Thursday the 12th of September, 2024
Victorian Legislative Council
Rachel PAYNE (South-Eastern Metropolitan): My constituency question is for the Minister for Community Sport.
My constituent is a resident of Cranbourne North and plays soccer with the Lynbrook Falcons, one of the biggest clubs in the area.
The Lynbrook Falcons home ground is at Lawson Poole Reserve. My constituent helps around the club often, making sure the clubrooms and pitches are kept tidy, but despite their best efforts the facilities just are not fit for a growing club.
The club has asked their local council to fund some upgrades, and thankfully the pitches will now be fixed in the off-season; however, they still require more fencing, road repairs, lighting, improvements and other facilities.
So my constituent asks: will the minister fund infrastructure improvements to the Lawson Poole Reserve so that their club can continue to be a source of community connection in the south-east?
Answer provided, 25th of September 2024:
Providing high-quality, accessible community sport and active recreation infrastructure, is a key objective of the Allan Labor Government and is integral to the health and wellbeing of all Victorians.
To achieve this, the Victorian Budget 2024-25 is providing more than $23 million to continue delivery of community sport and active recreation infrastructure and programs to increase participation opportunities and improve accessibility. This includes continuing the Local Sports Infrastructure Fund so more Victorians can participate.
I understand that the Lynbrook Falcons Sports Club has recently met with Casey City Council to discuss improvements at Lawson Poole Reserve, and officers have confirmed that turf replacement will occur in October 2024.
The 2024-25 Local Sports Infrastructure Fund may provide an opportunity for further upgrades at the reserve. The Fund is planned to open for applications later this year and as only Local Government Authorities can apply directly to the Fund, I encourage the club to continue liaising with Council to consider a proposal.
The Hon. Ros Spence MP
Minister for Community Sport
