The City of Greater Geelong has called for bipartisan support to deliver an upgrade of the Devlins Road Reserve in Ocean Grove.
The growing area now has 40 teams from various sporting clubs in the Wallington and Ocean Grove areas, including new girls and women’s teams.
Greater Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj said the increase in female participation has highlighted shortcomings in existing sporting facilities including the one at Devlins Road.
“More and more women and girls are taking up sport and we need fit for purpose and modern facilities that support them,” he said.
“We would welcome bipartisan funding commitments at both state and federal levels to kick off Stage One of Devlins Road Reserve Master Plan.”
Connewarre Ward Councillor Elise Wilkinson said sport was an important part of the lifestyle of Ocean Grove and Wallington residents.
“Community members in my ward are very active, social and experience physical, social and mental health benefits from playing sport,” she said.
“With the shortfall in infrastructure, we’re struggling to meet demand and so we urge both sides of government to commit to this worthy project.”
Stage One of the master plan outlines the construction of soccer pitches, pavilion, lighting and fences in the southern section.
The northern oval would also be seasonally allocated to football, soccer and cricket.
The project is among the priority projects that the Council and City have presented to local MPs and election candidates as part of their advocacy campaign ahead of the federal election.
The national Coalition recently pledged $5 million towards the sporting precinct if elected.
The City is seeking $10 million to deliver the first stage.
