By ANEEKA SIMONIS
SPORT grounds in Cardinia Shire are due to receive a multi-million dollar facelift.
The Pakenham IYU’s Soccer Reserve recently received a $3.52 million grant to improve the grounds under the State Government’s Interface Growth Fund.
The funds will go to a premier synthetic grass soccer field, floodlights, goal posts, pavilion, spectator area and perimeter fencing.
A further $2 million has been allocated to undertake stage two of the Heatherbrae Recreation Reserve Redevelopment Project.
The Officer project, which is jointly funded by Cardinia Shire Council, will create a more accessible space for the local community including a multi-use pavilion, public art installation, car park, footpaths and landscaping works.
The reserve is home to the Arena Jets Netball Club and will also be used as an overflow venue for junior and senior football and cricket clubs based nearby.
Eastern Victoria Region MP Daniel Mulino welcomed the funding boost delivered to the fast-growing area under the government’s first round of interface grants.
“Fostering a healthy and active lifestyle is so important, which is why improved facilities at the IYU Soccer Reserve and Heatherbrae Recreation Reserve will be such great additions to our local community.”
A second round of the Interface Growth Fund will commence shortly.
Local Government Minister Natalie Hutchins said the investment would help meeting the heavy growth currently experienced in Officer and the surrounding Cardinia Shire area.
“These projects will help make our growing communities better places to be, while also growing the local economy and creating jobs,” she said.
The City of Casey also benefited from the $40 million dollar funding announcement made on Thursday 15 October.
The Bridgewater Family and Community Centre redevelopment in Berwick was granted $1.4 million to help create space for kindergarten, maternal and child health services.
Victoria’s 10 interface councils include Cardinia, Casey, Hume, Melton, Mitchell, Mornington Peninsula, Nillumbik, Whittlesea, Wyndham and Yarra Ranges.
