Grubbers win election promise

INCUMBENT Corangamite MP Libby Coker has pledged $750,000 worth of upgrades for Ocean Grove sports facilities if her Labor party wins the upcoming Federal election.

Ms Coker announced the funding commitment this week, which would deliver a $300,000 lighting upgrade and $450,000 clubroom revamp.

Ocean Grove Football Netball Club would be the key beneficiary of the upgrade if it goes ahead as winter tenants of the town’s Memorial Recreation Reserve.

Ms Coker said the funding injection was especially aimed at boosting female and junior participation in community sport.

“We have recently seen a seismic shift in sports participation as opportunities and choices open up for women and girls, and this is increasing participation in sport overall, which is a very good thing.

“Watching the happiness and fun girls and women are getting out of playing AFL and cricket has been an absolute joy to me.

“I am so glad to be able to contribute funding to support this historic shift.

“Ocean Grove is a rapidly growing community on the Bellarine Peninsula, and the needs for sporting infrastructure have increased across-the-board for both boys and girls, and a lot of juniors still train and play at Memorial Reserve.

“The lighting and the clubrooms are currently substandard and need to be upgraded to meet current standards.

“This is about strengthening local club infrastructure to increase participation.

“We want more local adults and children keeping fit and engaged in the local community by playing sport.”