00:02Almost a decade on from the original proposal.
00:06Lots of talk, no action.
00:07The promised hub at Stromlo Forest Park was meant to include multiple sporting fields,
00:12but the government's revised plan has now reduced that number,
00:16with the first stage to only include one synthetic grass sports ground.
00:21Locals say the new plan is a back down.
00:24What we're going to get versus what they originally envisioned is chalk and cheese.
00:29Something is better than nothing, but it's going to fall short of what the community really expects.
00:35There are polarising views on synthetic grass.
00:38It needs to be well maintained.
00:39It needs to be replaced before it starts decomposing.
00:43But the government is defending the project.
00:46We've funded stage one in the 2025-26 budget.
00:50We will be building this project there.
00:53We will be getting on with the work.
00:55According to the government's plans, stage two of the development is set to include two additional natural grass ovals,
01:01as well as LED sports lighting and more parking spaces.
01:05But this next phase relies on funding approval and will only begin after stage one is complete,
01:12a milestone that currently has no clear timeline.
01:16Independent Fiona Carrick says her community is fed up with the delays.
01:20It is seriously frustrating because it is really important to have social infrastructure for a growing community.
01:27The longer they take, the higher the cost.
01:29I'd love it to start tomorrow.
01:30That's what I expect.
01:32An expectation that is growing, even if the grass is not.
01:36or not.
01:42So it's just a moment.
01:42It's just a moment here.
01:43I'm looking for an emphasis on the nature of the plants.
01:43I'm looking for a sort of a child.
01:44You've got a point here.
