SCHOOLS from Nar Nar Goon to Longwarry will benefit from a $2.1 million community complex in Bunyip, expected to open in a year’s time.
Construction of the facility will begin over the next fortnight and when complete will provide a centre for sports and the arts.
It will feature a basketball/netball court and an auditorium with seating for up to 1200 people.
Cardinia Shire mayor Bill Pearson said the facility would be much more than a tin shed.
“It will service schools from Longwary to Nar Nar Goon – both state and private,” he said.
“There’s no auditorium that can seat 1200 in the area, you have to go to either Pakenham or Warragul.”
Schools will be able to utilise the facility for award and Christmas functions, as well as sporting pursuits.
The project has received $1 million funding from the Cardinia Shire Council and $400,000 from the Federal Government.
The council is still waiting for written confirmation on $500,000 of State Government funding.
The balance will be raised by philanthropic groups and the Bunyip community.
Work on the project must begin by 1 September and Cr Pearson was confident the centre would be open to the public by next Easter.
“About a year from now it should be up and going, it could be quicker,” he said.