Tigers eye VFL in upgrade bid

Erin Pearson
TORQUAY Football Club is seeking council support for an $800,000 clubroom upgrade, according to president Ross Henderson.
He revealed the club had also been in talks with VFL teams Geelong, Gold Coast and Werribee about hosting matches if a separate lighting upgrade bid was successful.
Mr Henderson said the project was now in the hands of Surf Coast Shire after the recent completion of concept plans.
Council had already set aside funding but the project would need much more money from higher levels of government, Mr Henderson said.
Club officials would meet council next week to discuss the plans before seeking additional funding from State Government.
Mr Henderson said the proposed upgrade included a large balcony to the front of the clubrooms, refurbishing player’s quarters, installing disabled toilets, moving the umpire rooms, separate facilities for female umpires and adding a smaller function room to the upstairs area.
“As much as we have tried to upkeep the place it’s really in need of an upgrade – it’s been 30 years since any major work had been done,” Henderson said.
“The region is growing and already the football club has close to 1000 members, not including the cricket club which has about 250.
“If all falls into place, the council will prepare a report to give to the State Government in September.”
The timing of the report could pave the way for a pre-election funding commitment on the upgrade.
Mr Henderson estimated the project would cost between $700,000 and $800,000.
“The council has budgeted $250,000 for the 2011/2012 financial year but if [the project] falls into place before then they have indicated they would be happy to bring it forward,” he said.
“We must bring the rooms up to the standards of the Victorian Country Football League.”
Mr Henderson said the club would also investigate a lighting upgrade.
“We’re looking to attract bigger games and have spoken with the Geelong, Werribee and Gold Coast VFL sides but our grounds still need to meet certain standards,” he said.
“But we can’t do anything about it until the council and Powercor agree to upgrade the power.
“We want to make changes that will be effective in 10, 15, 20 years time.”
South Barwon MP Michael Crutchfield and Victorian Sports Minister James Merlino met club officials and toured the facilities in June.
The proposed plans follow recent upgrades to the club’s car park, fencing and players’ quarters.