Calls to fund Warburton Community Recreation Precinct

State Liberal Member for Eildon Cindy McLeish MP has called on the Victorian Government to fund the proposed Warburton Community Recreation Precinct.

Speaking in the Victorian Parliament, Ms McLeish called on the Local Government Minister to release funds under the State Government’s Growing Suburbs Fund to help make the project a reality.

“This is much needed and highly anticipated, and the project is shovel ready. The site selected is that of the former Warburton swimming pool, and that pool and surrounds have been earmarked for recreation space for quite some time,” Ms McLeish said.

Community consultation on the project started in December 2015 with locals as well as students from the Upper Yarra Secondary College and Warburton and Millwarra primary schools playing an active part in the design process.

“The design that they have arrived at is quite exciting. It includes plans for a water play experience, an open grass recreation area and picnic facilities. People will be able to throw a ball, kick a ball, lay the picnic blanket out and have a lovely afternoon,” Ms McLeish said.

“The upgraded play space will cater for different ages and different abilities, which is very important. The development will give a new life to a run-down part of the town and will encourage people to get out and about and connect with nature. It will have positive impacts on health and wellbeing.”

Ms McLeish also took the opportunity to express concern towards the Andrews Labor Government’s lack of investment in the Yarra Ranges under the Growing Suburbs Fund.

“Yarra Ranges Shire has only received $7.5 million, and only $625,000 is actually being invested in my electorate. Next door in the Deputy-Premier’s seat of Monbulk, $4.473 million has been invested”.

“It is interesting if we compare other municipalities close by: Nillumbik has had over $16 million and Whittlesea has had $20 million,” Ms McLeish concluded.