The importance of long-term planning

THERE’S a lot of construction happening on the Bellarine right now, with several major community and sporting projects starting to really take shape.

One of the biggest developments currently under way is Stage 2 of the North Bellarine Aquatic Centre in Drysdale.

When finished, the indoor facility centre will include an eight-lane 25m indoor pool, warm water pool, gym, group fitness rooms, accessible change facilities, café and improved parking and landscaping.

Construction is progressing well, with earthworks, services infrastructure and major structural works now underway.

The Australian and Victorian governments have each committed $20 million to the project, with the City contributing up to $3 million.

Another major project under way is Stage 2 of the Drysdale Sports Precinct.

This $14.5 million project will deliver a new sports pavilion, soccer pitch with sports lighting, landscaping and supporting infrastructure, helping meet the needs of the area’s rapidly growing sporting community.

Construction is now well advanced and sitting at around 70 per cent complete, with the project expected to be finished in December this year.

Council contributed $6 million to the project with co–funding of $5 million from the Victorian government, as well as $3.5 million from the Australian government for design, planning and earthworks.

Meanwhile, over at Wallington Reserve, a $4.25 million redevelopment is transforming the existing pavilion into a modern, all abilities facility.

The project will deliver accessible change rooms and toilets, improved amenities including a kitchen/canteen and better social spaces for the cricket and baseball clubs who call the reserve home.

Works are now well advanced and the new pavilion is expected to be completed mid-year.

This project is funded by $3.25 million from the City and up to $1 million from the Victorian Government’s Regional Community Sports Infrastructure Fund – All Abilities Infrastructure (Round 1) grant.

Projects like this do not always make big headlines, but they make a real difference to the people who use these facilities every week.

One project I am particularly pleased to see nearing completion is the Ocean Grove District Ride Centre at Kingston Park, which will deliver a unique regional riding facility for all ages and skill levels.

The community strongly advocated for this $3.5 million project and I was proud to help secure some of the original funding for the project.

Final track works are now under way using recycled materials including concrete repurposed from the former Alcoa industrial site at Point Henry.

While there have been some delays caused by some riders on e-bikes gaining access to the space to test out the tracks before they had cured, the track is still on track to open mid-2026.

At Leopold Memorial Reserve, we have already seen the completion of major upgrades funded through a $3.25 million Australian government investment.

Original work included a new gender-neutral change room at oval two, improved court surfacing as well as new lighting and fencing.

There are now additional improvements underway including a new carpark and scoreboard, CCTV and new player shelters, cricket practice facility upgrade which are anticipated to be complete by early May.

What all of these projects show is the importance of long term planning and strong partnerships between all three levels of government.

Cr Trent Sullivan

Leopold Ward,

City of Greater Geelong