Young people in Meredith will benefit thanks to the Victorian Budget 2021/22 providing $420,000 for Golden Plains Council to construct a new BMX track and upgrade the skate park and playground.
Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle today announced $420,000 will be invested to upgrade the existing skate facility in Meredith, the creation of a new BMX track and upgrade the play space.
The project will activate the Meredith Recreation Reserve with safe and compliant active recreation and play facilities, and improve recreation opportunities for residents and surrounding areas, particularly young people.
The current skate park is made of old metal elements and there is currently no BMX track provision in Meredith. The existing play space at Pioneer Park is underutilised and recommended to be moved to a more prominent and visible location, co-located with other facilities.
The push to upgrade the skate park and construct a new BMX track started with Harley Murfitt, a local Meredith primary school student, who last year worked with other students, Meredith Primary School Principal Trotter and local police officer Craig Malthouse to design the facility.
Golden Plains Shire supported the initiative with the Andrews Labor Government fully funding the project. This builds on the more than $1.05 billion that the Victorian Government has invested in community sport and recreation infrastructure since 2014.
Quotes attributable to Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle
“It’s fantastic to see that a project initiated by Meredith primary school students will be brought to life thanks to $420,000 from the Victorian Budget.”
“Skate Parks and BMX tracks are a great outlet for young people, they encourage both physical activity and strong social connections which will bring great benefit to the whole community.”
“I want to thank Harley, Meredith school principal, local police and Golden Plains Shire for backing in the idea to update recreational facilities for young people in Meredith.”
Quotes attributed to Mayor Cr Helena Kirby
“Golden Plains Shire Council is proud to have supported and encouraged local young people to bring their idea to life. We thank the Victorian Government for its commitment to build a new BMX track and upgrade the play space and skate park in Meredith.”
“For a number of reasons, young people from rural areas can experience increased rates of isolation and loneliness. Community assets like those we will build here in Meredith provide valuable opportunities for young people to be socially and physically active which we know contributes to healthier, happier and better-connected young people.”
