Recently I attended the opening of the new Carisbrook Recreation Reserve.
The new facilities are stunning and it was a terrific event. Much kudos to everyone involved in making this dream a reality.
It was also very bittersweet for me, as I know what is situated at Deledio Recreation Reserve and what locals and visitor teams must endure during home games.
At our Council Meeting last month one item on the agenda was for an Expression of Interest (EOI) for a Federal grant opportunity. The report tabled had listed Deledio Recreation Reserve as one of the four priority projects that were considered for Round One funding.
Recently, community members met with Member for Ripon Martha Haylett MP, at Deledio to discuss funding opportunities. Ms Haylett stressed that this Federal funding stream would be the best bet for Deledio and urged the Shire to put in an EOI.
Unfortunately, Deledio didn’t make the cut, with Maryborough’s Olympic Outdoor Pool deemed to be more competitive as an EOI and the officers’ recommendation reflected this.
I spoke and voted against the motion, but to no avail, as the motion was carried.
So what’s next? Well, I certainly won’t be sitting on my haunches that’s for sure. With the cancellation of the Commonwealth Games a few weeks ago, it appears that some funding will be diverted to state sport. No details have been released as yet, but I can assure that I will be keeping a close eye on this.
Also, Federal funding like this comes up every year so I intend to actively work with Council officers to hopefully get Deledio over the line next year.
The will and sense of community is stronger than ever in Dunolly, with some of the hardest working volunteers I have ever come across in my life, two were in the gallery that night.
This is not the end of the road for Deledio, far from it.
