Sports clubs in Mernda and Doreen will share $2.8 million of federal grants to improve their facilities.
The funding will enable construction of a new pavilion and cricket nets at Waterview Recreation Reserve, formerly known as Woodland Waters Recreation Reserve, in Mernda and new facilities at Laurimar Reserve in Doreen.
Laurimar Estate developer Lend Lease gifted the reserve to the community four years ago and it has been Laurimar Football Club’s home ground since.
But the reserve lacks the necessary infrastructure to cater for a rapidly growing football club. Portable showers are hired for game days and a shipping container is used as change rooms.
Laurimar Football Club president Alasdair Walker said the current facilities were inappropriate.
“The new CEO of the Northern Football League says that if we don’t get new facilities they won’t schedule games here.”
A $300,000 grant will pay for four new change rooms, two kitchenettes, a first aid room, two umpires’ rooms, storage facilities and more shelter for spectators.
Mernda Football and Netball Club hopes to play its first football match at its new home at Waterview Recreation Reserve next year, while Mernda’s calisthenics and cricket clubs will also use the facility.
The funding delivers on an election promise by the federal Coalition in 2013.
