Liberals pledge $5m to upgrade Devlins Road Recreation Reserve

THE first stage of the upgrade of Ocean Grove’s Devlins Road Recreation Reserve upgrade would get $5 million if the Coalition wins the coming federal election.

This would include new soccer pitches with lighting and fencing, a pavilion, and the relocation of the Surfside Waves Soccer Club, creating a permanent home for junior soccer and other sporting activities at the reserve, also known as Oakdene Oval.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton and Corangamite Liberal candidate Darcy Dunstan announced the election commitment on Monday this week.

Mr Dutton said the project would respond to the community’s call for better sports facilities and support the region’s growing needs.

“The increase in participation in local sport – particularly the increase in female participation in sport – has highlighted the need to improve local sporting infrastructure, particularly in relation to change rooms and associated amenities.

“The Ocean Grove and Wallington communities have almost doubled in size since 2010.

“If elected, we will partner with the City of Greater Geelong to upgrade the Devlins Road Reserve into a precinct with sporting fields, a pavilion, pedestrian paths, and landscape improvements to cater for this growing community.

“We need to ensure that local population growth is backed up with the necessary local infrastructure – and that’s what this investment is all about. It’s all part of our plan to keep our communities strong and get our country back on track.”

Mr Dunstan said the Liberals were committed to supporting local, grassroots sporting clubs and teams.

“Since 2010, we have seen an explosion in growth for our local sports teams. We have more than 40 new sports teams in the Ocean Grove and Wallington area, including 10 new girls’ and women’s teams.” Mr Dunstan said.

Ocean Grove Soccer Club president Harry Hanley welcomed the announcement.

“This is a great announcement and a big opportunity for the club. We’re grateful to Darcy as it brings us one step closer to having a permanent home for soccer,” he said.

“In particular, it will help us achieve our goal of having 50/50 girls and boys, and men and women, participating at the club.”