Alison Marchant MP, Libby Coker MP, and Cr Rowan Story AM, RFD have officially opened new upgrades to Portarlington Recreation Reserve.
The upgrades include an improved pavilion, cricket training facility, oval, parking and shed, and are backed by $3.15 million in funding from the Victorian Government and $600,000 from the Australian Government.
They follow the continued growth of the Portarlington Football Netball Club, which fielded 13 football and 17 netball teams in winter last year.
Programs for young people are also strong, with over 80 Auskick and Net Set Go participants, and the club has aspirations to add a senior women's team in 2026.
The new cricket training facility is already being used by the Portarlington Cricket Club, with three senior men's teams, a senior women's team and three junior sides competing this summer.
The Bellarine Agricultural Society also hosts its annual Bellarine Agricultural Show, with the expanded shed providing even more space to celebrate life on the Bellarine. This year's event will be held on 8 March.
The upgrades will also benefit many other users, including the Portarlington Tennis Club, Girl Guides, and the Drysdale Clifton Springs Pickleball Club, through a new shared agreement which will bring over 300 new members to the reserve.
The works were completed by many contractors, including Avor Architecture, Orior Construction, Zinc Cost Management, 2MH Consultancy, BIS Infrastructure, Civelite, Electronic Signs Australia, and Turfcare.
Alison Marchant MP, Member for Bellarine
These new upgrades mark a major step forward for local sport in this growing Bellarine suburb, creating more opportunities to participate, strengthening development pathways, and attracting major events to the region.High quality sport and recreation facilities make it easier for Bellarine locals to get involved, enjoy the many benefits of community sport, and lead healthy, active lifestyles.
Libby Coker MP, Member for Corangamite
Portarlington has a storied sporting history, and these upgrades turn the page on a new chapter that'll mean more opportunity for women to get involved while supporting the amazing programs that currently run at the reserve - that's good for building a stronger and better-connected community.The upgrades represent better sporting and community opportunities for locals and are also a permanent reminder of the tireless work put in by committee members, volunteers, and locals who fought so hard to keep this project moving through tough times.
I'd like to thank all members of the sporting and community clubs for their work in making this a reality and to the Victorian Government for its significant funding contribution.
Councillor Rowan Story AM, RFD, Murradoc Ward Councillor
The range of different groups who benefit from Portarlington Recreation Reserve is extraordinary, from football and cricket to the highly-anticipated Bellarine Agricultural Show.I'm pleased that these upgrades will allow even more groups to benefit, including opportunities to grow women's sport.
The new parking and shared trails are also a highlight to make sure that everyone can come and go from the reserve safely.
