Kim Waters
Plans for a new Ocean Grove football ground are set for federal funding after Corangamite MP Darren Cheeseman dropped his opposition to the project without fencing.
Mr Cheeseman said he would be “happy” to back the project as an “absolute priority”.
“I look forward to an application being made to the Commonwealth Government for funding and this is an application I will strongly support,” he said.
“We want to fund it. What we want is a first-class project and a first-class design that will fit the club’s needs and will last for the next 20 years.”
“I very much welcome the master plan for the project and also an application to be made under the local government infrastructure program.”
The Independent reported last month the project was in limbo because Mr Cheeseman refused to back the facility for Shell Road Reserve without a 1.83m fence.
Geelong’s council, which opposes fencing, will vote on approving the project next week.
Ocean Grove councilor Jan Farrell hoped council would adopt the development plan for the project.
“After the plan is endorsed…I look forward to Darren Cheesman honouring his commitment to the Ocean Grove community so we can get on with building the infrastructure our sporting clubs so desperately need.”
Ocean Grove Football Club president Geoff Cunningham said the club’s existing facilities at The Avenue were “the worst in Geelong and surrounding districts”.
“Hopefully Mr Cheesman will work with council and support the funding proposal.”
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