Happy about a tennis boost for Pakenham at Wednesday’s announcement were Cardinia Shire mayor Bill Ronald (front) with council recreational planner Garry King, Labor Bass candidate John Anderson, Western Port Province MP Geoff Hilton and acting chief executive officer Garry McQuillan.By Paul Dunlop
PAKENHAM has been served a tennis ace as the political pace hots up before the state election.
With six weeks remaining until voters go to the polls, the State Government struck a smash hit yesterday (Wednesday), announcing a $500,000 boost for plans to significantly improve local tennis facilities.
Cardinia Shire Council is currently drafting a masterplan that will see a major tennis complex built in Webster Way, off Bald Hill Road.
Work on the $2 million project is expected to start next year.
Mayor Bill Ronald said there was an urgent need for more tennis courts in Pakenham.
The town’s existing tennis centre in Anderson Street has just six courts, not nearly enough to satisfy demand, he said.
“Pakenham has been under-resourced in tennis courts for 20 years. This is way overdue,” Cr Ronald said.
Council’s plan is to develop 16 tennis courts with lights, a pavilion including a pro shop, family and children’s area, car parking and landscaping to the two hectare site next to the Henty Park residential estate.
Council officials including the mayor, acting chief executive officer Garry McQuillan, recreational planner Garry King and manager of community wellbeing Fiona Hodges joined Western Port Province MP Geoff Hilton and Labor Bass candidate John Anderson on-site for the funding announcement.
Mr Hilton said the $500,000 grant would help the council provide more opportunities for local people to get physically active.
“This project will bring great benefits to the community, encouraging more people to play sport,” he said.
“Members of the community will be pleased to know that it is full steam ahead with the development, a project backed by the local community for a long time.”
Mr Anderson commended the funding which comes as both Labor and Liberal look to increase their foothold in the area, regarded as one of the key battlegrounds in the upcoming state election.
Pakenham township spans the seats of Bass, held by Liberal MP Ken Smith, and Gembrook, held by Labor MP Tammy Lobato.
Hard-fought contests are expected in each electorate when voters go to the polls on 25 November.
