Funding pledges to upgrade community

Federal Member for Casey Tony Smith with community group members of Support Healesville Pool. Picture: JED LANYON

By Jed Lanyon

Casey MP Tony Smith is splashing cash across the valley ahead of the federal election in May.

On Friday 26 April he vowed to provide $1.5 million for major renovations to Healesville Indoor Swimming Pool.

The funding would deliver a new roof with solar panels linked to battery storage, a new pool filtration system, a pool deck, a reconfigured entrance with automated doors, refurbishment of the plant room and windows opening to the front of the building.

Helen from Support Healesville Indoor Pool volunteer group was thrilled to hear the announcement.

“We’re very excited; it’s a lot more than what we were hoping,” she said.

“It’s a great result for the community, school and the pool.”

Helen said that the pool’s roof leaked and the engine room and pool mechanics were on their last legs.

Mr Smith pledged $70,000 to install solar panels and battery storage at the Yarra Glen Memorial Hall.

He said this funding would enable the important facility to operate during critical periods of time when the power was off, including during bushfires.

A re-elected Morrison Government would also provide additional funding to the CCTV networks across the Yarra Valley.

Mr Smith pledged $125,000 for the remaining part of the Warburton CCTV project, adding to the funding recently secured, as well as $74,721 for Millgrove.

“When the cameras are switched on, a significant amount of crime, graffiti and unsociable behaviour is switched off,” he said.