GREEN FIELDS: Portarlington Recreation Reserve gets $4m election promise

LIBERAL Bellarine candidate Donnie Grigau has promised $4 million to go towards a redevelopment of Portarlington Recreation Reserve in a major boost for the centre’s range of user groups.

An upgraded main pavilion, spectator amenities and vehicle access improvements are among the priority projects that would receive a cash boost if the Opposition wins government at next month’s election.

User groups including Portarlington Demons Football Netball Club, Portarlington Cricket Club, Portarlington Tennis Club, Portarlington CFA and the Bellarine Agricultural Society have welcomed the cash pledge to kickstart overdue upgrades at the reserve.

A refurbishment of the main pavilion would modernise its kitchen, bar accessible toilets, change rooms, player and umpire facilities, and first-aid, and including an extension of a spectator area for the main oval.

An upgraded and expanded carpark, improved main entry for emergency vehicle access and new ticket booth would also be delivered.

Mr Grigau said ageing facilities, including non-standard sporting areas and poor car parking, needed improvement to enhance the space and create a safer environment.

“The local community has come out in force advocating for this project for a long time, and it’s great to be here to announce that these much-needed upgrades are one step closer,” he said.

“This announcement will support a growing Bellarine and will see an increase in sport participation right across the Portarlington community.”

Shadow Sports Minister Cindy McLeish said the commitment was a win for local grassroots clubs.

“Local sporting clubs play a vital role right across Victoria and the Liberals and Nationals are proud to support grassroots sport with commitments like this.”

The funding injection follows the City of Greater Geelong’s adoption of a masterplan for the reserve earlier this year.

The planning document, finalised in April, outlined $10.6 million worth of upgrades across 35 projects identified by the city to improve facilities at the important community asset.

It identified the main pavilion upgrade (estimated $1.52 million) as the most expensive project, with a formalised, 100-space carpark for the main entrance ($429,000) was also a high priority.

Other urgent upgrades flagged included improved pedestrian improvements throughout the reserve, an extended netball pavillion and enclosed cricket nets.