News
$2.25 million upgrade promise for Bunyip

A new oval and clubrooms are on the cards for Bunyip Recreation Reserve if the Coalition wins the federal election.

Member for La Trobe Jason Wood announced the $2.25 million election promise in front of players and officials of Bunyip Football Club, stating the investment would transform the reserve "into a first-class facility".
An oval upgrade would see a new playing surface and improved drainage system at the Nar Nar Goon-Longwarry Rd facility to prevent flooding and maintain a high-quality field year-round.
Replacing the existing facility built in 1976, new changerooms would offer a modern, functional and welcoming space for players and the community.
In addition, Mr Wood said an LED lighting upgrade would replace outdated halogen lights to improve safety, cut energy costs by 50 per cent and provide environmental benefits.
With more than 330 players training and competing on the oval each week, Mr Wood said the current facilities were struggling to meet demand.
He said the upgrades "will ensure the reserve can continue to be a sporting hub for many years to come."
Mr Wood's $2.25 million announcement followed his previous election commitment to upgrade netball facilities at Nar Nar Goon.
The $1.4 million pledge would deliver modern changerooms and improved facilities for the club's 17 teams.
Mr Wood said the club was established in 1939 and female players didn't have their own changerooms, with the toilets in very poor condition.
The $1.4 million would upgrade the pavilion, build new changerooms and expand facilities for meetings and indoor training, he said.
Whilst the two projects rely on the upcoming federal election result, Cora Lynn Reserve is poised to begin a significant pavilion upgrade.
The footballers have used the old clubrooms for the last time, with demolition works set to begin on Monday.
Portable changerooms have arrived on site to be utilised during the upcoming West Gippsland Football Netball Competition season.
Cardinia Shire mayor Jack Kowarzik said the improvement project reflected council's commitment to enhancing facilities and promoting inclusion.
The works will include unisex changerooms, an accessible changeroom, umpire change facilities, first aid, meeting and storage rooms, and public toilets.
A new independent timekeeper building, equipment shed and water pump shed will all be established. The existing social and canteen buildings will be retained.
The Cora Lynn Recreation Reserve pavilion change room upgrades are scheduled in Council's budget endorsed on 26 June in years 2 and 3 (2024-2026). The modular construction is to be managed by Council with additional funding in the endorsed budget to cover these costs.
Cora Lynn Reserve is currently used by the Cora Lynn Football Club, Cora Lynn Netball Club and Cora Lynn Show Jumping Club.
There are 3 separate buildings at Cora Lynn Reserve which provide the function of social rooms, change rooms for users of the oval and canteen facilities. The need to upgrade the existing change rooms was identified in 2017 and funding for design allocated to council's capital works program.
In 2018, council was successful in receiving a community sport infrastructure loan of $4.2 million for the new pavilion project which would see the removal of all three buildings into one new development.
Upgrades are expected to be completed later this year.

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