Cash is being splashed by the National Party in an effort to woo voters in a hotly-contested seat.
$2.5 million will be delivered for an upgrade of the Campbells Creek Recreation Reserve, in the electorate of Bendigo West, if the Coalition wins government at this month’s Victorian election.
State Leader of the party, Danny O’Brien visited the venue to announce the funding on Thursday, November 12th, alongside local Nationals candidate David Hutchings.
In an interview with our newsroom, Mr Hutchings said the upgrade is necessary because the Reserve’s current facilities are “outdated”.
“They’re not female-friendly, the accessibility doesn’t work – they’re a couple of old water cabins, basically, for the changing rooms,” Mr Hutchings said.
“And if we don’t fix it, we’re going to start seeing… players, members [of sports clubs] dropping away, and that puts more pressure on the volunteers and it restricts the clubs’ abilities to attract and retain players.”
Among the groups which currently use the venue are the Campbells Creek Football-Netball Club, Campbells Creek Cricket Club, and Castlemaine Rotary.
Photo: David Hutchings/Facebook
Mr Hutchings added that the existing facility won’t be demolished: “we’re looking at adding-on, and refurbishing.”
“So using the asset we’ve got and making it better, to build a more accessible and a more inclusive facility,” he explained.
This would include installing amenities which are more female-friendly.
Labor’s candidate for Bendigo West, Brenton Baldwin was asked for comment on the announcement, offering the response below.
“It’s five minutes before people in Bendigo West cast their votes and the National Party have finally pulled out the cheque book for at least one local commitment to Bendigo West,” Mr Baldwin said.
“This is despite the fact the National Party being willing to commit $790 million in projects across other areas of regional Victoria such as Mildura, Swan Hill and Shepparton but when it comes to Bendigo West, they’re all signs and no substance.”
Labor previously put forward $250 thousand in funding to upgrade the netball court and outdoor lighting, with the project completed in 2024.
