Council ‘misleading’ on sports funds

By Jim Mynard
NARRE Warren North MP Luke Donnellan has accused Casey council of being mischievous over claims that Minister for Sport and Recreation Justin Madden promised funding for the proposed Narre Warren North Sports Complex.
The council had applied for a $500,000 State Government grant towards a $1.7 million pavilion and car park at the proposed $3.5m sports complex.
But this was refused because of guidelines that a council could apply for only one grant a year in the category.
However, City of Casey chief executive Mike Tyler said the application followed a commitment from the minister to provide funding.
“Early in 2004, Mr Madden advised the council in writing that the State Government would be prepared to commit funds to building costs upon receipt of an application from the council,” he said.
“The minister’s letter followed a meeting between the Narre Sports and Leisure Alliance (NSLA) and the minister, arranged by Mr Donnellan.
“Council, in consultation with the NSLA, identified a twooval sports complex at Narre Warren North as the highest priority recreation project in the northern Narre Warren area.
“Although council officers were not present at the meeting between the NSLA and the minister, we understand that the NSLA was very pleased with the minister’s support.
“Media reports after the meeting indicated that a $500,000 grant could be made.”
Mr Tyler said this was consistent with the minister’s undertaking to provide funds for the project under the Community Facilities Funding program.
“Council was very encouraged to receive the minister’s letter last year, where he promised funding for the project once the council had resolved siting issues,” he said.
Mr Donnellan said a council press release on the issue was misleading because the minister did not say he would fund both applications in the one year.
Mr Donnellan said the minister told the NSLA meeting that the funding would be available when the council made an appropriate application with the project as its priority.
“The council wanted me to have the rules changed so that it could get two bites of the cherry in one year,” he said.