Council has voted to adopt the final Ocean Grove Sporting Infrastructure Plan at its May meeting.
The Ocean Grove population is expected to grow by nearly 15 per cent by 2035 and is projected to surpass 24,000 people. The sporting infrastructure across Ocean Grove needs to consider this surge in growth, with the plan making recommendations to improve utilisation and support the projected participation growth.
The current version of the plan was created following the previous version from 2010, and considers three pillars to guide local sporting infrastructure into the future, including facility provision to meet community need, efficient operations and sustainability, and access and inclusion.
It was shaped by extensive consultation with local clubs and user groups, along with analysis of the existing facilities and usage trends.
Determining future approaches to funding and advocacy, the key directions outlined by the plan are relocating the Ocean Grove Soccer Club to a purpose-built facility at Devlins Road Reserve, the conversion of Shell Road Reserve with a second oval and further infrastructure upgrades across all six local reserves.
Improvements to the existing facilities across Ocean Grove are required to maximise the utilisation however, additional sporting infrastructure is required to meet the increased demand and improve the capacity of all reserves across Ocean Grove.
Greater Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM:
Providing facilities that support grassroots sport is one of the most important roles of local government.It's so encouraging to see growth in local sport, as we know it plays such an important role in the fabric of local communities.
Connewarre Ward Councillor Elise Wilkinson:
Ocean Grove is growing, and that's why we're planning for growth through the Ocean Grove Sporting Infrastructure Plan.This document is a blueprint for the infrastructure that will support local sport in Ocean Grove for generations to come.
View the Ocean Grove Sporting Infrastructure Plan
