Sporting and community groups in Traralgon have been short changed in the state budget by the Andrews Government in their flood recovery.
Home to multiple sporting and community groups, the Traralgon Recreation Reserve buildings were rendered uninsurable and uninhabitable after severe floods devastated the precinct in June 2021.
The Nationals Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Melina Bath said having met with the groups and advocated in state parliament for the redevelopment project, she understood the community’s disappointment and frustration around funding for flood recovery.
“The bill to get all Traralgon Recreation Reserve community groups back up on their feet is $10.2 million,” said Ms Bath.
“It’s inexcusable not to fund this project in full and provide certainty, as I outlined to the Treasurer each of the Recreation Reserve Community Groups deserve a modern and secure place to operate.
“Labor’s budget announcements are focused on a public relations repair plan for one man, Premier Daniel Andrews, rather than prioritising the needs of country communities.
“A year on from the floods, instead of looking forward to new facilities, these important sporting and community groups are essentially squatting in uninsurable or makeshift buildings.
“Traralgon Recreation Reserve community and sporting groups need optimism and a positive plan forward.
“The Nationals subscribe to the notion, do it once and do it well – announcing full funding for the project will provide certainty and deliver each group a secure future.”
The two-fold project for Traralgon community and sporting groups involves construction of a brand-new community hub at Glenview Park and multi-use pavilion at the Recreation Reserve with a grandstand, change rooms and facilities which will withstand future flood events.
Ms Bath said this has been a collective project from the very beginning, these community groups are in this together.
“Labor has wasted billions of dollars on mismanaged city based projects, including a budget blow out of six million dollars on the Morwell GovHub.
“Traralgon Recreation Reserve community groups actively support the wellbeing and community connection of locals – it’s the priority local project that I will continue to back.
“Traralgon Recreation Reserve has a rich local history, but the Andrews Government is leaving their recovery in limbo.”