THE construction of new facilities at the St Leonards foreshore have been completed.<\/p>\n
Funded by a $430,000 grant from the federal government, the upgrades include an open plan pavilion with a barbecue, beach showers, change rooms and CCTV cameras.<\/p>\n
Accessible paths, a shade shelter and five new picnic tables have also been constructed.<\/p>\n
The new facilities were officially opened to the public on Monday (February 19) by Corangamite Labor federal member Libby Coker and City of Greater Geelong mayor Trent Sullivan.<\/p>\n
The occasion was commemorated with a community barbecue.<\/p>\n
Ms Coker said the upgraded facilities, while a long time coming, had been worth the wait.<\/p>\n
“The new facilities will ensure the foreshore park becomes a vibrant hub for community gatherings, leisure and relaxation.<\/p>\n
“St Leonards is a growing community. We all know that there’s more people moving down here. It is a hidden jewel in the crown.<\/p>\n
“I hope everyone embraces this space and makes good use of it.”<\/p>\n
She acknowledged the role advocacy from both the St Leonards Progress Association and Liberal Senator Sarah Henderson had played in helping to realise the redevelopment.<\/p>\n
“I think any community project generally only occurs because communities step up and say this is much needed,” Ms Coker said.<\/p>\n
“What I love is when projects are bipartisan.<\/p>\n
“Sometimes there’s too much adversity in politics. What we need to see is more people coming together and working towards community goals.<\/p>\n
“This is an example of that.”<\/p>\n
As part of the redevelopment, the foreshore’s new furniture has been made from recycled, marine-grade aluminium able to withstand St Leonards’ coastal environment.<\/p>\n
Bellarine Ward councillor Elise Wilkinson celebrated these features of the project.<\/p>\n
“The upgrade has transformed the St Leonards foreshore into a more accessible and vibrant community space, creating a destination that not only celebrates our coastal environment but also ensures everyone can enjoy the beauty of St Leonards,” she said.<\/p>\n
“The use of recycled aluminium for the new street furniture is a commendable step towards sustainability.<\/p>\n
“This not only enhances the durability of the facilities, but also reflects a conscientious approach to environmental consideration.”<\/p>\n
Plans for the foreshore’s redevelopment initially included the construction of a public toilet and connecting sewerage, however it was scrapped due to cost escalations.<\/p>\n
Ms Coker agreed that that public toilets were “much needed”.<\/p>\n
“I know that the community is still pushing hard for those,” she said.<\/p>\n
“I am encouraging the council to continue to work with the community and I will be doing my best to ensure that we provide to the [St Leonards Progress] Association opportunities where you can get funding from council and federal and state governments.”<\/p>\n
A space has been left for the proposed public toilet should the City receive additional funding to deliver it in the future.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
THE construction of new facilities at the St Leonards foreshore have been completed. Funded by a $430,000 grant from the federal government, the upgrades include an open plan pavilion with a barbecue, beach showers, change rooms and CCTV cameras. Accessible paths, a shade shelter and five new picnic tables have also been constructed. The new […]<\/p>\n