There has been much talk across the municipality about the City of Greater Geelong 2022-23 proposed budget since council unveiled its plans at last month’s meeting.
It is exciting we have proposed a break-even budget as a council group, and it is encouraging that we have so many wonderful projects on the horizon.
Locally, the funding that would be provided for the upgrades at Collendina Reserve is something I am very pleased about.
There is $550,000 in the proposed budget for two separate projects that have the potential to transform the entire precinct.
That money would go towards installing a covered spectator viewing area – perfect for parents watching their children in action on the ground and for supporters and fellow sports enthusiasts alike.
In addition, there would be a major upgrade to the existing facilities, including to the pavilion, that would entail the construction of gender neutral change rooms.
This is an area that we as a council have identified as being vital to the growth of women’s and junior sport in the region.
Across Geelong and the Bellarine, sporting clubs are adapting to the requirements of the modern world and are making sport accessible to everyone, and we feel very strongly that it is our role to play a big part in this.
Collendina Reserve is used by the Ocean Grove Cobras Junior Football Club and the Collendina Cricket Club, which have girls and women’s teams as part of their organisations, and providing a safe and welcoming environment for female athletes is important if we are to encourage further participation.
Elsewhere in the town there was also $750,000 assigned in our proposed budget to the Ocean Grove Lookout Reserve.
This money would go towards kerbing and channelling and sealing the visitor carpark, prioritising the safety of all who use this space.
Feedback on the proposed budget is open until May 24 on the City of Greater Geelong’s Your Say page: yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au/CAFP.
