The Drysdale Sporting Precinct Master Plan has been endorsed by council.
The Master Plan details medium and long-term upgrades to the 32.5 hectare site, and has been developed in close consultation with sporting clubs and groups, schools and local residents.
The draft Master Plan was available via our Have Your Say and social media pages for a period of eight weeks in the middle of 2019. Along with the 113 completed Have Your Say submissions, there were an additional 358 social media engagements relating to the Master Plan.
A Project Reference Group was also formed, to give key stakeholders the opportunity to respond to the proposal during the exhibition period. The group was made up of the Drysdale Soccer Club, Drysdale Football Club, Drysdale Netball Club, Bellarine Athletics, Peninsula Little Athletics; Drysdale Cricket Club, Bellarine Peninsula Basketball Association, St Thomas Catholic Primary School, St Ignatius College, Bellarine Secondary College, and the Potato Shed.
Key elements of the master plan include:
- a new premier soccer field with competition-standard lighting
- a new multi-purpose field (fitting two soccer pitches or an Australian football oval), also with lighting
- two netball courts, with capacity to expand to four in the future
- main pavilion with social space, female friendly change facilities
- large community area for passive recreation
- district level playground
- a 2.5 kilometre running circuit around the perimeter
- sealed car parking and improved pedestrian pathways.
The final master plan is an update on the 2011 version. It takes into account changing sport and recreation trends and a reduction in available space due to construction of the Drysdale Bypass.
The state government provided $50,000 for the master plan and has committed a further $5 million for the next stage of works. The federal government has also pledged $3.5 million.
The $6.726 million first stage of the facility, which opened in February 2018, was co-funded by the City of Greater Geelong and the state government.
Councillor Stephanie Asher - Mayor
This is a significant document that will pave the way for a highly used and modern space for the Bellarine community.
The plan has been developed through a very thorough process, with input from community groups and Drysdale and Clifton Springs residents.
With state and federal government funding committed for the next stage of the precinct, we look forward to seeing the plan brought to life.
The plan has also accommodated the potential for a new 50-metre pool at the site, given it has been identified as one of two shortlisted locations in Drysdale for the new aquatic facility.
Councillor Jim Mason - Bellarine Ward
This well founded and well researched master plan will serve the growing population for many years into the future.
The community has been extensively consulted during the plan's development. Drysdale has a strong female sports participation base and I'm proud to say the plan is focused on inclusive and accessible participation.
