Currently, the City of Glen Eira has the lowest amount of open space per person in all of metropolitan Melbourne. This has left residents without access to recreational green space, forced sporting clubs to relocate elsewhere and put excess pressure on existing facilities.
With 54 hectares of space in the heart of Caulfield, the Caulfield Racecourse provides a clear and unique opportunity to deliver locals across Glen Eira the facilities they deserve.
In 2016, local Member for Caulfield, David Southwick, called for a new trust to oversee the Racecourse and worked on a bipartisan review to make that happen. Years later, an Act of Parliament was passed, the Caulfield Racecourse Reserve Trust was formed, and a Land Management Plan was created - all to ensure this space was better utilised for the local community.
That's why a Matt Guy Liberals and Nationals Government will invest $30 million dollars to activate Stage 1 of the Land Management Plan and build facilities to meet the needs of Caulfield and surrounds.
These include:
- A brand-new indoor sports and gymnasium complex.
- Outdoor sporting fields for local clubs.
- A walking, running and cycling trail around the perimeter of the Reserve.
- A nature park with upgrades to the existing wetland and improved biodiversity.
- A Net Zero Renewable Energy Hub to power local schools, clubs and community centres.
Due to the lack of facilities, as many as 500 local kids are forced to go outside the City of Glen Eira to play sport. This investment in new sporting facilities will provide locals with new opportunities for recreation and activity, whilst giving our local sporting clubs the room they need to grow and thrive.
The Caulfield Net Zero Renewable Energy Hub will form the centrepiece of Glen Eira's grassroots renewable energy transition. Working closely with environmental groups, schools and residents, the Liberals and Nationals will deliver Glen Eira's biggest community battery, as well as comprehensive solar panel infrastructure.
Leader of the Liberal Party, Matt Guy, said with this important commitment, the Liberals and Nationals will make sure locals will be supported for many years to come.
"Our plan to activate 54 hectares of land with open space will provide the perfect balance of a wetland nature park with improved biodiversity and sporting facilities for local residents to enjoy."
"Unlocking this land and fixing Glen Eira's open space problem has been a key priority for David Southwick for a number of years. With this investment, we are now even closer to making it happen."
Member for Caufield, David Southwick, said the Liberals and Nationals' ambitious plan would revitalise the local Caulfield community.
"Local sport is a crucial part of what makes our community great. With $30 million for new facilities at Caulfield Racecourse, the Liberals and Nationals are backing our local clubs."
"Our community cares about grassroots climate action. The Caulfield Net Zero Renewable Energy Hub will be a Victorian-leading community renewables project."
