Shire puts in for $3.3 million grant for Stribling Reserve

THE Surf Coast Shire is seeking a $3.3 million grant from the federal government to expedite much-needed improvement works at Lorne’s Stribling Reserve.

Building a new netball pavilion and upgrading of the reserve’s main pavilion are key elements in the Stribling Reserve Master Plan, forecast to bring significant social and economic community benefits.

The works would also include a new secondlevel entry to the main pavilion, provision of community spaces and commercial kitchen, unisex amenities that meet accessibility standards, and new public toilets.

The estimated total cost of stage one and stage two work is $6.6 million – the shire would contribute $2.8 million, with the community setting a fundraising target of $500,000.

Councillors resolved at their October meeting to submit the application for the Building Better Regions Fund as part of a third round of allocations.

Lorne ward councillor Clive Goldsworthy said the Stribling Reserve upgrade was a council advocacy priority.

“Football and netball amenities at the reserve were assessed as Surf Coast’s highest priority for renewal within the 2015 G21 and AFL Barwon Regional Strategy.

“This redevelopment has great community need at heart, with the reserve also frequently used by other groups including students from neighbouring Lorne P-12 College. It also serves as a key staging area for emergency services, and as a base for the Falls Festival.

“Council and community are willing to provide significant funding to see stages one and two under way. We hope the Federal Government will respond with a Building Better Regions allocation.”

The council expects Building Better Regions Fund round three allocations to be announced mid-2019.