Coalition pledges $4m for Rochy recreation reserve

Rochester Recreation Reserve president Brendan Martin said the $4 million funding would be a huge help towards dreams of redeveloping the reserve.

“This is a huge announcement for our organisation and we look forward to being in a position to redevelop the recreation reserve in partnership with all of our user groups,” Mr Martin said.

“The recreation reserve committee and the football-netball club has some money they can contribute to the redevelopment, but as a voluntary organisation we would never be in a position to fundraise that amount by ourselves.

“The funding guarantee from the Coalition gives us a pathway to delivering this much-needed redevelopment for our community.”

The $4 million commitment was lobbied by The Nationals’ candidate for Bendigo Andrew Lethlean and Liberal candidate Matt Evans.

The redevelopment will focus on the upgrade and refurbishment of existing change rooms, building additional change rooms and demolishing and rebuilding the social rooms.

A new and improved facility will also help attract large sporting events and social events to Rochester which will increase economic activity and support local businesses.

Mr Evans said the recreation reserve was more than just a sporting facility to the local community.

“The recreation reserve facilities served a critical role during previous flooding events and have operated as a community relief centre, but there’s a need for major improvements,” Mr Evans said.

“This funding commitment is great news for the Rochester and district community and will help to future-proof the recreation reserve for sporting and community events.”

Mr Lethlean said designs for the redevelopment were under way.

“The concept designs are well advanced and provide for better facilities, particularly for female participants, along with improved amenities for use during disaster recovery,” he said.

‘’This is a huge win for the Rochester and district community.”