Yarra Glen sports pavilion hit by floods for the second time in 18 months
The Yarra Glen sports pavilion has once again fallen victim to devastating floods, marking the second occurrence in just 18 months. The pavilion, which is shared by three sports clubs – Yarra Glen Football and Netball Club, Yarra Glen Junior Football and Netball Club, and Yarra Glen Cricket Club – suffered significant damage as floodwater and mud invaded the building.
According to David Ball, the treasurer of Yarra Glen Football and Netball Club, the floodwater seeped through the rooms, saturating the old carpet and leaving mud in its wake. The storeroom, located on a lower level, was completely submerged, resulting in some water damage to equipment. The netball courts were also affected, with mud covering the surface and cracks appearing as water emerged from underneath one of the courts.
Despite the damage, Yarra Glen Football and Netball Club managed to minimize the impact compared to the previous floods. Most of our equipment like football jumpers were all stored away from the affected areas, explained Mr. Ball. He emphasized that the previous flood in October and November 2022 was more destructive, causing severe equipment loss.
Yarra Glen Cricket Club, which utilizes the facility during the summer, quickly took action to prevent further damage. Travis Gloury, the president of Yarra Glen Cricket Club, highlighted their proactive response, stating, We were fortunate in a sense that we didn’t have a lot sitting on the ground, and everything that we did have sitting on the ground, we were able to get it off. However, the water still managed to damage the carpet, MDF skirting boards, and plaster throughout the building. The club promptly initiated cleanup efforts, employing dehumidifiers and fans to eliminate moisture and prevent additional harm.
The Yarra Ranges Council (YRC) owns the buildings, as the land is leased from Melbourne Water. Phil Murton, the YRC Built Environment and Infrastructure Director, acknowledged the recurring flooding issue caused by recent extreme weather. He stated that the insurance company has assessed the damage and they are awaiting the insurance assessor’s recommendations for the next steps in rectifying the situation.
Mr. Ball shared that the council had expressed intentions to build a new pavilion before the previous floods. The proposed pavilion would be constructed at a higher elevation to prevent future flood damage. However, these plans have been delayed, much to the disappointment of the sports clubs.
Federal Casey MP Aaron Violi visited the Yarra Glen sports pavilion on January 18 to meet with representatives from the three affected clubs. He expressed his dismay at witnessing the severe flooding for the second time in just over a year and a half. Mr. Violi affirmed his commitment to collaborating with the clubs and all levels of government to find both short-term and long-term solutions to this ongoing challenge.
Mr. Ball expressed hope that the clubrooms will be repaired before the start of the tenancy in March. He recalled that in 2023, the clubs were unable to use the rooms until August, leading to away games for the first half of the season. Despite their anticipation for a fresh start this year, the clubrooms have once again suffered damage.
The repeated flooding of the Yarra Glen sports pavilion highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive solution to address this persistent issue. With the support of local authorities, government officials, and dedicated community members, the sports clubs are optimistic that they can once again enjoy their facilities without the looming threat of flood damage.
