Wednesday 14^th April 2021

A $7.2 million new hub for sports is now open in rapidly developing Officer thanks to support from the Andrews Labor Government’s Growing Suburbs Fund.

Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing officially opened the new Comely Banks Reserve Pavilion at an event today on behalf of Local Government Minister Shaun Leane.

The pavilion received $3.5 million from the 2018-19 round of the Victorian Government’s Growing Suburbs Fund, which supports the creation of community connections, enhanced services and provides greater opportunities at the local level.

Adjacent to the new Bridgewood Primary School, the Comely Banks Reserve is developing as a major hub for sports in south-east Melbourne. When complete, the reserve will include four rugby league pitches, two cricket and Australian rules football ovals and two lawn bowling greens.

The new pavilion caters for everyone who will use the Reserve, with four changing rooms, two large community rooms and two offices. Among other users the pavilion will be a base for a popular summer touch rugby competition and the Pakenham Eels Rugby League Club.

The project has been delivered by the Cardinia Shire Council, which contributed $3.7 million towards the project.

The Growing Suburbs Fund is a $325 million investment over six years in critical local infrastructure in Melbourne’s diverse and fast-growing outer suburbs.

Since 2015, Cardinia Shire Council has received over $26 million in funding to support the delivery of 14 priority projects.

More information on the Growing Suburbs Fund is available at: https://www.localgovernment.vic.gov.au/grants/growing-suburbs-fund

Quotes attributable to Minister for Local Government Shaun Leane

“The Growing Suburbs Fund provides vital community infrastructure and continues to deliver results for Melbourne’s fast-growing suburbs”

“Facilities like Comely Banks are of tremendous value to communities like Officer and I’m pleased the Growing Suburbs Fund can support their changing needs”

 Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing

“This is going to be a fantastic asset for Officer – a place for people to play the sports they love, meet new friends and get active.”

“It’s great that the Andrews Labor Government has continued its investment across our growing communities, helping to make places like this possible.”