Sport, recreation, and leisure is a key focus area for the council.
The physical, mental and social benefits of being involved in organised sports or recreational activities are well known.
It has been great to see a raft of new Council-delivered projects open to clubs and their members in recent weeks.
The projects all focus on supporting an increase active living; improving residents’ mental well being; and helping people become better connected to each other and their local communities.
They are also aimed at increasing participation, and allowing our community and volunteer-run groups to prosper and grow.
At Shell Reserve in Corio, multi-stage upgrades have focused on delivering fit-for-purpose facilities that will promote growth across a range of sports.
The gender-neutral and accessible facilities will allow Corio Community Sports Club to run all-abilities programs and support more girls and women to play football, netball, and cricket.
The existing changerooms were demolished to make way for new facilities, which were officially opened at the Purnell Road precinct earlier this month.
Council proudly contributed $3.081 million to the project, with the Victorian government $500,000 through a Local Infrastructure Fund – Female Friendly Facilities stream.
The construction of the modern, fit-for-purpose changerooms follows the installation of two new netball courts and new cricket nets last year.
Further north, Council also recently officially opened a key element of the Lara Recreation Reserve Master Plan upgrade.
A new, accessible, multi-sport and gender-neutral pavilion, adjoining two new netball and two redeveloped tennis courts, is the centrepiece of the project.
In addition, LED sports lighting was installed to all netball and tennis courts, and new pedestrian areas were created.
The developments is thanks to a $2.35 million investment from Council, with the Victorian government providing a further $400,000.
The existing Lara Tennis Club building will continue to be of use, with plans for it be refurbished and used as storage space.
LED sports lighting is also benefiting Geelong Amateur footballers, with both ovals at their Queens Park base both receiving the new infrastructure.
Having been at the forefront of growing women’s football in the region, Geelong Amateur now has the ability to host night matches and have more of its men, women, and juniors train into the evening.
Council invested $600,000 into the initiative, with the club contributing $30,000.
There is a lot more to look forward to, with projects to support bowls, tennis, basketball, cricket, and skaters set to be completed in the coming months.
Further investment will be confirmed once council endorses its budget next week.
The proposed budget, which has been out for public feedback, contains a total of $195.9 million for capital works projects.
This would see ageing infrastructure upgraded and new facilities such as the Northern Aquatic and Community Hub and North Bellarine Aquatic Centre built.
And it would also deliver more than $31 million worth of investments in our parks, playgrounds, sports facilities, and open space areas.
This will ensure residents have access to the places and spaces where they live, and are not held back from pursuing their sport or hobby.
