Nationals and Liberals to deliver a fair share of funding for Rochester Recreation Reserve
A future Nationals and Liberals Government will invest $4 million towards a major upgrade of the Rochester Recreation Reserve, providing modern sporting facilities, strengthening community connections and boosting the town’s emergency preparedness.
The funding commitment will support the redevelopment of the reserve’s social rooms, refurbishment of existing changerooms, construction of a new AFL-compliant changeroom, modern umpire facilities and improved disability access and inclusive amenities. The project also includes a community venue capable of accommodating up to 200 people and enhancing the reserve’s role as an emergency relief centre.
Speaking at the announcement at Rochester as part of the Fresh Start tour, Opposition Leader Jess Wilson said regional communities like Rochester deserved access to modern facilities that met the needs of today’s sporting clubs and community groups.
“Rochester is a resilient community that has faced enormous challenges in recent years, particularly through repeated flood events,” Ms Wilson said.
“This investment gives the Rochester community its own fresh start and will deliver the modern, inclusive and accessible facilities local families deserve, while also strengthening Rochester’s capacity to respond when emergencies strike.”
The Nationals candidate for Murray Plains Brett Hosking said Rochester residents had been crying out for years for an improved multi purpose facility that would benefit the entire community.
“This is more than an upgrade to sporting facilities, the upgrade to the Rochester Recreation Reserve is designed to become the central heart of the Rochester community,” Mr Hosking said.
“These upgrades create safe, state of the art facilities for women, girls, juniors and people living with a disability, while giving Rochester a venue capable of hosting larger community events and attracting visitors to the town.”
“Most importantly, it recognises Rochester’s remarkable resilience and sends a clear message that The Nationals in government will deliver a fair share for Rochester, Murray Plains and all regional Victorians.”
The Rochester Recreation Reserve upgrade has planning approval in place and forms part of the reserve’s broader masterplan. The total project cost is estimated at $5.59 million, with local contributions already committed towards the project.
Leader of The Nationals Danny O’Brien said the project would provide significant benefits well beyond sport.
“The Rochester Recreation Reserve is a central part of the Rochester community and this upgrade will ensure it can continue supporting local sporting clubs, volunteers, families and emergency services for decades to come,”
“After twelve years of Labor, regional Victorians are getting less than half the funding we deserve. The Nationals Fair Share Guarantee will make sure projects like this in the regions are properly funded,” Mr O’Brien said.
