By Ewen McRae
Local sports clubs that missed out on funding following the federal election are preparing to start lobbying again.
Three clubs received a commitment of federal funds from the Labor Party if Bill Shorten was able to form government, but that money was negated when the Coalition was re-elected.
Rockbank Football Club received a pledge of $1.8 million towards upgrading the social rooms, kitchen, changerooms and ground lighting at Ian Cowie Recreation Reserve.
Rockbank general manager Gavin Sporle said while it was disappointing to miss out on the funds, they would start the lobbying process again.
“The reality is that with any election the result can go either way,” Mr Sporle said.
“The funding is something that we desperately needed, but it’s no one’s fault that we don’t have it.
“It means that we have to start again, speak to council, state government and federal government to see if we can get some support.
“The fact is that we were successful in getting a funding commitment once, so there’s nothing to stop us being successful again if we continue to lobby, because we still need work done on our facilities.
“I think it’s a wise investment for anyone to put funding into, especially given the growth in the region.”
Other commitments lying on the scrap heap after the election include $1 million for a new synthetic pitch for the Westside Strikers Football Club at Brookside reserve in Caroline Springs, as well as $500,000 for upgrades at Diggers Rest Football Club.
Gorton MP Brendan O’Connor said he would push for federal funding commitments for these projects in this term of Parliament.
“While I am disappointed that Labor lost the federal election, I am devastated for all the people who will now miss out on Labor’s commitments,” he said.
