The future of grassroots sport is looking bright in Greater Geelong, with the City investing in projects that will expand participation opportunities, improve accessibility and deliver safer, more inclusive sporting facilities across the region.
Through the 2026-27 Budget, local clubs and communities will benefit from upgraded sporting surfaces, improved lighting, new courts and continued investment in major sporting infrastructure.
Supporting the growth of community sport is a key focus of the funding, with North Geelong Football Netball Club set to get a second netball court at Osborne Park to bring them in line with other clubs across the region.
Backed by $450,000 from the Victorian Government and $380,000 from the City, the project will create more opportunities for training, competition and player development while supporting growing participation at the club.
The additional court will also allow junior and senior netball matches to be played on the same day, reducing pressure on volunteers and strengthening club connections.
The budget also includes investment in upgrades that improve the quality, accessibility and long-term sustainability of community sporting facilities.
At Grinter Reserve, the BMX Track’s start and finishing straights will be sealed through a partnership between the Victorian Government ($200,000) and the City ($150,000).
The upgrades will improve safety, increase accessibility for riders of all ages and abilities, reduce weather-related disruptions, lower maintenance demands on volunteers and enhance the club’s ability to host larger events that attract visitors to Greater Geelong.
Together, the upgrades at Osborne Park and Grinter Reserve will create more inclusive and accessible sporting environments, helping to support and encourage the participation of women and girls in sport.
Ensuring community facilities can be used more often and by more people is another priority within the budget, with the City committing a further $1.6 million to its Sports Lighting Program.
New tennis lighting at Ervin Reserve and Doris Smith Reserve, and oval lighting at Estuary Reserve will enable sporting clubs, schools and community groups to safely extend training, competition and recreation into the evening.
The upgrades are expected to support the continued growth of Newcomb Tennis Club, FC Leopold and Geelong West Tennis Club while improving utilisation of the reserves.
These projects form part of the City’s broader commitment to ensuring residents have access to high-quality sporting and recreational facilities that support participation, inclusion and community wellbeing.
The 2026-27 Budget also provides continued funding for major sporting infrastructure projects, including Stage 2 of the North Bellarine Aquatic Centre, Landy Field and several pavilion upgrades across Greater Geelong.
Greater Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM:
Grassroots sport plays a vital role in bringing our communities together, supporting healthy lifestyles and creating opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to get involved.
Our local clubs are powered by passionate volunteers, and we’re proud to support them through investments that improve facilities and infrastructure.
These investments demonstrate our commitment to ensuring everyone has access to quality sporting and recreation facilities that help build stronger, more connected communities.
Sports & Recreation portfolio chair, Deputy Mayor Eddy Kontelj:
Every member of our community deserves the opportunity to be active, connected and involved in local sport.
That’s why we’re investing in infrastructure that encourages greater participation and ensures our sporting spaces reflect the needs of our diverse community.
