Soccer boost- Local MP Luke Donnellan has welcomed an agreement between Melbourne Water and Ca

By Bridget Cook
NEW soccer pitches, a sports pavilion and natural wetlands will be built in Narre Warren after Casey Council purchased a small parcel of land.
The council and Melbourne Water agreed for the purchase of land at the Prospect Hill Retarding Basin, off Kurrajong Road, Narre Warren, for the construction of the facilities.
City of Casey manager Sport and Leisure Richard Amon said the outcome cleared the way for works to be completed in the Oatlands Park Master Plan, which includes a full-sized and a smaller soccer pitch, public recreational facilities and sports pavilion.
“This will greatly benefit the Casey Panthers Soccer Club which has, in previous years, had to play competitive matches at sites some distance away from their player base,” he said.
“The Master Plan also identifies a number of other improvements to the site that will ultimately provide a multi-purpose open parkland with various amenities including the creation of a natural wetland.”
Narre Warren North MP Luke Donnellan has welcomed the agreement.
Mr Donnellan met with the principal of Oatlands Primary School and the local ward councillor some years ago to discuss the idea of using the reserve for soccer grounds and associated facilities.
“It’s taken some time for Melbourne Water and council to agree on terms, but I am sure all those involved are happy with the final outcome,” Mr Donnellan said.
“It’s a very positive outcome for the community with the State Government providing land worth many millions and the council building the facilities.”
Mr Donnellan, in the last session of Parliament, asked the Sports Minister to consider a grant for the provision of lighting on the ground in an adjournment debate.
“I have no doubt the minister will give my request full consideration,” he said.
“The area is very much under done in relation to soccer sporting facilities.”