Labor pledges $3 million for Stage 2 of Drysdale Sports Precinct

DRYSDALE clubs have welcomed a $3 million pledge towards Stage 2 of their sporting precinct, including $200,000 for a feasibility study to explore the potential construction of a pool.

Labor Candidate for Corangamite Libby Coker visited the Drysdale Sports Precinct on Sunday to announce that a Shorten Labor Government would contribute the money, if elected next month.

Member for Bellarine Lisa Neville joined Ms Coker to make the announcement, which builds on $5 million already committed by the Labor Government towards Stage 2 in November.

The Andrews Government also delivered $3.5 million towards Stage 1, which was completed in early 2018.

The precinct is home to the Drysdale Hawks Football Club, the Drysdale Cricket Club and the Drysdale Soccer Club, and facilities include an oval, multipurpose field, cricket practice pitches, a relocatable pavilion and lighting.

Ms Coker said Stage 2 of the project would see the creation of three rectangular playing fields, a new multi-use pavilion, play spaces, cricket nets, car parking and pathways.

Ross Deeath, from Drysdale Football Club, said the precise use of the funds would likely not be known until the City of Greater Council completed its review of the Masterplan of the precinct, which is due by June 30.

“This involves consultation with local clubs, schools and the community to determine the needs of the area, updating the original plan, which is now eight years old,” Mr Deeath said. “With the continued population growth and associated growth in junior sporting teams, particularly in female participation, current facilities in Drysdale are still lagging.”

Mr Deeath said while $8 million was significant, a substantial contribution from the Council would also be required to fund the estimated $14 million required for further fields and pavilions in Stage 2.

“Local clubs have been working with councillors for the project to be considered in the 2019/20 capital works budget,” he said.

Ms Coker said state and federal Labor were working in partnership to deliver community infrastructure to support health and wellbeing.