News

Community facilities | August 01, 2018

Kealy calls for Balmoral Community Complex project funding - 31-7-18

The Nationals Member for Lowan, Emma Kealy and Leader of The Nationals Peter Walsh met with the Balmoral & District Showground Recreation Reserve Committee yesterday to discuss the proposed Balmoral Community Complex project and to see firsthand the need for improved facilities.

A 2015 feasibility study showed overwhelming community support for a larger venue in Balmoral where functions, events and meetings can be held, with a local fundraising campaign launched in 2016 already raising $348,880.

The proposed project includes a large multi-function room catering for education and cultural events, educational training opportunities, social gatherings, community and sporting events.

Current infrastructure at the Balmoral Recreation Reserve is white-ant ridden and some areas are unsafe for public use.

“It is absurd that Daniel Andrews is investing $225 million of taxpayers’ money to redevelop Melbourne’s Etihad Stadium but forces local country sporting clubs like the Balmoral Football and Netball Club to pay interest on a loan to upgrade their facilities,” Ms Kealy said.

“Local residents have done a fabulous job raising $350,000 and they should be supported in their efforts, not forced to run chook raffles to raise the funding required to bring this facility to fruition for their local community.”

Mr Walsh said country sports unite our communities and are one of the things that make Regional Victoria a great place to live and work.

“The Balmoral community has come together to get behind a project that will provide some great social and economic benefits to the region,” Mr Walsh said.

“Country Victorians have been neglected by Daniel Andrews – it’s clear the further you live from Melbourne the less you get from this city-centric Labor Government.”