By Renee Wood
The Liberals have announced a $1 million funding pledge to go towards the redevelopment of Coldstream’s Halley Supply Reserve sports pavilion if elected in November.
Evelyn MP Bridget Vallence made the announcement at the Halley Supply Reserve on Saturday 30 August as the Coldstream Cougars senior side ran on to the oval.
Coldstream Football and Netball Club President Ryan Kerr was thrilled to hear of the support.
“I’m a bit speechless, I wasn’t expecting that,” Mr Kerr said.
“We’ve got women playing now, we’ve got more junior teams, so we definitely need an upgrade of at least the change rooms so it’s just going to be fantastic.”
The funding pledge would go to a portion of the costs, with the clubs and Yarra Ranges Council to also put forward funds due to the building being council owned.
The clubs using the reserve include Coldstream Football & Netball Club, Coldstream Junior Football Club, Coldstream Cricket Club, and the Yarra Valley Darts Association.
Mr Kerr said CFNC has already started fundraising adding $30,000 to the kitty this year.
The building is no longer fit for purpose as each group which uses the facilities continue to grow and include more female participation.
The area is also seeing a growth spurt, with a housing development currently underway.
“It’s gonna be fantastic, we’ve got fitness people that come down here outside the rooms, we’ve got the fire brigade, we’ve got new housing developments going on in our area and so it’s gonna be huge,” Mr Kerr said.
There’s hope the reserve would become a hub allowing social events to occur in the space as well as growing further participation among the sporting clubs.
Mr Kerr said they aspire to build a second story and renovate the change rooms, gym floor home and away rooms.
“If we can add a second story that could be our social rooms, a bar, an outdoor deck and some windows, so cold days everyone can still sit up and watch football, that’s something we’d be looking for but we’ll just see how it plays out.”
Ms Vallence said the Liberals are backing grassroots sport which is at the heart of local communities.
“This announcement is part of my plan to get Coldstream moving and revitalise this wonderful community,” Ms Vallence said.
“The mighty Cougars and Crocs deserve a modern, fit-for-purpose facility that will allow women, men, boys and girls to all compete equally, and offer a great way for locals to come together, exercise and have fun.”
A State Government spokesperson said Liberal Party has a history in Victoria of cutting funding to community sport.
“The Andrews Labor Government has invested more than $1.6 billion in community sport and active recreation infrastructure in Victoria since 2014,” they said.
“We work closely with local councils to identify and support projects including those in Yarra Ranges Shire through dedicated grant programs.”
