MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire will submit two significant grant applications aimed at enhancing community sports and recreation facilities. The proposed projects are the electrification of Pelican Park Recreation Centre in Hastings under the federal government’s Community Energy Upgrades Fund (CEUF), as well as seeking funding for the Sorrento Netball Courts redevelopment project through Sport and Recreation Victoria’s County Football Netball Program (CFN).
The CEUF provides matched funding of up to $2.5m for energy efficiency and electrification upgrades to deliver reduced energy bills and emissions from local government-owned or operated facilities.
Pelican Park Recreation Centre has been closed since January while it undergoes an upgrade. Renewal work, including on the pool and the facility in general, is expected to continue until at least July. The current upgrade includes futureproofing the centre to accommodate full electrification.
If the shire was successful in receiving a grant, it would match the funding in the next financial year and later capital works programs according to the CEUF’s $1: $1 funding ratio for eligible expenditure.
If the project were to go ahead, the shire would only close the facility for a “very minimal time”.
Councillors approved both projects to be considered for funding through the grant applications at their 3 June meeting.
Cr Michael Stephens said he was highly supportive of the electrification works, noting it was a “smart future focused investment that delivers real value”. “There’s no financial risk to council … and the design works already budgeted for in the capital works program,” he said. “This project pays for itself in just over six years and supports long-term climate energy goals.”
The second project would see Sport and Recreation Victoria (SRV) offer up to $250,000 for the Sorrento Netball Courts redevelopment. The project focuses on the renewal or replacement of the four existing courts that have reached end of life with two new courts, as well as lighting, electrical upgrades/scoreboard and a coaches’ box adjacent to the clubrooms at David MacFarlan Recreation Reserve. The council estimates the project would cost $1.6m with construction planned later this year to early 2026, outside of the netball/football season. Council and stakeholder agreement for the final concept design has been achieved, however, it the project is dependent on additional funding being granted.
First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 18 June 2025
