A new plan for the future of the Portarlington Recreation Reserve proposes a wide range of upgrades, including a major redevelopment of the site’s main sporting pavilion.
During its meeting this week, the City of Greater Geelong agreed to release the draft Portarlington Recreation Reserve Master Plan for community feedback for six weeks, starting Friday 30 July.
Alongside the proposed major football/cricket pavilion upgrade, the draft plan details a range of medium and long-term improvements to the reserve, including:
Redevelopment of the cricket nets in a fully enclosed multi-use space
Redeveloped play facilities and bike area, encouraging more diverse participation
Tennis and netball pavilion upgrades
Improved trail network through active and passive areas
Redeveloped wetland system
Duplication of the Agricultural Society shed
New trees and planting to increase shade and shelter
Potential community garden
The draft plan has been developed in close consultation with current tenants of the reserve, community and sporting organisations and local residents.
The recommendations are aimed at maximising community use for both organised sport and informal activities.
Deputy Mayor Trent Sullivan said Council has budgeted $1.157 million over the next two years to deliver improvements at the reserve once the master plan is finalised.
“We want the reserve to be a place that everyone in the Portarlington community can enjoy for the long term,” Cr Sullivan said.
“It’s a beautiful venue but many of the existing facilities are in need of upgrade, while there are opportunities to make use of the space to expand the reserve’s use further.
“We think the list of proposed works in this plan are exciting, but if there are gaps, please let us know via the feedback process.”
The master plan has been developed with the help of a $50,000 funding contribution from the Victorian government.
The Hon. Gayle Tierney, Duty MP, on behalf of Lisa Neville, Member for Bellarine, said the master plan was an important project for the Portarlington community.
“The state government is funding upgrades like Portarlington across Victoria because it is committed to providing first class facilities to grass root sporting clubs,” Ms Tierney said.
“I acknowledge the work of Lisa Neville who has strongly supported this project, as she has done with upgrades at Drysdale, Queenscliff, Ocean Grove and Leopold.
“The Portarlington clubs have always been an integral part of community life and this upgrade will ensure they are for many years to come.”
To have your say on the draft master plan, Visit yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au to have your say on the draft master plan.
