STATE Government funding for the long-awaited redevelopment of one of Wyndham’s most visited sports centres has been described as “insulting”.
Minister for Sport, Hugh Delahunty, was in Werribee last week to announce $650,000 in funding towards the upgrade of the Werribee Sports and Fitness Centre.
With a total cost of more than $50 million, Shadow Treasurer and Member for Tarneit, Tim Pallas, told Star the funding amount was not enough.
“Every little bit helps but this is about as little help as you can get,” Mr Pallas said.
Mr Delahunty acknowledged that the donation was small.
“We’ve put in a bit of money, and I say it’s really only a bit of money when I consider what Wyndham City Council are putting in,” Mr Delahunty said.
“They’re putting in a magnificent contribution, I think it’s about over $40 million, and I want to say a big thank you to the council.”
When asked by Star if the State Government would give more money towards the project Mr Delahunty said he had provided the maximum grant under the particular Community Facility Funding Program.
“We’re looking for other ways we can help the council,” he said.
“We’d be encouraging the Federal Government to come to the party as well because they’ve obviously got a lot more money than us.”
Mayor Heather Marcus told the Minister she would happily be harassing him for more funding.
“Wyndham City is very grateful for the funding provided through today’s announcement,” Ms Marcus said.
“While the contribution, and you said it Minister, is small towards the $50.5 million cost of the sports hub we do acknowledge and we do thank you most sincerely because every little bit helps.”
The redevelopment of the sports centre will convert an existing six-court indoor facility into a 12-court indoor complex, including a large gymnasium, exercise studio, show court, childcare facility and outdoor netball court.
