Gippsland Times |
Yarram Recreation Reserve's new multi-purpose facility is expected to go to tender in the next month despite concerns from the state opposition the project would lose $715,458 in funding.
The state opposition had raised concerns the project would be among 80 to miss out on federal funding, with Prime Minister Tony Abbott flagging $21.9 million in cuts to Rural Development Australia funding.
Wellington Shire Council, which had committed $1.4 million to the project, had submitted a grant application to Rural Development Australia to fund the remaining cost, but state government had since come to the table with $650,000 in funding.
Yarram Recreation Reserve committee, which had undertaken extensive fundraising in the community, will fund the remaining $50,000.
Yarram Recreation Reserve committee president Jack Millier said he had to allay initial community concern the project would lose funding following initial reports of funding cuts to Rural Development Australia.
"I had a lot of people ringing me up upset after that (information) came out," he said.
"I had to assure them that I knew what I was doing and that we had the money.
"That (RDA funding) is a separate story; councils could stand to lose a lot of money."
Mr Millier estimated the project would be ready for tender in "two to three weeks".
The new facility will replace the existing run-down pavilion, which had limited space and did not adequately cater for women.
The project will include construction of an accessible community sports pavilion, featuring home and away change rooms for males and females, umpires' change rooms and a first aid room.
It will also feature a multi-purpose community space including kitchen and servery, accessible toilets, administration space and storage area.
