The long-awaited Eynesbury Recreation Reserve will become a reality after Melton council received more than $2.8 million in federal funding for the project.
The federal government has provided the council with the funding as part of its Better Regions Fund, which provides grants for new infrastructure or upgrades to existing facilities.
The council has also applied for $3 million from the state government’s Growing Suburbs Fund to help with construction costs of the $8.5 million reserve.
The Eynesbury Recreation Reserve will include an oval, recreational facilities, an adventure playground, barbecues and walking paths.
It is anticipated the reserve will be used as a training facility for the growing Eynesbury football club.
The reserve will be built in two stages, with stage one to include the oval and carpark.
Stage two will deliver an additional oval, extension to the pavilion and tennis courts
Melton mayor Bob Turner said the council was delighted by the news and looked forward to the reserve one day being used by the community.
“The Eynesbury community is growing and we’re pleased Melton city council will now be able to deliver this state-of-the-art sports and recreation facility,” he said.
Cr Turner said the council was working with developer Hyde Property Group to ensure the project could be delivered as soon as possible.
Hyde Property Group chief executive Russell Jackson said residents have been calling for a recreation reserve for some time.
“We are very excited to be able to facilitate this sporting precinct,” he said.
“It will be the sporting hub of Eynesbury.”
