Multi-sport expansion locked in for Sovereign Drive

THE City of Greater Geelong has adopted a new masterplan outlining major upgrades for the Sovereign Drive Recreation Reserve in Mount Duneed.

A new multi-sports field and pavilion will be developed alongside the reserve’s existing oval, with the additional field to accommodate an Australian Rules football and cricket oval, as well as two soccer pitches.

An area has also been earmarked for an off-leash dog park.

The pavilion will be a key feature of the project, supported by plans to widen the access road and expand car parking to cater for increased use.

Other upgrades detailed in the master plan include:

• Relocating and upgrading the existing netball courts with Netball Victoria-compliant surfaces, lighting and benches

• Expanding the Men’s Shed located at the reserve

• Extending the shared pathways to improve connectivity

• Increasing the number of cricket nets from two to four and fully enclosing them, and

• Replacing existing sports lighting with energy-efficient LED systems.

Mayor Stretch Kontelj said the upgrades would support one of Geelong’s fastest growing suburbs.

“These upgrades will ensure even more local residents can enjoy the health and wellbeing benefits that sport provides,” he said.

“This masterplan will transform Sovereign Drive Recreation Reserve into a true local sporting hub, offering the growing Mount Duneed community a variety of ways to stay fit, healthy and socially connected.”

Deakin Ward councillor Andrew Katos said the upgrades would encourage the growth of new local clubs and drive greater usage of the reserve.

“The existing oval is a popular spot for local dog owners to play off-leash with their four-legged friends – subject to sporting requirements,” he said.

“A fenced dog park would be a welcome addition, with the growing usage of the reserve for sport limiting the time available for owners to let their dog loose on the oval.”

The city has about $8.6 million in funding in developer contributions to deliver the upgrades. Detailed design work will begin next year, with construction expected to start in mid-2027.

The project may be delivered in stages depending on available funding, and the council may seek additional support from state or federal grants, future budgets or a combination of funding sources to complete the full master plan.