All happy at Holm

By Melissa Meehan
BEACONSFIELD sports clubs are kicking goals thanks to a $1 million grant to build the much needed pavilion at their new home.
The Holm Park Road Recreation Reserve is the Cardinia Council’s number one recreation priority for the growth corridor and one of the largest facilities to be constructed by the council in recent times.
To date the council has spent more than $5.6 million, including buying the land.
The development will include three ovals for football and cricket, a four court complex for netball and tennis, fully accessible multipurpose pavilions, public toilets, skate park, family recreation spaces and a playground.
Last week, Minister for Community Development Lily D’Ambrosio said the $7.5 million project was part of planning for the future in growth areas.
“This is a key project for the 12.6 hectare Holm Park Road reserve, with demand on local sporting clubs and for community space at a all time high,” she said.
“This investment means these clubs have quality sporting facilities as they grow into the future.”
She thanked Gembrook MP Tammy Lobato for bringing the pavilion to her attention and said the facility would be fantastic for the area.
“We’ve worked long and hard,” Ms Lobato said.
“Sporting teams, families and community groups will have first class facilities in the future.”
Beaconsfield Football Club president John Airdrie said the $1 million grant was a great development for the club.
“As for how it’s going to work into the council’s plans will be need to be discussed,” he said.
“It’s a great thing for everyone, and I’m thankful to Tammy Lobato who was able to convince the minister to see there was a need for this.
“We have been waiting for the complex for 10 years.”
Cardinia Shire spokesman Paul Dunlop said that the proposed three-year wait for the pavilion would now be brought forward – thanks to the grant.
“Council is currently in discussion with user groups, including the Beaconsfield Football Club,” he said.
“From there the council will finalise designs and call for tenders, following which construction can begin.”
Councillors Collin Ross and Brett Owen were also there for the announcement and said it was important that sporting clubs, council and government worked together to get the best result.
Liberal Candidate for Gembrook Brad Battin, a former player at Beaconsfield, said the funding was great news for the community but said it was “just a shame it took so long for it to happen”.