Opposition leader Peter Dutton announces $5m investment for Devlins Road Reserve

Opposition leader Peter Dutton has pledged $5m for a Devlins Road Reserve sports precinct, if a Coalition government is elected.

A Coalition government would contribute $5m to the development of a sporting precinct at Devlins Road Reserve, the opposition leader says.

Peter Dutton said, if elected, the Ocean Grove site would be developed into a precinct with sports fields, a pavilion, pedestrian paths and landscape improvements, catering for the growing community.

He highlighted the surging local population, bringing an increase in sport participation, and in particular female participation as a need for the upgrade.

“We need to ensure that local population growth is backed up with the necessary local infrastructure,” Mr Dutton said.

“And that’s what this investment is all about.”

Mr Dutton made the announcement in a video message at the Geelong Advertiser’s Future Geelong forum on Monday.

Deputy Prime Minister and Corio MP Richard Marles addressed the room.

Mr Marles spruiked the government’s pledge to bulk bilk nine of ten GP trips as a transformational change for the region.

He said low bulk billing rates in Norlane and Corio made the plan especially significant.

Mr Marles also praised the return of vehicle manufacturing to “our town” through Hanwha’s advanced vehicle centre in Avalon.

Mr Marles went on to say that he saw an opportunity to “move the dial” in the Geelong region, paying particular tribute to Mayor Stretch Kontelj’s “experience” and “talent” to lead the refurbishment of the CBD, despite the two men coming “from two sides of the political fence”.

At the end of his address, Mr Marles relayed a message of unity.

“Our challenge, all of us, is to ensure... that there are not two Geelong stories but there is one,” he said.

“As a federal government we are really pleased to do everything in our power to do everything we can to ensure that no one is held back and no one is left behind.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles. Picture: Alan Barber

Mr Dutton also prioritised housing, infrastructure and urban planning in his address, acknowledging its importance to the growing region.

“Geelong and the Surf Coast are an exciting part of the world, but it’s at a crossroads, one of the fastest growing regions in the country and a powerhouse of Victoria,” he said.

“I want you along to continue to punch above its weight, and I want to lead a government that creates the economic opportunities for Geelong to continue to thrive and prosper.

“Addressing issues such as affordable housing, infrastructure and sensible urban planning is paramount to this task.”

He said that the Coalition’s commitment to a $5 billion housing infrastructure program would contribute to Geelong’s growth.

Mr Dutton said the investment would benefit Geelong directly by accelerating land releases in growing urban areas, boosting housing supply for the surging population, and making sure that key infrastructure keeps pace with the growth.

“That plan will help local retirees and families achieve the dream of homeownership, either for themselves or for their children or grandchildren,” he said.

Originally published as Opposition leader Peter Dutton announces $5m investment for Devlins Road Reserve