Council is calling for bipartisan funding commitments at state and federal levels to deliver the much-needed Devlins Road Reserve Master Plan in Ocean Grove.

The growing Ocean Grove and Wallington areas now have 40 additional teams fielded by sporting clubs since 2010, including 10 new girls and women’s teams. The increase in female participation has highlighted shortcomings in existing sporting facilities, particularly in relation to change rooms and other important facilities.

Off Gambier Street, the new and partly constructed Devlins Road Reserve features a senior football oval and synthetic cricket pitch on the northern end, which are allocated by the City to sporting clubs on a seasonal or casual basis.

Stage One of the master plan outlines the construction of soccer pitches, pavilion, lighting and fences in the southern section. The northern oval would also be seasonally allocated to football, soccer and cricket.

The project is among the priority projects that the Council and City have presented to local MPs and election candidates as part of our advocacy campaign ahead of the federal election.

The national Coalition recently pledged $5 million towards the sporting precinct if elected. The City is seeking $10 million to deliver the first stage.

Greater Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM

The Devlins Road Reserve Master Plan is an important project for this growing community on the Bellarine.

More and more women and girls are taking up sport and we need fit for purpose and modern facilities that support them.

We would welcome bipartisan funding commitments at both state and federal levels to kick off Stage One of Devlins Road Reserve Master Plan.

Connewarre Ward Councillor Elise Wilkinson

Sport is an important part of the lifestyle of Ocean Grove and Wallington residents.

Community members in my ward are very active, social and experience physical, social and mental health benefits from playing sport.

With the shortfall in infrastructure, we’re struggling to meet demand and so we urge both sides of government to commit to this worthy project.