Bowled over by promises

By Lachlan Ellis

Both major party candidates have committed to providing millions in funding for a local sport complex, should their parties win the seat of Eureka at the state election.

Paul Tatchell and Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle are running for the Liberal and Labor Parties respectively, with Mr Tatchell, also a local Moorabool councillor, visiting the Avenue Bowling Club in Bacchus Marsh last Friday.

Mr Tatchell said that should he win the seat of Eureka and a Matt Guy Government be formed on November 26, the Basketball and Bowls Club complex would receive $3 million.

“If elected, the Liberal Nationals will put $3 million into the $12 million project to move the bowling precinct into one area in Taverner Street. Last night we drew the Labor Party into it as well and said that they have to match it – being a Councillor, I’m always concerned when it’s contingent on being elected,” he said.

“If she doesn’t, we’ll hold her to it, whether that be in Council, or however we can do it. Ultimately this is a great project, we’ve been working for a number of years to get Taverner Street livened up with a sports precinct.”

The next day, Ms Settle visited the Bowling Club and officially matched Mr Tatchell’s Liberal pledge, meaning the promise remains no matter which party wins government.

“A re-elected Andrews Labor Government will deliver a much-needed community centre for Bacchus Marsh,” Ms Settle said.

“We’ll invest $2.9 million towards a new modern purpose-built community facility in the heart of a major new sports and recreation precinct.”

Whilst the Labor promise is $100,000 less than what the Libs have promised, Ms Settle said “locals will have somewhere to meet, organise activities, volunteer and find out local information.”

Mayor Cr Tom Sullivan said the sporting precinct was something that was sorely needed for Bacchus Marsh for some time.

“We’ve got a growing population here in Bacchus Marsh, probably one of the most rapidly growing area in the state just about. To see it having a sporting precinct, and the two clubs merging together, will be a great outcome. It’ll be a great community facility,” Cr Sullivan said.