Funding Hits An Ace At Eltham Sports Centre

The Nillumbik community will soon benefit from a major expansion of tennis facilities thanks to the Andrews Labor Government.

Local Government Minister Adem Somyurek today announced the Eltham Sports Multi Use Community Facility is one of 32 successful projects which will receive funding from the latest ground of the Growing Suburbs Fund.

The Fund is delivering $50 million towards community facilities, enhanced services and greater opportunities in Melbourne’s 10 rapidly growing interface councils.

Local MPs Vicki Ward and Danielle Green welcomed the news that the Eltham Sports Multi Use Community Facility will receive $1.4 million to help Nillumbik Shire Council deliver a multi-use tennis facility.

This new facility means the Eltham Tennis Club will be able to expand its wheelchair tennis programme, giving more people the opportunity to play.

The facility will also cater for futsal and be able to host other community activities.

Since 2014, the Andrews Labor Government’s Growing Suburbs Fund has invested $22.6 million for 14 projects in the Nillumbik Shire.

Almost every major project delivered by the Nillumbik Shire Council, including the Eltham Leisure Centre and the Diamond Valley Sports and Fitness Centre, has involved substantial funding from the State Government with more than half of Nillumbik’s infrastructure funding coming from grants and contributions this financial year alone.

Of the 14 projects funded since 2015, 6 projects have been completed by council and 3 have been started. The Andrews Labor Government is committed to working with Nillumbik Council to deliver these vital projects. Both Ms Ward and Ms Green regularly meet with council officers to ensure that every support is in place so that these projects can be delivered as soon as possible.

Across greater Melbourne, the Fund has now supported 193 projects, invested $250 million and leveraged a combined investment of $665 million, creating more than 6750 jobs.

A list of all 32 successful projects for 2019-20 and more information on the Growing Suburbs Fund is available at localgovernment.vic.gov.au/grants.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Local Government Adem Somyurek

“The Andrews Labor Government is responding to the needs of growing communities by delivering high-quality facilities in partnership with interface Councils.”

“Sports facilities are important assets for communities, giving people the chance to enjoy the sports and games they love and keep fit.”

Quotes attributable to the Member for Eltham, Vicki Ward MP:

“We know that demand of our local tennis courts is growing and this wonderful project will mean that no one has to miss out.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Yan Yean, Danielle Green MP:

“I’m delighted that this announcement coincides with the Australian Open and also Tennis Australia’s new campaign ‘Get Your Racquet On!’. Investment in court improvements gives more adults and kids, of all abilities, the chance to get into this great sport for competition or just a fun hit.”

Quotes attributable to the President of the Eltham Tennis Club, Jeremy Snowden:

“The new courts will be a fantastic addition to our club that will allow us to keep growing and involve more people in our great sport.  We really appreciate the efforts Vicki Ward, Danielle Green, and the Nillumbik Shire Council have put in to make this project a reality.”

20 January, 2020