Boost for Graysharps Road Precinct in Hurstbridge
Published on 19 May 2021
Nillumbik Shire Council has received
$2 million in Victorian Government funding to implement the Graysharps Road Open Space Precinct Plan in Hurstbridge.
Minister for Local Government Shaun Leane made the announcement this week during a visit to celebrate the start of construction of the $1.7 million redevelopment of the Hurstbridge Community Multi-use Facility.
Mayor Peter Perkins welcomed the news of the $2 million Growing Suburbs Fund grant to revitalise what will become a key gateway to Hurstbridge.
“The second stage of the Diamond Creek Trail extension will better connect Hurstbridge and once it opens in early 2022, we expect up to 350,000 visitors a year to this area,” Cr Perkins said.
“We thank the Victorian Government and Yan Yean MP Danielle Green for their support of this and many other major projects across Nillumbik.
“Council has committed a further $925,000 to resurface the netball courts here as part of the masterplan.”
Bunjil Ward Councillor Karen Egan said the project was one of her priorities since being elected to Council in 2016.
“This is a fantastic initiative and has received strong support from everyone in our community,” Cr Egan said.
Minister Shaun Leane joined Cr Perkins, Deputy Mayor Frances Eyre and Councillors for the turning of the first sod to mark the official start of construction of the Hurstbridge Community Multi-use Facility in Graysharps Road.
The upgrade will see the pavilion almost double in size, extending the social area and providing four much-needed change rooms and amenities for both male and female players and umpires.
The project is funded by the Victorian Government's Growing Suburbs Fund, Sport and Recreation Victoria and Council.
The pavilion, which is home to the Hurstbridge Football Netball Club and the Hurstbridge Cricket Club, is expected to be completed early next year.
“Nillumbik Shire Council has been a strong supporter of improving facilities to encourage more women and girls to take part in active sport such as football and cricket,” Cr Egan said.
“We have upgraded many facilities across the Shire and I’m glad to see Hurstbridge is benefitting from this program.”
Council will now get to work on developing a master plan for the Graysharps Road Open Space Precinct in consultation with the community. Features could include a connection to the new Diamond Creek Trail, barbecues and picnic shelters, public toilets, drinking fountain and more.
“We look forward to working in collaboration with local user groups and the community as we transform this space into a beautiful area for both sport and recreation that will also bring many benefits to the Hurstbridge township,” Cr Perkins said.
The Minister later toured the $1.27 million upgrade works at the Diamond Valley Library in Greensborough, which are due to be completed in July.