THE Federal Labor Party has made an election promise to commit $10 million towards upgrading Emil Madsen Reserve in Mount Eliza.
The reserve is the largest sports precinct in Mornington Peninsula Shire and services Mount Eliza and neighbouring areas. It is home to the Mount Eliza Junior Football Club, Mount Eliza Soccer Club, Mount Eliza Football Netball Club and Mount Eliza Cricket Club – some of the biggest sporting clubs in the region, Emil Madsen Reserve has almost 2000 people who use it on a regular basis.
Shadow Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Minister Catherine King said the facilities were outdated and overdue for an update and did not properly cater to the emerging generation of girls and women wanting to play sport.
Through the development of its master plan Mornington Peninsula Shire has recommended more than 40 separate but interconnected projects to increase participation and create a multifunctional and high-quality sporting and recreation venue.
Key projects include the construction of a new east pavilion, new west pavilion and an upgrade of the existing pavilion on oval 2. The masterplan also provides for the creation of a district level play space and skate park.
Ms King says Labor is committed to partnering with the shire to deliver better facilities that meet the community needs.
“Sport plays such an important role in our lives. This investment will mean more kids, more families, and importantly more girls and women can get involved in sport and involved with their local community,” she said.
MP for Dunkley Peta Murphy said the project would benefit some of the largest sporting clubs in the region by creating a high quality and multi-functional centre.
“Over the past few years we have seen major redevelopments of other reserves in our region, now it’s Mount Eliza’s turn,” she said.
First published in the Mornington News – 15 March 2022
