Deloraine and Districts Community Bank has become the latest organisation to throw its support behind the proposed Meander Valley Regional Recreation Precinct, committing $250,000 over five years to help fund the project.
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The development would see the establishment of a community sporting hub at Alveston Drive, including new netball and squash courts, a function centre and a relocated football ground.
The contribution will mark a milestone achievement for the Meander Valley Financial Services-operated bank, with the first instalment of $50,000 to take the bank's community output to more than $1 million since its establishment in 2005.
Meander Valley Financial Services company secretary Laura Richardson said said she hoped the contribution would help kick-start the much-needed project.
“A feasibility study hasn't been done yet but we expect it to be a $10 million-plus project because it needs some facilities constructed, including new change rooms and a function centre and obviously the football ground which will also be used for little athletics,” Ms Richardson said.
“The expectation is that it will be done to a standard to host finals and representative games which is needed.”
Ms Richardson said last month’s floods had highlighted the need to relocate the football ground, which is currently situated on low-lying land across from settling ponds.
The ground was out of action for several weeks after the floods, with floodwaters leaving significant damage to carpet and electricals inside the clubrooms.
“Whenever there is a decent flood the football ground will flood; it’s right next to the river.
“Because of the damage that the flood caused it's an opportune time (to relocate) - we just can't continue to have that happen, it's a bit nonsensical to have a football ground on a flood plain.”
The funding allocation comes in the same month as the bank returned $48,000 to a handful of community projects, including walking trails, kitchen redevelopments and the Meander Valley CHSP car.
Chair Lynn Hayward said the bank was always keen to help support the Meander Valley community.
“We were very impressed with the quality of applications received and are delighted to be able to support a range of projects, many of which may not have been financially viable without the support of our branch,” Mrs Hayward said.