Footy club upgrade plans get election promise boost

Matthew Guy visited Cowes this morning to promise $350,000 to the Phillip Island Football Netball Club.

If elected in November, Mr Guy said the Liberal and Nationals would provide the funding to extend the existing club house.

Club President Chris Ross said the proposed extension would expand the social facilities in the club.

"It will allow us to fit all our members and players in here after a game and to have functions here. The extended verandah will also give us a bit more under cover space."

Mr Guy said local community sports clubs needed support to recover and rebuild after the years of disruption due to Covid.

"This investment will mean the Phillip Island Football Netball Club will have a home for many years to come."

The announcement was attended by both the Liberal candidate for Bass, Aaron Brown, and the Nationals candidate Brett Tessari.

"Investment in grassroots sport encourages locals to stay active by providing the very best facilities," Mr Brown said.

Mr Tessari, a former president of the Wonthaggi football club said he was proud to have worked closely with the Phillip Island club over the past three years on priority projects. He applauded the efforts of Chris Ross and the club volunteers on pursuing the project.

"Community sport is at the heart of strong regional communities. This investment in modern comfortable facilities that are fit-for-purpose is just one practical way we can support local clubs to attract and retain members," he said.

Mr Ross said the funding would cover the first stage of the proposed upgrade. Read a full report on the proposal and announcement in next week's Advertiser, out July 6.

Mr Guy then jumped in the car and headed for Inverloch, where he announced a $6 million commitment to address erosion on the Inverloch foreshore, if the Liberals and Nationals win the upcoming election.