Labor announced this week it would match the Liberal Party’s $5 million commitment to a major sports infrastructure project in Ocean Grove.
Member for Corangamite Libby Coker was joined by the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King on Tuesday to announce the funding commitment for the Devlins Road Reserve.
The priority project of the broader Ocean Grove Sporting Infrastructure Plan, the Devlins Road redevelopment would see Ocean Grove Soccer Club relocated to a purpose-built soccer complex at the site.
The club’s current home at Shell Road Reserve would then be converted into a second football and cricket oval, with expanded cricket nets and an extra undercover netball court as well.
The infrastructure plan also includes further improvements and upgrades at Collendina, Memorial, Arthur Powell and Wallington Recreation reserves.
Ms Coker said Ocean Grove was a “passionate sporting community” and Labor recognised the important role local clubs played in “bringing people together and building stronger, more-connected communities”.
“That’s why I’m so proud that Devlins Road Reserve will become Ocean Grove’s new home of soccer under a re-elected Albanese Labor government,” Ms Coker said.
“For the hundreds of local players and their families, this means access to the quality facilities they deserve, and it will help take pressure off Shell Road Reserve, supporting the continued growth of sport in our region.”
Ms King said soccer was a fast growing and inclusive sport that was going from strength to strength in Ocean Grove.
“This $5 million investment at Devlins Reserve will accommodate the current growth and support generations of soccer players to come,” she said.
Earlier this month the City of Greater Geelong, which will administer the sports infrastructure plan, called out for bipartisan support for the project after opposition leader Peter Dutton said a Liberal government would provide $5 million for Devlins Road if elected.
Greater Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj urged both major parties at both federal and state level to commit to supporting the project, which he said was important for the growing Bellarine community.
“More and more women and girls are taking up sport and we need fit for purpose and modern facilities that support them,” Mayor Kontelj said.
