By Ewen McRae
A number of multi-purpose sports fields could be added to a Fraser Rise sporting precinct, under a plan from Melton council.
The City Vista Sports Precinct already has four soccer fields, and is the current home of Caroline Springs George Cross and Western United football clubs, but a vacant space between the two car parks has been earmarked for the new fields.
The site – which is opposite Springside West Secondary College – was assessed by council officers following a motion from councillor Kathy Majdlik at the February council meeting, with the recommendation to develop the space for a multitude of sports.
At the March 2 council meeting, a resolution was passed to consult further with the community on the project, with officers recommending that three multi-purpose synthetic courts be constructed on the site.
The courts would then be used for soccer, basketball, futsal, and general recreation, with officers estimating the project will cost $623,000.
Cr Majdlik said she wanted to get more information on the needs of local residents, but was supportive of the move to develop the space.
“I am not fully convinced that all the options have been brought back to my attention from my residents,” she said.
“I don’t want us to be confined to just three courts, but open ourselves up to all options. If after consultation it remains the three courts then that’s fine, but I want to keep our options open.”
Cr Steve Abboushi commended council for utilising all available space for recreation.
“To fully activate all the spaces we have is great,” he said.
“If we do that, residents can’t say we’re not using our spare space.City Vista has gone through massive transformation, but having a space that people can just go to and use without having to go through clubs or schools is great.”
Following consultation, the project will be referred to the 2020-21 council budget for consideration.
