01 May 2018 North Central Review (Kilmore), Melbourne (General News) by Joshua Wells By Joshua Wells A PURPOSE built aquatic centre in southern Mitchell Shire is edging closer following the announcement of $150,000 in funding for a masterplan development. The state government included the funding in this years budget for a future Wallan Sports and Aquatic Centre through the $60 million Community Sport Infrastructure fund, announced by Member for Yan Yean Danielle Green and Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes last week alongside Mitchell Shire Mayor Rhonda Sanderson. The council will undertake the masterplan work to determine an appropriate site, size and features of the complex which would best suit the community. Mayor Sanderson said the announcement was exciting for the shires growing population. The funding announcement is fantastic. We havean aquatic strategy. wearegrateful for the planning money as there will be between 160,000 and 170,000 residents at full build out in the southern part ol Mitchell shire^she said_ Communities need facilities where they can undertake different activities. During the announcement, Member for Yan Yean, Ms Green said an aquatic centre would be a win for healthy living. I was shocked in my time on the board of Victorian Health Promotion Foundation that Wallan was a hot spot for people who were at risk of heart issues so to have these facilities it could help prevent health incidents, she said. It also allows ability for people to recover Irom injury as well. It isa win for local football, net ball. and cricket and for our community. Member for Northern Victoria, Ms Symes said a new aquatic centre, would only benefit the splash park. The Splash Park and Adventure Play gra u nd is Ian tas t ic and I he aquatic centre would go down well in the community. she said. In terms ol a pool, a lot of families here travel to Cragieburn for a stale of the art facility so to have something dedicated in the Mitchell Shire would be fantastic. Caption Text: Exciting times: Member for Yan Vfean Danielle Green, Mitchell Shire Mayor Rhonda Sanderson and Member tor Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes.Licensed by Copyright Agency. You may only copy or communicate this work with a licence.