MEMBER for Mornington, Chris Crewther MP, has announced a $7m funding commitment from an elected Liberal government towards the completion of the full Emil Madsen Reserve Master Plan.
The commitment was announced at the Mount Eliza Football Netball Club Awards Night on Saturday 3 October.
It is the final major funding contribution needed to complete the project, bringing together funding from the federal government, Mornington Peninsula Shire, and the clubs.
“This is fantastic news for Mount Eliza and for sporting families across the Mornington Peninsula,” said Crewther.
“I have been fighting for this funding because our local sporting clubs deserve first-class facilities, and the Emil Madsen Reserve Master Plan will deliver a sporting precinct that will be used by our community for generations.
“Importantly, this is the final missing piece, and major funding commitment, needed to get the full project delivered.
“With funding from the federal government, significant funding from Mornington Peninsula Shire, and $7m from an elected Liberal government, we will be able to get on with delivering the Western Pavilion and the facilities our local clubs have been fighting for.”
The broader Emil Madsen Reserve Master Plan includes significant upgrades to sporting facilities and infrastructure, including the Eastern Pavilion and the planned Western Pavilion.
Works associated with the master plan have been progressing as part of a $15m federal government grant.
In May, council submitted a request to use an estimated $5m federal grant underspend, combined with $6.6m in council contributions, to construct the Western Pavilion. The request also sought to extend the project timeframe to October 2028.
The federal government rejected the bid and said all works must be completed by 30 June 2027 in line with the original grant’s completion deadline.
At the 29 June council meeting, councillors unanimously voted to submit a request to redirect the funds to other upgrades at the reserve which could be completed by June 2027 (Council backs revised Emil Madsen funding plan after pavilion setback, The News, 14/7/26).
This left the Western Pavilion’s future in doubt.
The Mornington Peninsula Shire has listed a $7m funding commitment that would enable the completion of the Western Pavilion in their “Shout out for the Peninsula!” election advocacy campaign.
Crewther said the announcement was the result of sustained advocacy and collaboration.
“I want to thank Mount Eliza Football Netball Club, Mount Eliza Cricket Club, Mount Eliza Junior Football Club, Mount Eliza Soccer Club, and all players, parents, representatives, staff and volunteers at Emil Madsen Reserve and Mornington Peninsula Shire for their persistence and their commitment to this project.
“I also want to particularly acknowledge the leadership of ward councillor and mayor, Cr Stephen Batty, who’s been a staunch and relentless advocate for this project for years. His enormous contribution cannot be underestimated.”
Crewther said the investment would provide a lasting benefit to the Mount Eliza community and the broader Mornington Peninsula.
“Sport brings people together. It gives our kids somewhere to play, our families somewhere to connect and our community a place to belong,” said Crewther.
“This $7m investment will help deliver the facilities our clubs need and create a sporting precinct that can support participation and community connection for many years to come.
“It will also create a facility that the wider community can use for events, functions and more.
“I look forward to seeing the project progress and, most importantly, seeing our local clubs and families enjoying these facilities.”
