The battle over Somerville Recreation Reserve funding has intensified, with the Liberals pledging $6 million towards the redevelopment, $1 million more than Labor’s recently announced commitment.
Liberal candidate for Hastings Frank Schiefler has announced a Jess Wilson-led Liberal Government would invest $6 million towards the redevelopment of Somerville Recreation Reserve if elected.
The commitment comes after Labor MP for Hastings Paul Mercurio announced $5 million towards a new pavilion and upgraded grounds at the reserve. Labor says its funding would help deliver the reserve’s new master plan and provide modern change rooms.
Somerville Recreation Reserve Funding: What Each Party Is Offering
Both major parties have now made significant election commitments for the Somerville sporting precinct:
- Frank Schiefler, Liberal: $6 million towards redevelopment works including social rooms, the grandstand, dedicated female change rooms, public toilets, first aid and administration rooms, additional storage, sealed car parking and reconfiguration of the netball courts.
- Paul Mercurio, Labor: $5 million towards a new pavilion and upgraded grounds, including modern change rooms and works intended to help deliver the reserve’s new master plan.
The Liberal commitment is $1 million higher than Labor’s pledge.
Liberals Put $6 Million On The Table
The Liberal announcement describes its commitment as funding towards the full redevelopment of the reserve.
Schiefler said Somerville sporting clubs and families had waited long enough for upgraded facilities.
“Somerville families and sporting clubs have been waiting long enough for the facilities they deserve.”
He pointed particularly to facilities available to women and girls.
“Women and girls have been using temporary change facilities for more than 12 years, while the ageing social rooms, grandstand, toilets and lack of proper storage are simply not good enough for a community of this size.”
Further Government Investment Needed
Schiefler said further government investment was needed.
“I’m proud to be part of Jess Wilson’s Liberal Team, taking the lead on this important community project. All levels of government need to come together to fully fund the redevelopment.”
The reference to all levels of government indicates the Liberal commitment is a $6 million contribution towards the broader redevelopment, rather than necessarily funding every component of the project on its own.
Major Sporting Hub For Somerville
Somerville Recreation Reserve supports 52 teams across five sporting clubs, according to the Liberal announcement, with football, netball, cricket, bowls and tennis represented.
Much of the reserve’s core infrastructure dates back to 1962.
Liberal Shadow Minister for Sport Brad Battin said the commitment would support players, families and volunteers using the reserve.
“This $6 million commitment will help deliver a significant transformation of Somerville Recreation Reserve and support the thousands of players, families and volunteers who use it.”
With both major parties now committing millions of dollars towards the reserve ahead of the Victorian state election, Somerville Recreation Reserve has emerged as a significant local funding contest in the seat of Hastings.
I would like to know more about Frank and his employment under Jillian Segal? Why is this hushed up? Why is he resistant to discuss?