Funding support sought to boost sports participation

THE City of Greater Geelong is seeking bipartisan support and $10 million in funding to deliver the first stage of its masterplan for Ocean Grove’s Devlins Road Reserve.

The project, a priority for the council, would feature the construction of new soccer pitches with lighting, fencing and a pavilion at the site, which is located off Gambier Street.

The call follows a federal election commitment from the Liberal Party’s Darcy Dunstan last month, which would see $5 million invested into the reserve to help fund the upgrades planned for the site, which is struggling to keep up with growing demand from women and girls eager to participate in local sport.

“More and more women and girls are taking up sport and we need fit-for-purpose and modern facilities that support them,” Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj said.

“We would welcome bipartisan funding commitments, at both state and federal levels, to kick off stage one of Devlins Road Reserve masterplan.”

A spokesperson for incumbent Corangamite MP Libby Coker said Libby understands grassroots sport is at the heart of so many communities, including Ocean Grove.

“As with all local projects, this proposal will be considered.”

Voices for Corangamite candidate Kate Lockhart said advocating for equity for women and girls in sport forms an important part of her candidature, stating “community sport shouldn’t be a political football”.

“I’m not the only one that remembers a time when girls playing footy were told to hang up their boots at age 12 because there was no more opportunity for them to be involved.

“All parties need to get behind this local proposal with their bipartisan support to fully fund the proposed facility.”

She promised to push for “sensible planning” that encourages the development of sporting infrastructure alongside footpaths and public transport.

But Libertarian Party candidate Paul Barker equated the city’s calls for more funding to “pork-barrelling”.

“I understand why people want better facilities; it’s a common goal for most communities,” he said.

“Our nation’s debt is spiralling out of control and promises like this add more weight to the intergenerational debt created by both Labor and Liberal.

“Continuing to spend like we have a limitless credit card is irresponsible and unfair to our children who will have to pay back the debt.”

Greens candidate Mitch Pope was also contacted for comment, but had not responded as this masthead went to print.