Tara Murray
Fraser MP Daniel Mulino is calling on the federal government to provide funding for the new St Albans Leisure Centre.
Brimbank council has committed to building the leisure centre, which is set to be called the Brimbank Aquatic & Wellness Centre, but is yet to secure any federal funding for the project. The new leisure centre is set to cost more than $60 million.
So far, just $2 million has been allocated to the project from the state government, with ratepayers set to cover the rest
Mr Mulino voiced his frustrations in Parliament late last month, questioning why such an important project is yet to receive any federal assistance.
“Why has there been no support for such a large and important project?” he said.
“The old pool was past its use by date and the council has designed a facility that integrates a lot of health services into the facility.
“I’ve had several residents approach me about it.”
Mr Mulino made an election promise that if Labor took government in 2019, they would contribute $5 million to the centre.
“Without any federal funding, that cost goes back onto the ratepayers,” he said.
“The federal government needs to come to the party.”
Brimbank mayor Ranka Rasic said the council would welcome any further government funding and support for the project.
She said work was progressing on the centre.
Public consultation on the name of the centre has begun, with the Brimbank Aquatic & Wellness Centre the council’s preferred choice.
“The final design work is now almost complete, along with significant on site progress,” Cr Rasic said.
“Work is on track to complete construction in 2022 as planned.
“The exciting new hub will include a 50-metre,10-lane swimming pool, two massive water slides, wellness centre, 24 -hour gym, community program room and more.
“The new health and wellbeing hub is strategically positioned to become a ‘COVID-19 Support Centre for Melbourne’s west’ and help us rebound from the COVID-19 crisis.
“It will create approximately 100 jobs during construction and 120 ongoing jobs once operational providing a range of preventative health, wellbeing, social, educational and support services, programs and initiatives that will be vital in supporting our community throughout the COVID-19 recovery phase.”
Brimbank infrastructure and city services director Neil Whiteside said earth works were completed on the project in February, with the pouring of concrete slabs expected to be finished by the end of this month.
