Liberals promise millions for local sports clubs

THE LIBERAL Party has committed $4.35 million worth of sporting facility upgrades across southern Geelong if elected in November.

Burdoo Recreation Reserve McDonald Reserve, and Queens Park would all receive funding boosts under the investment plan released by South Barwon candidate Andrew Katos and shadow sport minister Cindy McLeish this week.

Grovedale’s Burdoo Recreation Reserve – home to more than 1000 players from Grovedale football, netball, cricket and tennis clubs – would get $1.8 million under the funding announcement.

The cash would deliver an existing masterplan from the City of Greater Geelong, which includes new netball courts and upgrades to facilities including change rooms, shelters and lighting, an outdoor forecourt and undercover viewing area, redeveloped turf and synthetic cricket training pitches, a new scoreboard and resurfacing of tennis courts.

Mr Katos said the upgrades would make the reserve a “jewel in the crown” for Grovedale sporting facilities, and support clubs accommodate growth in surrounding regions.

Meanwhile, South Barwon Football Netball Club’s home at McDonald Reserve, in Belmont, would also receive $1.8 million under the plan to boost its capacity for female sport.

The upgrade would include an extended pavilion to accommodate new female change rooms, plus storage, coaches boxes and a meeting room.

New lights would also enable night games year-round.

“South Barwon FNC has a strong community focus and these important upgrades will allow players to achieve their best and strengthen ties with the broader community,” Mr Katos said.

“Not only do we have hundreds of players using these grounds but it’s great to see an increasing number of women and girls wanting to participate in sport, and this announcement will help support this continued growth.”

Highton’s Queens Park, home of Geelong Amateur Football Netball Club, would also get female-friendly change rooms from a $750,000 commitment.

Ms McLeish said the three upgrade commitments would help deliver better surburban infrastructure for the local sports clubs.

“Local sporting clubs are a vital part of the community and the Liberals and Nationals are proud to support grassroots sport with this commitment.”