Point Cook sports hall plan passes council despite opposition

Council has decided on the future of a $3 million sports hall in Point Cook with opponents claiming it’s a “lemon” and won’t meet community needs.

Council has approved a controversial plan for a $3 million indoor sports facility despite strong opposition from several councillors who labelled the plan “fiscally irresponsible”.

Wyndham councillors debated a motion to endorse the master plan to redevelop the community centre and reserve on Jamieson Way at an estimated cost of $11 million.

While councillors were broadly supportive of measures to improve the site, including additional parking spaces, remodelling and expanding the centre and redeveloping outdoor spaces, discussion on a compact sports venue was hotly contested.

The plan proposes a roughly 400 square metre single court facility to provide space for volleyball, table tennis, badminton, performing arts and dancing.

Funding for the facility, estimated to cost $3 million, has not been allocated, with council proposing to deliver the project in stages.

Councillor Jasmine Hill said a recent community consultation on the project has seen “almost unanimous” support for the inclusion of the sports area.

“We absolutely need this facility,” she said.

“Just over the last weekend I’ve met with community members who struggled to get more opportunities to play sports.”

She said currently Point Cook residents had to travel “a long way” to Eagle Stadium in Werribee to play indoor sports.

However several councillors said they could not support the current plan, saying a single indoor court would not meet the needs of 300,000 residents.

“The fact remains it’s inconsistent and completely misaligned with a number of key council strategist, policies and positions,” councillor Jennie Barera said.

“It doesn’t stack up in its current form. We’ve got a responsibility to act in the best interest of the community, this plan doesn‘t do that.”

The motion to endorse the master plan was passed with six councillors — Mayor Peter Maynard, Susan McIntyre, Jasmine Hill, Sahana Ramesh, Marcel Mahfoud and Robert Szatkowski — voting in favour.

Five councillors, Heather Marcus, Adele Hegedich, Mia Shaw, Jennie Barera and Josh Gilligan, voted against.

An updated costing for the facility will be provided to council at a later date after a detailed design has been finalised.