mmg.com.au

Work to develop Katamatite Sport Centre and Community Hub has begun.

An existing pavilion at Katamatite Recreation Reserve was demolished before Christmas and contractors took to the site on Tuesday last week.

Katamatite Football Club president Tim Bye said works would be completed by May.

He said there would be minimal disruption to the club’s Picola and District League south-east campaign.

Only two games will be affected — one will be moved to another venue and the second will involve swapping host rights with the opposition team.

Mr Bye said the town’s cricket club was using the netball facilities as its social rooms for the rest of the season.

‘‘This is about a $1.5million project — we want to get it right,’’ he said.

Moira Shire councillor Alex Monk, a Katamatite resident, said the redevelopment was an important project for residents — and the greater region.

‘‘Recreation reserves and their associated facilities provide an opportunity for people to come together and interact. The end result will be excellent facilities that will be utilised by a range of sporting clubs and groups and the wider community,’’ Cr Monk said.

A master plan for the replacement of the existing Katamatite Recreation Reserve pavilion was developed in 2008.

The master plan was the subject of considerable public consultation.

The new building will provide improved levels of service to sporting club members involved in football, cricket and netball.

The function area will provide match day catering for up to 189 people with the opportunity for events and presentations at the site.

The proposed pavilion was developed through a consultation process with input from sporting clubs and residents.

Moira Shire Council, Sport and Recreation Victoria, Regional Development Victoria and the Katamatite Recreation Reserve User Group are funding the project. Moretto Building was the successful tenderer.