The Nationals Member for Gippsland Darren Chester is helping users of the Traralgon West Sporting Complex to secure government funding to complete the fit-out of its central pavilion.
The $1.3 million two-storey multi-purpose pavilion, located off Grubb Avenue between Jack Canavan Oval and Stoddart Oval, was built in 2011.
Mr Chester said new pavilion replaced an outdated structure with limited facilities and no disabled access, but the first level remained unfinished.
Mr Chester is now working with his Federal Government colleagues to identify funding avenues to finally complete the project.
“I have made representations to Dr John McVeigh, who is the Federal Minister for Regional Development, seeking his support to secure the money needed to fit out the first floor,” Mr Chester said.
“This upper storey is a shell and is unusable. The services, including electricity and water, haven’t been connected, the walls need to be lined and there are no floor coverings. Neither has work begun on the planned kitchen and bathroom facilities.”
The Federal Government contributed $438,000 to the construction of the pavilion, while, more recently, Latrobe City Council paid for the installation of external fire stairs and a lift.
“There is a wide range of federal and state government funding opportunities available in Gippsland for community infrastructure and job creating projects,” Mr Chester said.
“I am also working with representatives of the Traralgon West Cricket Club and West End Football Club, which are the primary users of the central pavilion, to secure funding to get this work done.
“This central pavilion is a valuable piece of community infrastructure. If the first floor can be properly finished, it will become a much-used indoor space for activities such as presentation nights and fundraising events.”
