Gazette

Park upgrade works begin@Normal:Cardinia Shire mayor Bill Pearson and Community Development Minister

24th June 2009 02:00:11 AM

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WORK is underway on a $2.15 million community complex at Bunyip’s Recreation Reserve.

Schools from Nar Nar Goon to Longwarry will benefit from the project, which received a $500,000 boost from the State Government last week.

The facility which doubles as an auditorium and stadium will be a centrepoint of the community – a major venue for events, school concerts, netball and basketball competitions and public meetings.

Community Development Minister Peter Batchelor visited the site last Tuesday week to announce that the State Government would hand over $500,000 for the project as part of the Gippsland Bushfire Recovery Community Cabinet.

The Cardinia Shire Council has put forward $1.1 million for the project, while the Federal Government will contribute $400,000.

Cardinia Shire mayor Bill Pearson praised the contribution of local community and philanthropic groups for their contribution to the project.

The Macpherson Smith Community Alliance will provide $100,000, the local Bendigo Bank branch $50,000, and the Bunyip Community Shop $10,000.

An additional $25,000 from State Bushfire Relief Funding has been secured.

The Bunyip Multipurpose Auditorium is expected to be developed to cater for the needs of emergency service agencies during times where transitional facilities and emergency relief centres are required for the region.

Cr Pearson said the Bunyip community was excited about the project.

“I would love to say this is my dream, but it started many years ago with former mayor and local councillor Max Papley, daughter Vicki and members of the Bunyip Bulls Basketball team,” he said

“A new committee will be set-up to operate the auditorium and it will be up to us locals to ensure we maximise its use.”

The auditorium is expected to open in the first half of next year.