By Cam Lucadou-Wells
The dream of a new synthetic soccer pitch in Endeavour Hills is closer to reality after a $502,000 State Budget announcement on 2 May.
The State Government’s contribution now totals $1.02 million towards the $1.7 million project at Gleneagles Secondary College.
This announcement builds on a $500,000 allocation from the Napthine Government in 2014.
Gleneagles Secondary College principal Sue Peddlesden said the project had been eagerly awaited by soccer clubs as well as a “passionate” legion of student soccer players.
“I understand we haven’t had a new sporting facility in Endeavour Hills for quite some time.
“It’s a win for the community and a win for the school.”
The school had raised $100,000 for the project, with the remainder hoped to come from Casey Council, Ms Peddlesden said.
The pitch would replace the school’s under-sized and “pretty rough” junior soccer field.
It would be open to use after school hours under a joint-use agreement between the school and Casey, Ms Peddlesden said.
Narre Warren North MP Luke Donnellan said: “Gleneagles Secondary College is already a great school. This investment will make it even better.”
According to the budget papers, the project is expected to be complete by late in the 2018-’19 financial year.
