The first sod was officially turned on site at Comely Banks Reserve last Monday, marking the start of construction for a shared-use pavilion at the shire's newest community and sport hub in Officer.
The event was attended by Cardinia Shire Mayor Cr Jeff Springfield and fellow Councillors, Minister for Local Government the Honourable Adem Somyurek MP, and Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing MP.
The $7.58 million community pavilion project is jointly funded by Council ($4.08 million) and the Victorian Government's Growing Suburbs Fund ($3.5 million).
The pavilion will feature unisex change room facilities, unisex umpires change facilities, fully accessible exterior/interior amenities, kiosk/canteen facilities, integrated community space, and external covered spectator areas.
It is the first stage of the planned development of the overall Comely Banks Reserve (125 Bridge Road, Officer), which will home future sports including rugby league, cricket and lawn bowls.
The reserve and sporting grounds will be established in line with a master plan developed by Cardinia Shire Council, with consideration of the abutting Bridgewood Primary school.
Cardinia Shire Mayor Councillor Jeff Springfield said the reserve will help serve the sport and recreation needs of Cardinia Shire residents now and into the future.
"Council is thrilled to provide our shire and its residents with state-of-the-art facilities to help accommodate our growing sporting community, as well as a brand-new multipurpose pavilion to give community members greater access to and use of the new reserve," Cr Springfield said.
The reserve is planned with the area's future growth in mind, and will feature four rectangular pitches (incorporating two sports ovals), cricket practice nets, two bowling greens, playground area and car parking facilities.
