By Matthew Sims
The State Government has described the Opposition as adopting a “US style of politics” in a stoush concerning funding for the Grices Road Recreation Reserve in Clyde North.
The State Government has rejected a claim from Berwick MP Brad Battin that its pledge for the commitment of $1.2 million for an upgrade to the Berwick Churches Soccer Club pavilion at the Grices Road Recreation Reserve in Clyde North had been cut from the 2023-24 State Budget.
A State Government spokesperson said the investment for the Clyde North project was part of a $200 million fund towards building new and upgraded exisiting community sport and active recreation infrastructure.
“Every single one of Labor’s election commitments for the development of community sport infrastructure have been funded in this budget,“ the spokesperson said.
“This includes funding for the Grices Road Recreation Reserve and Berwick Churches Soccer Club projects.
“More than $200 million has been announced in the recent Victorian Budget 2023/24 to deliver new and improved community sport and active recreation infrastructure across the state.“
Announced last October by Narre South MP Gary Maas, the $1.2 million investment would support upgrades to the Berwick Churches Soccer Club pavilion.
“Unfortunately, the Opposition are too busy with internal problems to properly read budget papers,” he said.
“The only numbers they are interested in are those in their own factions.
“The opposition has clearly adopted a US style of politics where they wantonly lie.”
However, Mr Battin said he believed just because the funding was included within a fund does not mean the money was promised.
“I will trust the government when it’s being delivered,“ he said.
“It’s specifically not in the budget.
“The community has got a right to be sceptical.”
Berwick Churches Soccer Club president David Barrot said the club would let the State Government and Casey Council determine what funding would be allocated towards the project.
“We believe and still hold the standing point that this promise has been made and will be fulfilled,“ he said.
The club currently hosts about 28 junior teams, seven senior teams and 80 children in KickStart and an academy program of 50 to 60 young participants, with a total of 600 participants ranging across the junior and senior programs.
