By Parker McKenzie
Speaking at a recent Knox City Council Meeting, Upper Ferntree Gully Football Club’s vice president has expressed his frustration with a lack of progress in fixing damage to the pavilion at Kings Park, 11 months after it was damaged by a faulty roof.
Craig Bridle asked the council if any insurance claim had been lodged and if any money from the claim had been allocated to the repairs during question time on Monday 23 May.
“The affiliated clubs have been patient throughout the process, however, there has been a lack of clarity and council responses, and continued elusiveness in providing specific measurable deadlines which is disappointing,” he said.
“For eleven months we have been without rooms following the water damage from a faulty roof and subsequent mould. We are currently in marquees situated in the car park as we head into Melbourne’s harsh winter cold.”
Local sports teams have been unable to use the facilities at Kings Park since June 16 2021, after a leak in the roof caused mould to spread throughout the clubrooms.
Mr Bridle said the situation has impacted the club financially and created morale and member retention issues due to frustration with the situation.
“Given that the clubrooms at Upper Ferntree Gully have been damaged and have been unable to be used for the past 11 months, and in the absence of any clear direction or progress from council, my question is in regards to the insurance on the pavilion,” Mr Bridle said.
“Was there an insurance claim lodged by Knox City Council to the insurer, and if so has the council received any monies and has these monies been allocated to reinstate the club room?”
Mayor Susan Laukens said she would refer the question to Knox City Council’s director of infrastructure Grant Thorne.
“I just want to acknowledge that we are all aware of the unfortunate situation you are in,” Mayor Laukens said.
“We do appreciate the club working with council and we are aware it is not an ideal situation.”
Mr Thorne said council officers are continuing to talk to and meet club representatives, having provided several updates to presidents.
“It’d be good if we could work through how that information is being dispersed throughout the club,” he said.
“In regards to the matter of the insurance claim, like with any property damage council officers are in contact with our insurers and discuss any potential claims and continue to do so.”
Earlier in the meeting, Mr Thorne told a representative from Upper Ferntree Gully Cricket Club, who share the facilities at Kings Park, money had been allocated from a program titled replacement of components for all Council owned buildings and funding was ensured independent of any insurance claim.
Upper Ferntree Gully Cricket Club vice president Tom Roleff said the club’s season would be impacted if the works were not completed by October.
“We have had discussions with council officers who said they do not foresee any delays to cricket season and any delays will be communicated as soon as possible and as reasonably possible,” he said.
“Can the council confirm the advice from officers that the Upper Ferntree Gully Cricket Club tenancy will be available in October 2022?”
Mr Thorne said council would provide a further update when a contractor was assigned to the job.
“In regards to the timing of the works, I understand there was an update provided to representatives last week of both the football and cricket clubs,” Mr Thorne said.
“This update indicated that although completion in October is achievable, until such time you actually have the contractor on board we won’t know whether that is confirmed or not.”
