Council backs $8m Grove sport grounds plan

Kim Waters
Draft plans for a new sports facility at Ocean Grove have won council backing.
Councillors this week voted to support development of a facility at Shell Road Reserve to host the town’s football, netball and soccer clubs.
The plans included a sport pavilion and netball courts at Shell Road and upgrades of surfaces and entries at Ocean Grove Memorial and Collendina recreation reserves.
Councillors will now seek federal and state funding to help pay for the $8 million project.
The Independent reported last month that MP Darren Cheeseman opposed federal funding for the project without council dropping its opposition to including a 1.83-metre fence around the grounds.
However, last week Mr Cheeseman told the Independent he would now “strongly support” a funding application. A statement from council this week said Mr Cheeseman had given a “positive response” during a briefing session on Monday.
Ocean Grove netball director Vanessa O’Callaghan said the sport clubs were pleased council had endorsed the plan but “tired” of controversy surrounding the drawn-out project.
“This has been in the pipeline for 25 years and everyone is getting sick of hearing that it might go ahead. Unfortunately, it all hinges on the election,” Ms O’Callaghan said.
“We’re looking for definite confirmation of funding and the sooner we can get that the better it will be.”
She described the clubs’ existing facilities as “the worst in the vicinity”.
“The netballers have to get changed in the kitchen because they don’t have a change room and I really don’t think the kitchen would meet health standards.”
Surfside Waves Soccer Club president Mark Rappa said council’s support was encouraging.
“At this stage it’s so far so good but everything is in the hands of the politicians now,” he said.