From pools to piers: How Bellarine election promises are tracking

WITH Victoria’s next state election less than a year away, attention is shifting to what has — and has not — been delivered since the last poll.

In the Bellarine electorate, state government commitments spanning community facilities, education, sport, transport and coastal infrastructure total tens of millions of dollars.

Several projects are now complete, others are under way, while some remain in planning stages, ahead of the election, scheduled for November 28.

Here is how key Bellarine commitments are tracking.

Community and sporting infrastructure

Planning is continuing on a $2.4 million upgrade and extension of the Barwon Heads Football Netball Club pavilion, which is set to deliver improved social and spectator areas and new facilities to support the club’s expanding women’s football and netball programs.

The $3.15 million redevelopment of the Portarlington Recreation Reserve pavilion has been completed, with the Portarlington Football Netball Club moving into the upgraded facilities earlier this year following a long-awaited renewal of the ageing building.

Works are under way at Ocean Grove’s Collendina Reserve, where $1 million has been allocated to improve pedestrian and vehicle access, with a focus on safety and accessibility for players and spectators.

Education and early learning

The $2.1 million redevelopment of Wallington Primary School has been completed, with classroom upgrades finalised earlier this month after funding was allocated in the 2023–24 state budget.

Work is progressing toward a government-owned and operated early learning and childcare centre on the Bellarine, funded through the state’s $584 million childcare expansion program. While the centre is expected to be delivered between 2028 and 2032, its location remains unconfirmed, with St Leonards residents continuing to push for the facility to be located in the township, which currently has no childcare services.

Aquatic and coastal projects

Construction is underway on the North Bellarine Aquatic Centre, supported by a $20 million state contribution. The $40.3 million, jointly funded project will include a 25-metre indoor pool, warm water pool, gym, group fitness rooms, accessible change rooms and a café, with completion expected in 2027.

Meanwhile, the final designs for the $20.5 million rebuild of St Leonards Pier, were unveiled in October. Construction timelines are yet to be confirmed.

Energy and community facilities

Queenscliff has secured funding under the state’s Neighbourhood Battery Initiative, drawn from a $42 million statewide pool. Two locations have been identified – at Queenscliff Recreation Reserve and the Point Lonsdale Primary School Hall grounds – with two additional sites still under consideration.

Upgrades to the St Leonards Progress Association hall, backed by $100,000 in state funding, were completed last October. The nearly 100-year-old building received a new main floor, structural repairs and improvements to the entrance and rear courtyard, expanding the range of activities the hall can safely accommodate.

Funding for the $50,000 SpringDale Neighbourhood Centre support grant has been delivered and the commitment now considered complete.

Major road projects

Stage 2 of the Barwon Heads Road upgrade, supported by $125 million in state funding, is underway and includes additional lanes along the 3.5-kilometre stretch between Reserve Road in Charlemont and Lake Road in Armstrong Creek. Works on the project began last month and completion is estimated in 2028.