbulk are unable to support burgeoning junior participation, not to mention its successful senior cricket, netball and football clubs.
President of the Monbulk Reserve Development Group, Paul Utting, said the council decision was a positive step.
“It certainly gives us some security moving forward, now they’re 100 per cent behind us,” he said.
“Sometimes you get this niggling feeling they may not commit, so it’s a relief.”
Mr Utting said the final challenge would be securing Federal Government funding, with the aim they will roughly match the $600,000 already pledged by the Victorian Government.
He said the group has been involved in talks with Casey MP Tony Smith.
In addition to the $250,000 already raised from the clubs, he believed federal funding would be enough to see the project begin.
While there is every reason to be positive, Monbulk Cricket Club president, Chris Defina, was taking a more practical viewpoint.
“It’s definitely very exciting but it needs to happen sooner rather than later,” he said.
“Our junior representation, in football and cricket, is at an all-time high.
“And we could lose these kids if something isn’t done soon … it’s a pretty tired building.”
However, Mr Defina said the pavilion would be of greater benefit than just to the sporting clubs.
Monbulk Primary School, too, would be a direct beneficiary because they often use the reserve for their physical education classes.
In supporting the decision at council’s last meeting, Cr Len Cox said it was a win for the community.
“Sometimes we think of sport as just a physical exercise but it’s much more than that,” he said.
Meanwhile, Cr Andrew Witlox said he supported recreation projects such as this, but believes Chirnside had missed out on many big projects over the past decade.
He believes ratepayer money distribution is presently “lumpy” and some areas were missing out.
