Wyndham City is continuing with plans to develop a new, large multi-purpose community events space for residents.
As Wyndham continues its rapid growth, demand for such a facility continues to increase.
At the 25 March Council meeting, Council resolved, with the support of nine of the 11 Councillors, to explore opportunities for such a facility, using unrestricted residual funds from the former Point Cook developer contributions.
Over the years, developer contributions have supported the delivery of various facilities throughout Point Cook, including community centres, recreation and open space, and many road projects. Wyndham City's legal advice clearly states Council can determine how and where the residual funds can be spent.
Wyndham City Mayor, Cr Mia Shaw, said: "We're getting on with the job of exploring opportunities for a major regional community events space - a place that can accommodate our growing number of community groups and which can host large events."
"The majority of Councillors think this is the best way to spend the residual developer funds - so that all residents across Wyndham and elsewhere can benefit."
"Our residents are telling us we don't have a venue for large events, that's why we're focussing on this new project."
Council has also received and debated a petition collected in Point Cook that requested Council spend the funds in Point Cook.
"We're pressing ahead with plans to develop the large community events space," Cr Shaw said.
"We'd certainly welcome State Government and the private sector to help us build this City-shaping project that will benefit residents now, and generations to come."
"In line with the good governance principles outlined in the Local Government Act, Council must govern in the best interests of the whole of the municipality."
"During our recent engagement process relating to the Draft Budget, we received 1206 responses. Just 2.5 per cent of responses mentioned Point Cook developer contributions - or less than .01 per cent per cent of Wyndham's overall population."
"We've also launched an engagement process, asking residents and local community groups to provide feedback regarding their interest and expectations for the community space."
"The location and overall costs are yet to be determined."
"Our current population of 330,000 people is set to soar to more than 500,000 by 2050."
"We'd like to understand the types of events and activities groups would hold at such a facility."
Cr Shaw reiterated that all obligations in Point Cook under the developer contribution plans have been met.
"As well as developer contributions, Council has invested millions of dollars of its own funds to support facilities and services in Point Cook, including upgrading roads, sporting and community facilities, parks, playgrounds and open spaces."
"Council has also funded almost $10 million towards the Webster Street Reserve and Brookdale Road master plans, delivering multi-use sporting fields, including ovals for cricket and soccer, a baseball diamond, tennis courts, cricket nets and more."
"Significant funding has also been spent upgrading Tom Roberts Reserve, Times Square Park, shared paths, public toilets and open spaces."
