By Brendan Rees
A $1 million re-development of the clubrooms and lighting at J&P Cam Reserve in Cranbourne would take place, if the Liberals are elected in the November State Election.
Liberal Candidate for Cranbourne Ann-Marie Hermans joined Member for Gembrook Brad Battin and members of the Cranbourne Junior Football Club at Amberlee Receptions in Cranbourne on Friday September 14 in making the announcement.
Ms Hermans said Cranbourne’s Junior Football Club was in desperate need of new facilities.
“With the football club recently expanding to include junior clubs, the current facilities are no longer fit to cater for the demand in growth and female participation in sports,” she said.
The funding would ensure the club rooms were finished, an electronic scoreboard installed, and adequate lighting placed around the ground to allow players to practice at night.
“Spectators will also benefit from the upgrades with an extension to the carpark and providing shelter over the existing seating,” she said.
“The community have given an enormous amount of time to achieve this outcome, and I am thrilled that they have been rewarded with this funding commitment.”
Club president Jason Disher said the funding would rejuvenate the club.
“It’s an old building, I dare say it’s been there for 30 years or so and we’ve outgrown it massively,” he said.
He said the club was looking at expanding its 17 football sides to 18 next year and current change rooms were too small.
“You can get a team in there and then all the parents are standing outside out in the rain.
“We’re there for the kids to get them out doing something physical and having a comfortable area for them to come to,” he said.
A Government spokesperson said since 2014 the State Government had provided $6.5 million to Cranbourne clubs.
“From our $5 million investment in facilities for women’s footy at Casey Fields to our Sporting Club grants that have kicked in $116,968 for new uniforms, coach and umpire development, we’re delivering for local sports clubs and communities,” he said.
Shadow Minister for Sport Danny O’Brien said the Liberals were proud to make local sport their priority, “not funding Etihad Stadium like the Andrews government.”
“J&P Cam Reserve is a major focal point for the Cranbourne community so it’s about time it was upgraded,” he said.
