By Afraa Kori
Cardinia Shire Council has moved forward with its commitment to redevelop the Cardinia Life facility following December’s council meeting, with a proposed contribution of $10,616,000 towards Stage 1A of the project.
This follows the Council’s submission to the Federal Government’s Urban Precincts and Partnerships Program, which seeks $45,000,000 in funding for the redevelopment works. If successful, the funds will support vital improvements to the council’s premier and only indoor aquatic and leisure facility.
A 2013 and 2021 feasibility study determined that the facility was inadequate for the community’s growing needs, and this demand has only intensified.
The report highlighted that basketball alone has over 500 teams and 4,000 players, with numbers continuing to grow. Limited infrastructure forces games to non-council venues, creating logistical challenges for families and competitions.
In early 2022 an extensive round of community engagement was undertaken.
The community provided feedback through our online engagement platform, emails, via targeted phone calls, through interview sessions and intercept surveys, via briefing sessions, in focus groups and via drop-in sessions.
By 2030, nine new indoor courts will be required, including four at Cardinia Life.
Currently, the lack of sufficient courts has resulted in overcrowding, late games, and missed opportunities for young athletes.
Securing the $45 million federal funding is critical, as without it, these upgrades will not happen.
Officer Ward Cr Samantha-Jane Potter said Cardinia Life has more ongoing social benefits that simply can’t be measured in dollars.
“Cardinia Life is situated in our urban growth corridor, and we must meet our population’s expanding requirements with quality infrastructure where the people are.”
“It is a community space where our youth teams can engage in life-affirming events that support social cohesion, multicultural understanding, and intergenerational connection.”
“This is money well spent in supporting Cardinia Shire, and I support the officer’s motion as noted.”
Funding announcements are expected in January or February 2025. This stage of the project will need to be completed by December 2026.
