Politics & Council
3 June, 2024
Future hooks in hubs, says Mayor
THE first of two major new community hubs for Loddon communities was officially opened on Saturday. The $7 million Donaldson Park facility bounced to life when winter sports are played at the ground for the first time this season and the centre’s...
THE first of two major new community hubs for Loddon communities was officially opened on Saturday.
The $7 million Donaldson Park facilitybounced to life when winter sports are played at the ground for the first time this season and the centre’s ribbon is cut.
The Donaldson Park opening comes as stage one of the $2.9 million Pyramid Hill Community Centre redevelopment is on track for a December finish.
Federal and State Government representatives are expected to attend Saturday’s opening and join with the community in celebrating the next phase of evolution at Donaldson Park that 70 years ago was wasteland.
Loddon Mayor Gavan Holt said council continued to invest in infrastructure that would be a “hook for liveability in our country communities”.
Cr Holt said Donaldson Park and the Pyramid Hill centre were part of a strategy for the future.
“Whether sporting centres or community complexes, we want our towns to be places where people can live, work and play - where people continue to live or are attracted to the area,” Cr Holt said. “For the same reasons, we are currently investing in the scoping of streetscape development works at Inglewood.”
“People are getting frustrated with big city life and its congestion, cost and safety. These new facilities in Loddon Shire will present our towns as great places to live.
“When there was population decline in north-west Victoria, council resolved to invest in local communities to boost their liveability. Donaldson Park and Pyramid Hill are two examples of that investment.”
The Donaldson Park project started with early community fundraising and donations that helped secure government funding.
Redevelopment of the Pyramid Hill Centre has seen construction work start in the past month. The centre will include an allied health wing to house Northern District Community Health and maternal child health service and a senior citizen’s room.
Later stages propose extension to the building for Pyramid Hill Neighbourhood House, including library facilities and other services, a community gym and additional storage and spaces for community groups.
COMMUNITY VISION BEHIND PARK’S EVOLUTION- PAGES 13-16