Sporting opportunities look set to increase in the Bellarine Peninsula's eastern-most community with two significant developments at St Leonards Lake Reserve courtesy of the City of Greater Geelong and the Victorian Government.
The Bellarine Sharks Association Football Club and St Leonards Cricket Club are the primary beneficiaries following the installation of a state-of-the-art ground irrigation system along with floodlighting at the Murradoc Road oval.
The $162,506 irrigation installation at St Leonards Lake Reserve resulted from a $65,000 commitment in the 2021/22 City of Greater Geelong budget, coupled with a Victorian Government - Community Cricket Program grant of $97,506.
The facility was one of seven City of Greater Geelong reserves to be lit up as part of a $2.5 million Victorian Government sports ground floodlighting pool.
Floodlighting was also installed at:
- St Albans Reserve Thomson
- Burdoo Reserve Grovedale
- Evans Reserve Norlane,
- Grinter Reserve Newcomb,
- Winter Reserve Belmont, and
- Osborne Park North Geelong.
The City committed to funding 10 per cent of the successful projects from within its 2020-2021 Budget.
Greater Geelong Mayor Peter Murrihy
The developments are an important step in increasing sporting opportunities for members of the St Leonard's community.The installation of the irrigation system brings St Leonard's Lake Reserve into line with other grounds across the region and will ensure that participants of all ages will have a safer and more fit-for-purpose ground to enjoy.
The City is extremely grateful to the Victorian Government for its support of the irrigation project, along with its commitment in funding the bulk of the floodlighting.
Cr Jim Mason, Bellarine Ward
The addition of the lighting is a boost to tenant clubs in extending their playing and training times, particularly the Bellarine Sharks Association Football Club.Along with their Men's and Women's teams, the Sharks cater for a range of ages and ability levels including Mini Roos, Juniors and Soccer Mums. As well as better delivering existing programs, the new lights mean the club can continue to grow and increase participation rates in the St Leonards community.
