Joint media statement by

RICHARD MARLES MP
DEPUTY LEADER OF THE AUSTRALIAN LABOR PARTY
SHADOW MINISTER FOR NATIONAL RECONSTRUCTION, EMPLOYMENT, SKILLS AND SMALL BUSINESS
SHADOW MINISTER FOR SCIENCE, MEMBER FOR CORIO

and

LIBBY COKER MP
MEMBER FOR CORANGAMITE

An Albanese Labor Government will invest $3.25 million to upgrade Leopold Memorial Reserve sporting facilities.

This multi-million-dollar investment from Labor will see much needed upgrades to current facilities, encourage greater participation all the while making access to sport and the area safe for the local Leopold community.

Labors commitment to upgrades to the Leopold Memorial Reserve sporting facilities will include:

• $2.1 million to major upgrades of the old junior change room, including the toilet block facilities, ensuring there are modern change rooms for all local participants- men and women- right across footy, cricket and netball.
• $600,000 to a modern half-court sized netball training facility.
• $550,000 to modernise parking for the community and necessary signage.

Labor understands the value of grassroots community sport, they do so much more than just play sport, they are fundamental to the health and wellbeing of communities.

Richard Marles MP said:

Sporting clubs are the life and blood of our local communities, but they need suitable facilities if they are going to be viable in bringing us together.

With Labors investment, the Leopold Memorial Reserve will become a place where more local families can come to spend their time outdoors, kicking a footy, or catching a ball.

The past two and a bit years have been really tough on families right across the Geelong region, and this upgrade from Labor is an investment to make sure we have modern and safe facilities where local clubs, families and members of the community can once again come together in the spirit of the Leopold community.

Libby Coker MP said:

Leopold Reserve is the community heart of Leopold, with cricket, footy, netball, tennis played there, and it has the local Lions, Scouts and RSL. Theres also walking and cycling pathways and community meeting rooms.

This is a real investment in the Leopold community to promote activities that bring people together and keep people fit and healthy.

Investments in community take many forms but Labor believes community-level sporting infrastructure as a very high priority as it fosters inclusiveness, teamwork, respect and leadership. Kids learn all those values that are central to a strong community, and of course there are preventative health benefits as well.

I would also like to thank the club officials who I have worked with to deliver this funding. Leopold has some great community leaders, and they do the Leopold community proud.