Leisure works begin

By Callan Date
THE first sod on the $37 million Cranbourne Aquatic and Leisure Centre (CALC) site was turned last week.
Sport and Recreation Minister James Merlino had the pleasure of taking part in the symbolic gesture that paves the way for full on construction to begin.
Casey mayor Colin Butler and other councillors joined Mr Merlino near the Casey Indoor Leisure Complex site on Berwick-Cranbourne Road.
Labelled as the most ambitious project ever undertaken by Casey Council, the facility is being lauded as the best of its kind in Australia with state-of-the-art environmental, energy and water initiatives included as part of its design.
“The groundbreaking CALC will set the standard for facilities of its kind across Victoria and Australia and will be a legacy of the innovative planning and proactive approach taken by this council for key infrastructure opportunities across the local area,” Cr Butler said.
“I am delighted that construction has begun and I thank Minister Merlino for the State Government’s contribution of $2.5 million towards the project. I am positive the completed centre will be well utilised by the community.”
Mr Merlino was equally thrilled with the project starting.
He said the aquatic and leisure centre would provide quality, accessible facilities for the growing population in Cranbourne and surrounding suburbs.
“The Cranbourne Aquatic Centre will provide access to state-of-the-art leisure and competition pools, health, wellness, retail and catering amenities, as well as areas for lease for services such as sports medicine and health,” Mr Merlino said.
“The facility will cater for people of all abilities with aspects of the development being specifically designed to address the needs of the Cranbourne Arthritis Support Group who have a membership of more than 120 people.”
“People from all across Casey, as well as Cardinia, Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula will all benefit from the increased opportunities this pool will provide to get active and involved in the community through sport and recreation.”
He said the CALC project was a great example of what can be achieved when the State Government, local council and communities work together for a common cause.
Construction company Hansen Yuncken are expected to finish the project by mid-2009.