Kealy continues push for money
Member for Lowan Emma Kealy has continued a call for the State Government to provide more money for projects in her electorate.
This time, Ms Kealy has called for government funding for Balmoral and Edenhope projects.
Ms Kealy and Nationals leader Peter Walsh met with Balmoral and District Showground Recreation Reserve Committee members and West Wimmera Shire Council representatives last week to see firsthand a need for improved facilities.
Ms Kealy said a 2015 feasibility study showed overwhelming community support for a larger community centre at Balmoral.
She said a community money-raising scheme launched in 2016 had collected $348,880.
The proposed Balmoral Community Complex project includes a multi-function room for education and cultural events, educational training opportunities, social gatherings and community and sporting events.
Ms Kealy said infrastructure at Balmoral Recreation Reserve was white-ant ridden and some areas were unsafe for public use.
“It is absurd that Premier Daniel Andrews is investing $225-million of taxpayers’ money to redevelop Melbourne’s Etihad Stadium, but forces country sporting clubs such as Harrowbalmoral Football and Netball Club to pay interest on a loan to upgrade their facilities,” she said.
“Local residents have done a fabulous job raising $350,000 and they should be supported in their efforts, not forced to run chook raffles to raise the money required to bring this facility to fruition for their local community.” Mr Walsh said country sport united communities and was one of the things that made regional Victoria a great place to live and work.
“The Balmoral community has come together to get behind a project that will provide some great social and economic benefits to the region,” he said.
Cultural hub
An Edenhope Community Cultural Hub project was the primary subject of discussion during the Edenhope visit.
The West Wimmera council has identified the project as a priority after a community survey received 88 percent support for the proposal.
The project involves the redevelopment of an existing Mechanics Hall to accommodate the town’s public library, a tourism-promotion area, Neighbourhood House, meeting spaces and a gathering area with the capacity to seat 250 people.
Ms Kealy said the current hall was in poor condition with the stage area closed due to risk of collapse.
“The Mechanics Hall is almost exactly the same as when I was performing in Edenhope Consolidated School concerts as a child,” she said.
“It has served the community well over the years, but it is very tired and significant works would need to be undertaken to bring it up to standard.
“Local people have been crying out for years for a civic building that meets the modern needs of the Edenhope and district community, something that all residents can share and that will support the social fabric of this fabulous rural community.”