Gembrook MP Brad Battin is pledging upgrades for sporting facilities in Berwick, should the Liberals win government at the November State Election.
Mr Battin is committing $1 million in funding to the Berwick Athletics Track at Edwin Flack Reserve, including facility upgrades for storage and accessibility and the construction of spectator seating.
A further $500,000 will be allocated for the planning and early works of a brand-new sporting facility in Berwick, including $100,000 for minor renovations at the Berwick Football Club and Berwick Junior Football Club.
Mr Battin said the lack of sporting fields has been a “huge issue”, not just in Berwick but in Casey for a number of years.
“The population of Casey is only growing and so too is the need of sporting grounds,” Mr Battin said.
“We need to ensure our current sporting facilities are as accessible as possible and can keep up
with the fast-growing population of Casey.
“The largest group that are missing out at the moment is female athletes with female teams
unable to expand purely due to the lack of access to sporting grounds.
“With the Commonwealth Games coming to Victoria in 2026, we know the interest in athletics is
only going to grow. We need to make sure we not only create a facility to catch up with growth
but also prepare for the future and this is exactly what this commitment will allow.”
The new grounds, should the Liberals win government, assist with accessibility issues throughout the region for families, according to Mr Battin.
“(Berwick Football) Club have explained how difficult it is to retain volunteers when families are busy driving their children to multiple sporting fields across Casey each weekend,” he said.
“Having the one Club in one precinct will ensure families have more time to invest in the club, building a stronger community for all.”
