By Holly McGuinness
The Liberal Party has pledged $15 million for stage two of the Mernda Regional Aquatic and Sports Centre if it wins next month’s state election.
Whittlesea council administrators approved a business case for the centre on July 18, deciding to build the facility in stages over a number of years after the COVID-19 pandemic added $67 million to the project costs.
Council will prioritise the construction of the centre’s indoor and outdoor courts to address the city’s significant court shortfall.
Construction of the courts will be part of stage two of the project, which will also include designs for the aquatic and leisure facility, with work expected to start in 2024-25, subject to $40 million in external funding.
Liberal candidate for Yan Yean, Richard Welch, made the funding pledge on Thursday, September 29, saying the facility will address the deficit in netball and basketball courts in the area.
“I’m really proud of the work done within the community to get this vital project off the ground that will benefit the northern suburbs for generations to come,” he said.
“This new facility will mean jobs, both during construction and ongoing, and will deliver year-round amenities for local residents.”
Liberal sport spokesperson Cindy McLeish said the centre will have a big impact on those living in the northern suburbs, who have “for too long gone without a quality aquatic facility”.
“The northern suburbs are growing rapidly and it’s essential we provide vital community infrastructure for what is a very fit and active local community,” she said.
Council’s chair administrator Lydia Wilson praised the funding commitment.
“The facility will be council’s largest, single investment in social infrastructure, and we cannot deliver it in isolation. We have been strongly advocating for funding support from the state and federal governments and we welcome today’s announcement which is a direct result of this advocacy,” she said.
“The delivery of the outdoor multipurpose courts and indoor stadium will not only address our region’s current deficit of netball and basketball courts but also help boost sporting participation rates in our community, particularly for women and girls.”
Stage one of the project is currently under way and will ensure the site is ready for construction to commence on the indoor stadium and outdoor multipurpose courts.
