Coker lights up Port sporting clubs with $455,000 pledge

LABOR candidate for Corangamite Libby Coker has shined a light on the Portarlington Football Netball Club with a pledge of $455,000 if her government wins this coming federal election.

Speaking at the club’s season launch on Saturday, Ms Coker announced that if elected, a Labor federal government would put forward the funding to install new lights at Portarlington Recreation Reserve.

She said the funding would help upgrade the club’s lighting systems at the number one and number two ovals, and also facilitate construction of energy efficient clubrooms that would improve the fiscal standing of the club.

The existing lighting at the club’s main oval is 20 years old, while the club’s second oval has no lighting.

“Today is a very exciting day for me – the Bellarine in the next coming election will be part of Corangamite, the most marginal seat in this country,” Ms Coker said.

“There are only 30 votes in it, and for me, I know that along the Bellarine there are many sporting organisations that work very hard, contribute to the community in terms of wellbeing and health, and connect each of you to one another.”

Ms Coker said if elected she would also be interested in talking to the club about their second stage of redevelopment.

“The Portarlington Recreational Precinct is about supporting football and netball but it is also about supporting tennis, cricket and the pony club.

“If elected, there is so much more to work towards, including a rebuild of the clubrooms, upgrades for cricket, tennis and netball, and integration of the pony club into the precinct.”