MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire has been denied a significant grant aimed at enhancing community sports and recreation facilities in Western Port, but hope remains that they may be successful in a new application
The proposed project, the electrification of Pelican Park Recreation Centre in Hastings, was hoped to be made possible under the federal government’s Community Energy Upgrades Fund (CEUF).
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 was closed for much of 2025 while the over 20-year-old facility underwent a full revitalisation. The News believes the upgrade included futureproofing the centre to accommodate full electrification.
If the shire was successful in receiving the grant, it would have matched the funding in the next financial year and later capital works programs according to the CEUF’s $1: $1 funding ratio for eligible expenditure. The electrification would require the closure of the pool for a “very minimal time”.
At the time of applying for the grant, 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 work is 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.”
Speaking to The News, Stephens expressed his disappointment the grant had not eventuated but was hopeful at the news that the shire was going to reapply.
“I’m very pleased to see the energy efficiency program for Pelican Park Pool back on the drawing board,” said Stephens.
“While it was disappointing that council was not successful in securing the energy efficiency grant previously, it’s encouraging that we may have another opportunity to obtain that funding.”
Stephens said he believed the project remained an important capital upgrade that would benefit Hastings and the broader Western Port region.
First published in the Western Port News – 8 April 2026
