WHILE debate continues over the status of a new pool in Mernda, the next stage of Mernda’s regional sports precinct is getting under way.
The second stage of the project, located on Everton Drive, will see a modern indoor stadium built, which includes four multipurpose courts, as well as outdoor netball courts with lighting.
These facilities are designed to support a wide range of community sports and activities, creating more opportunities for people of all ages and abilities, particularly women and girls to participate.
The development will also include essential supporting infrastructure such as changerooms, a reception area, kiosk, outdoor pavilion, car parking, footpaths and landscaped open spaces, ensuring a welcoming and functional environment for players, families and visitors.
Stage two builds on significant early works already completed in stage one to prepare the site, including rock removal, land levelling, construction of retaining walls and the creation of a wetland to enhance the local environment and manage water on the site.
Stage three of the project includes aquatic and leisure facilities and the initial concept design work for this stage has been completed.
The City of Whittlesea said that from an overall business case budget of $180 million, $80 million from other levels of government had to be secured to help support the local investment into the precinct.
In total, the council has received $31.5 million in state and federal government co-contributions, with a promise of a further $10 million. This leaves a shortfall of $38.5 million from the required $80 million of co-contributions required in the initial business case.
City of Whittlesea Mayor Councillor Lawrie Cox said while the pool continues to be a subject of debate in Mernda, there needed to be a balance between what council could deliver.
Cr Cox said there were steps in place to make sure the precinct was viable.
“This project is council’s single biggest investment in a recreational facility in our history and we have had to take a staged approach to delivery to make it financially viable. Rising construction costs and the ongoing State Government rate cap have made it even more challenging to fully fund projects like this – that’s why our partnership approach with other levels of government is so important.
“This is not something we can deliver on our own … delivering this project in full will require substantial funding contributions from other levels of government.
“Council will soon consider the next stage of this project, and as always, our focus will be on making responsible decisions that delivers what matters most to our community.”
A report seeking council consideration of funding for the leisure and aquatic component of the project is scheduled to be presented before the end of the financial year.
