Darebin Council commits to women’s multi-sport stadium regardless of funding

THE construction of a long-planned sport stadium in Melbourne’s north will begin this year, with a council committing to the build regardless of state or federal funding assistance.

Children from Parkside Netball Club, Parkside Strikers and Shooters Basketball Club will benefit from the new sports centre at John Cain Memorial Park. Picture: Kris Reichl

THE women’s multi-sport stadium will be built after Darebin Council committed to funding the estimated cost of $33.4 million, regardless of state or federal government assistance.

The site at John Cain Memorial Park in Thornbury will have four indoor and four outdoor courts and aims to boost participation in netball and women’s sports.

The Leader has backed the stadium, which will benefit 5000 women and girls, as part of our Let Them Play campaign.

Almost $6 million has been allocated in the 2018-19 council Budget for the first stage of design and construction, with four outdoor courts expected to be completed by December.

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The council will seek state or federal government money to help fund the rest of the project and apply for up to $3 million from the State Government through the Better Indoor Stadiums Fund.

But officers will be developing a long-term strategy for the 2019-20 and 2020-21 budgets to prepare the council to cover the remaining $27 million.

Mayor Kim Le Cerf said there had been no decision on a preferred funding model but it could include rates, a development levy, open space reserve funds or loans.

Cr Le Cerf said it would be one of the largest investments made in Darebin but it was much needed.

“Council is confident that the due diligence and cost estimates undertaken on this project to date are realistic, provide value for money and are comparable to similar projects being undertaken by other local governments,” Cr Le Cerf said.

Northcote state Greens MP Lidia Thorpe, who backs the campaign, congratulated the council on pushing ahead with the stadium and said there was no time to waste in getting started.

“With such a clear need for the stadium, the Andrews Government will have to come to the table sooner or later,” she said.

A number of teams are likely to move base to the facility, including Parkside Netball Club.

Whittlesea Council is spending $25 million to upgrade the Mill Park Leisure Centre gym and pool areas.

The stadium is expected to be complete in December 2020.