By XAVIER SMERDON
THE leaking roof of the Werribee Sports and Fitness Centre will not be fixed until the centre is redeveloped, despite the project being more than two years away.
Wyndham father Dale Wilson said two netball games were cancelled late last month as water leaked from the roof of the centre.
Mr Wilson said despite residents being told of a redevelopment for years, outdoor courts remained sunken and the roof continued to leak almost anytime it rained.
“This has been an issue for a couple of years now and I don’t think it is acceptable. We were told that the roof had been repaired over the Christmas break, but not very well by the looks of it,” Mr Wilson said.
“We keep hearing about a redevelopment at the centre but nothing seems to eventuate. It’s time the council stopped talking about the redevelopment and give these kids a safe environment to play sport in.”
Wyndham Council CEO Kerry Thompson said the design for the proposed $43 million redevelopment of the centre was “well advanced”, but Mr Wilson argued that immediate works should be undertaken so that the centre could be used safely now.
“Funding for this project requires careful planning and Wyndham City is currently seeking external funding sources,” Ms Thompson said.
“Once this funding is secured, the project will take two years to construct.”
Ms Thompson also said that no more money would be spent on fixing the leaking roof because it will be replaced in the redevelopment.
“The source of the remaining leaks has proved impossible to locate,” Ms Thompson said.
“Because the majority of the leaks have been fixed, and because the facility will shortly be redeveloped, a decision was made to not spend further money on the roof, as it will be replaced during the redevelopment.”
