Funding agreement signed for South Barwon Reserve upgrade

THE City of Greater Geelong and the federal Coalition have signed a $237,000 funding agreement to deliver much-needed upgrades to the South Barwon Reserve.

The funding is part of a $430,000 project that will benefit local sporting clubs and residents who use the reserve, including the Marshall Cricket Club.

Victorian Liberal Senator Sarah Henderson said the $237,000 was a 2019 Coalition election commitment and “another example of our commitment to supporting the health and wellbeing of regional communities”.

“This project will deliver a first-class turf training facility, new cricket net improvements and additional storage in what is a major win for the Marshall Cricket Club.  I congratulate club members who have worked hard to secure funding for this project.”

Marshall Cricket Club secretary Nicholas Carter welcomed the important step in the project, which is also being funded by Sports Recreation Victoria.

“The Marshall Cricket Club is grateful to Senator Sarah Henderson and the Morrison Government for the $237,000 in funding towards the $430,000 project to build its new cricket training centre of excellence at South Barwon Reserve.

“This state of the art training complex will set a new benchmark for community cricket facilities.

He said Marshall was one of only two clubs competing in the GCA’s turf competition without turf training facilities.

“With substantial growth in the Armstrong Creek corridor, this investment will allow the club to grow and flourish to accommodate the new families in southern Geelong. Architectural firm Brand have been appointed to develop the project and the club expects to begin construction prior to Christmas.”