State of play on petition

KIM WATERS
A federal MP is petitioning State
Government for funding to upgrade Ocean Grove’s “appalling” Shell Road sports reserve.
Labor Member for Corangamite Darren Cheeseman said he wanted Victoria to match Federal Government’s promise of $2 million to upgrade the reserve.
He called the existing facilities “absolutely appalling”.
“The facilities are completely antiquated,” Mr Cheeseman said.
“The soccer club has two construction sheds to change in and if there are men’s and women’s games on at the same time it’s a problem.
“Ocean Grove Football Club has outgrown its premises and the netballers are suffering appalling conditions as well.”
Mr Cheeseman said the petition had 600 signatures so far, proving residents were maintaining their 25-year battle for funding.
“Everyone, including the council, is very much united behind this project,” he said.
“Now we need State Government to come to the party. There has been a lot of spin from the Liberal party but no real commitment to this project.”
Mr Cheeseman said he wanted to see the money in next month’s state budget.
The Independent reported last month that the Government was “fast-tracking” a funding request for the upgrade.
Liberal Member for Western Victoria Simon Ramsay said he had asked the Sports Minister to make Ocean Grove a “special project”.
Geelong’s council voted in June to support the $8 million plans to develop facilities at Shell Road Reserve for hosting 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.
Ocean Grove Football Club president Geoff Cunningham has previously described his club’s facilities on The Avenue as “the worst in Geelong and surrounding districts”.
“The standard of the change rooms is pathetic and the quality of the social function room is well below par,” he said.