HASTINGS — In a major pre-election commitment, Labor candidate for Flinders Sarah Race has announced a fully funded $1.3 million investment for the Hastings Recreation Reserve, delivered alongside Federal Minister for Infrastructure Catherine King MP.

The funding package includes:

• $250,000 for upgraded cricket nets
• $350,000 for oval and car park drainage improvements
• $700,000 for a pavilion renewal and design upgrade, benefiting both junior and senior sporting clubs

The announcement was made during a visit to Hastings on Saturday, where Race and King met with local stakeholders, including Hastings Football Netball Club legend John Watson.

“This is a fully funded commitment,”

Race stated.

“The Mornington Peninsula Shire won’t need to find the money elsewhere – they can get on with the job without it impacting their budget.”

The investment adds to Labor’s earlier promise of $250,000 for the Somerville Recreation Reserve, bringing total commitments to Western Port sporting infrastructure to $1.55 million.

The move could signal a strategic effort to address long-standing concerns from Western Port communities, who have often felt neglected in favour of the Peninsula’s more affluent southern and bayside towns.

Race was clear about the broader value of the investment:

“We know that sports clubs are the heart of many of our communities – they cross generations and create connections beyond the sporting fields.”

The commitment sets a strong benchmark ahead of the upcoming election, placing pressure on sitting MP Zoe McKenzie and the Liberal Party to match or exceed the investment in the region.

Zoe McKenzie has pledged $5 million in funding for the Somerville Recreation Reserve.