Over $4M pledged for Bendigo reserve but users doubt it
Both major parties pledged more than $4 million for a pavilion at Quarry Hill Recreation Reserve, but community users say they have no timeline and little faith.
Quarry Hill Recreation Reserve in Bendigo is run-down: one toilet, no seating, no proper changing facilities. Labor has pledged more than $4 million for a pavilion if re-elected; the Coalition has matched that promise.
At a recent meeting, users quizzed Labor candidate Tim Rickwood on when the work would start. He said there was no timeline yet.
One user, Paul Brownlie, said the pledges sounded hollow: "They won't make a commitment. They'll make a promise, but they won't make a commitment of when to start."
Rickwood confirmed a re-elected Labor government would include the funding in the 2027-28 state budget, with work to follow later. Brownlie replied: "I'd be disappointed if you let us down."
The Coalition candidate said extensive plans were already done, which could speed things up after the budget.
- More than $4 million
- Funding pledged by both parties
- Quarry Hill Recreation Reserve, Bendigo
- Location
- About 24 to 26 people
- Cricket players using reserve
- 2027-28 state budget
- Proposed budget inclusion
Why it mattersCommunity facilities need funding to happen, not just promises. Users want to know when improvements will actually arrive.
AustraliaA Bendigo sports reserve used by cricket teams and schools faces months or years of wait before promised upgrades, with the Victorian state election on November 28 unlikely to resolve the timeline.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
Open this story in InSnip →
