By Bonny Burrows
Cardinia sporting clubs would share in a $300 million state contribution, if the State Liberal Government is elected this November.
The cash would come from the reported Etihad Stadium rebuild, which Bass MP Brian Paynter said would be shelved under a Liberal plan to pour taxpayers’ money into grassroots sport.
“It’s absolute nonsense to spend $300 million on a stadium owned by the AFL,” Mr Paynter said.
“We should be spending on at grassroots sporting clubs…$300 million would go a long way.”
The Liberal’s proposal has the support of Pakenham sporting clubs, who say they are struggling to get the cash needed to survive.
Pakenham Junior Football Club President Travis Hamilton said the club had outgrown its dated rooms, but didn’t have the manpower to fund-raise the required funds for a redevelopment on its own.
“We’re living out of a building that’s 20-plus years old,” Mr Hamilton said.
“We’ve got 13 year-old girls changing with boys because we don’t have the facilities.
“We try to get funding, but we always come up against a brick wall.
“We’re not asking for a two-storey grand pavilion, just the basic essentials – clean toilets, change rooms for the kids.”
Narrelle Schrader of Pakenham Little Athletics said it too struggled to attract cash.
“A lot needs doing on our building and oval, but the only fund-raising money we get is from the canteen. It’s hard,” Ms Schrader said.
Mr Paynter said a Liberal Government would support such community projects, “not just major city-centric developments”.
“$300 million on one project is ridiculous. (If elected) we’ll spread it around,” Mr Paynter said.
“To have kids engaged in sport is absolutely critical, and that will be a focus of ours.”
