Council
20 December, 2024
Council funds new facilities
CORANGAMITE Shire Council has released $55,000 in funds to install new changeroom facilities for the new home of the Bookaar Cricket Club at its December meeting
The facilities will be located at Camperdown College, which is land owned by the Department of Education.
Director of works and services Shaun Broadbent said the club was seeking the immediate release of the funds to begin work on the revised project.
“The original project scope for the Bookaar Cricket Club changeroom facilities relied on a $500,000 budget, including $55,000 from the council, $400,000 from Sport and Recreation Victoria (SRV), and $50,000 in community contributions,” he said.
“Following the completion of initial designs, the project scope was revised to repurpose portable classroom buildings, significantly reducing costs.
“This adjustment eliminates the need for SRV grant funding and simplifies the project, though it shifts the responsibility for securing the remaining costs to the club through fundraising and in-kind contributions.
“Timely funding will allow the club to address critical infrastructure needs and ensure the changerooms are completed within the revised timeline - delaying the release of funds could hinder project delivery, increase costs, and create additional financial strain on the club.
“Despite the change in scope, the project will deliver substantial community benefits, including a multipurpose facility for local sports clubs, schools, and regional events.”
Councillor Laurie Hickey said the facility would provide a “real community benefit”.
“This really is a win-win situation for the community,” he said.
“There have been decommissioned classrooms, portable classrooms, removable classrooms that have been made available, which has significantly reduced the cost of building brand new facilities as classrooms would have otherwise been lost to our community.
“To have a use for them is a real benefit, and it will all go towards providing change rooms for both playing teams and also male and female competitions that could run in conjunction.”
The Bookaar Cricket Club had previously sought funding from council to design the changerooms, receiving $3975 through the June 2023 round of the Facility Design Grants program.
Read More: local