By Rowan Forster
The final piece of the Officer Recreation Reserve’s funding puzzle fell into place on Tuesday, likely cementing the development of the long-awaited social hub.
Reserve secretary Gareth Sheean received a call on Tuesday, advising him the facility would receive a $200,000 cash injection through the Pick My Project program.
It is expected to secure the joint use community facility, which has been in the pipeline for more than a decade.
An ecstatic Mr Sheean told the Gazette he was over the moon to hear the news.
He said the project’s bottom line is almost guaranteed, pending a commitment from the State Labor Government.
“We’re all extremely pleased with how this has gone,” he said.
“We’ve definitely put in the work, but it was always a bit of an unknown.
“I think we’re very close to our total number but we’re well positioned to undertake design processes.
“Now we’re just waiting on a final commitment from Labor.”
It comes after the State Opposition pledged to throw $380,000 at the project if elected in November.
The Andrews Government is yet to match that pledge – but the Pick My Project cash will come from Labor’s coffers.
Councillor Brett Owen, who has fought tirelessly to get the Recreation Reserve’s social hub over the line, described the result as an “amazing effort”.
“Well done and thanks to all involved and to those who voted for this much needed project.
“We’re very excited.”
The project has been thrusted into the spotlight in recent weeks, with criticism of Cardinia Shire’s contribution towards the project.
In total, the project has been provided $500,000 from the Federal Government, $200,000 from the State Government’s Pick My Project and $150,000 from council.
Sporting groups slated to use the facility have also chipped in more than $200,000 of their own cash to see the project survive.
The Officer Recreation Reserve has also received $413,333 from the State Government to enable female-friendly facilities.
Mr Sheean reiterated that council’s contribution is lacking.
“Hopefully they realise the merit in this project and decide to put a bit more money towards it, considering Lang Lang is getting $20 million.”
