Thursday 11 September 2014
VOL 12. No 37
www.bellarinetimes.com.au
Bellarine Times
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THE SODS FLY
Pinnacle Living chief executive Geoffrey Reeve, Geelong councillor Rod Macdonald, mayor Darryn Lyons and future residents Irene Arthur and Alan and Anne Nettley help turn the first sod at the construction site of Bellarine Springs, a new retirement village in Clifton Springs. See page 5. Photo: REBECCA LAUNER
Coalition’s $7 million Drysdale sports precinct plan promise
DOUBLE UP BY REBECCA LAUNER
PREMIER Denis Napthine announced a pledge of $7 million yesterday to build a brand new sports precinct at Drysdale, if re-elected this November. The funding promise doubles Labor’s recent $3.5 million commitment, and guarantees stage 1 of the sports precinct redevelopment, which would include a new pavilion; a new football and cricket oval with lighting; a multi-purpose sports field that would cater for soccer and other sports; cricket nets; car parking and paths.
Dr Napthine said the sports precinct would act as a new community hub for the growing population. “Drysdale and Clifton Springs are growing and will continue to grow, with an expected increase of 7,000 residents by 2031,” Dr Napthine said. “The funding for the Drysdale and Clifton Springs sports precinct will keep this community active until 2031 and beyond.” Dr Napthine said his government’s $7 million investment would provide a place to play, train and socialise for the growing numbers of young footballers, netballers, cricketers and soccer players in the region, along with other sports in the future.
Minister for Sport Damian Drum said Drysdale sporting clubs would now be able to cope with the huge growth they were experiencing. “Currently, Drysdale only has one oval that nearly 500 senior and junior footballers and cricketers share,” Mr Drum said. “It’s at bursting point and will soon be unable to cater for the increased numbers the area is producing. This funding will not only allow for growth through an extra oval, but will update change and social facilities, including female changes rooms, to make it a true community hub.” Liberal candidate for Bellarine Ron Nelson said
he was pleased with the benefits that would flow to the local soccer club. “The multi-purpose sports field will also give the Drysdale Soccer Club a place to play in Drysdale,” Mr Nelson said. “Currently players have to travel out of town for home games, so this is a huge boost for the club and the sport in Drysdale.” The Napthine government’s commitment of $7 million will start the long-term redevelopment of the precinct, which also includes plans for a playground, athletics track, new netball and tennis courts, along with extra soccer and rugby fields.
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