By Kath Gannaway
State Liberal Member for Eildon Cindy McLeish MP has called on the Victorian Government to fund the proposed Warburton Community Recreation Precinct.
She took the opportunity also to call the State Government to task over what she said was a lack of investment in the Yarra Ranges under the Growing Suburbs Fund (GSF).
“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.
Deputy Premier and Member for Monbulk James Merlino however has responded saying the Yarra Ranges area had received $8,307,000 through the GSF.
“I am very proud to say that our Yarra Ranges community has received more than $8 million through this fund,” Mr Merlino said.
“It’s surprising to hear Cindy McLeish complaining about the funding we are now receiving, given that under the Liberals this area was ignored and our facilities simply couldn’t keep up,” he said.
“Projects are decided on merit and need, not political boundaries.”
Speaking in the Victorian Parliament, Ms McLeish called on the Local Government Minister to release funds under the GSF to make the Warburton 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,” she said.
