Pitch-perfect upgrades near completion in Moolap

THE $850,000 upgrade of the cricket practice facilities at Moolap’s Grinter Reserve are almost finished.

The upgrades replace the site’s existing facilities and will include brand-new turf and synthetic practice nets for the Newcomb and District Cricket Club, which calls the reserve home.

All three levels of government have contributed funding towards the redevelopment, with the City of Greater Geelong giving $273,560 to the project, the federal government $476,440 and the state government $100,000.

Geelong mayor Trent Sullivan said the Newcomb and District Cricket Club’s turf and hard wicket nets had previously been located at in different areas of the reserve, which has forced players to train in separate groups.

“We are rapt for Newcomb and District Cricket Club’s players, who’ll now be able to train together in a brand-new, high-quality facility,” mayor Sullivan said.

“Thank you to both the federal and state governments for their vital contributions to what is a very much needed redevelopment.”

Geelong MP Christine Couzens said she was proud to support the upgraded cricket nets at Grinter Reserve.

“It is exciting for community sporting clubs to have upgrades to their facilities,” she said.

“I congratulate the Newcomb and District Cricket Club on their work to provide first-class facilities for their members and locals to enjoy.”

Federal Corangamite MP Libby Coker said major community infrastructure was required to meet the needs of the region’s rapidly growing population and to “create liveable and connected communities”.

“The Newcomb and District Cricket Club run fantastic programs, and with the continued emergence of women’s cricket across our region, these upgrades will promote many new opportunities and encourage more players to join the Dinos, which is so exciting.”

Works at Grinter Reserve are expected to be completed next month ahead of the start of cricket season in October.