Cranbourne residents and councillors are delighted with the news that construction of the Cranbourne pool will start next year thanks to a $2.5 million State Government grant. From left: Julie, Heather and Lauren Egan, Cr Steve Beardon, David Banner, Cr Wayne Smith, Colleen Egan, Cranbourne MP Jude Perera and Casey mayor Kevin Bradford. By Alison Noonan
CASEY residents have escaped the threat of increased rate rises following the announcement of a $2.5 million State Government funding boost for the new Cranbourne pool.
The news was the “icing on the cake” for councillors and locals, who had been campaigning for almost a decade to secure the promised aquatic and leisure centre.
The council has allocated $4 million toward the $21.5 million development, but was reliant on State Government assistance to get the project off the ground.
Mayor Kevin Bradford said without the grant, the council would most likely have been forced to bump up rates or increase its loan.
“Council was unsuccessful in its first funding application earlier in the year, which delayed construction by about six months,” Cr Bradford said.
“However, we called for a review because we were disappointed with the decision.
“We had a meeting with Sport and Recreation Minister Justin Madden midyear and he was extremely sympathetic to our case.”
Cr Bradford said the first shovel would hit the soil in September and the pool would hopefully be completed in 12 to 16 months after that.
“Now that this $2.5 million grant has been secured it will mean that this project can finally get off the ground,” he said.
“The Cranbourne Aquatic and Leisure Centre is set to become a key fitness and recreation facility for local residents and will create further jobs in the area.
“We are probably the only council in Australia to have two aquatic centres of such size and cost in one municipality.”
Balla Balla Ward councillor Colin Butler said the State Government funding announcement was the news the council had been hoping for.
“It is great that we have finally got confirmation,” he said.
“It’s just a shame we didn’t get the funding sooner because we could have almost been at the stage of starting construction.
“But this is a great thing for Cranbourne and the surrounding areas.”
Mayfield Ward councillor Steve Beardon said he was delighted with the news after 10 years of lobbying.
“What a campaign that’s been. This is great news,” he said.
Cranbourne MP Jude Perera said the new centre would provide more opportunities for people to pursue a healthy and active lifestyle.
“Providing a top-quality pool will mean more people getting involved in swimming and other water activities,” he said.
“This is a great new sports facility for one of Melbourne’s fastest-growing areas.”
Mr Perera said the new centre would offer a competition pool for use by schools, swimming instructors and clubs, a water play splash park, a pool for hot water programs and a health and fitness area.
The facility is expected to attract more than 250,000 visitors a year.
“Thousands of locals will be thrilled that it is full steam ahead on the Cranbourne Aquatic and Leisure Centre – something they have backed for a long time,” Mr Perera said.
