Input sought on Mockridge Park plans

Published on 12 February 2021

Council is seeking public comment on plans for a new pavilion, synthetic pitch and resealing of the velodrome at Mockridge Park in Camperdown. The proposed redevelopment  is expected  to attract new members to Camperdown’s cycling, hockey and soccer clubs. The existing facilities have been gradually deteriorating over a number of years and Council, along with the clubs is looking at options into the future use of the facility.  

Mayor Ruth Gstrein said upgrading the facilities would make taking part more attractive for  existing and new members and increasing the ranks of women participants and juniors.

“The goal is to increase participation and involve school-aged children who will become the n ext generation of club members. This is the first step, in seeking feedback from the community,” Cr Gstrein said.

“Resealing the velodrome will create a safe place for beginners to start their cycling careers.

“Installing a synthetic pitch will allow the hockey and soccer clubs to play safely and consistently in any weather.” 

Cr Gstrein said improvements to the existing facilities had been identified by the hockey club initially and supported by Council. 

“Now the time is right because the State Government is fast-tracking projects through its Community Sports Infrastructure Stimulus Program,” she said.

“Once we have finalised plans that meet the community’s needs, we will be able to apply for funding to build.”

Camperdown Cycling Club president Shane West said the redevelopment was “a fantastic opportunity to really establish the club”.

“For the rooms to be updated will be a valuable asset to the town as well as allowing us to host a series of events that statewide competitors can compete in and also give riders a safe place to ride. 

“Obviously there’s risk associated with road riding. This will take that risk out and allow younger riders to get involved. It also allows us to have criterium races which are traditionally on the road but allow us to take that risk out.

“Bailey McDonald and Riley Helmore competing in the national Road Race Championships in Buninyong over the weekend gives a sample of the talent we have around us. If we can nurture that going ahead, that’s going to put us in a stronger position as a club, and as a town.”

Corangamite Hockey Club president Jude Murfitt said the development could become another community hub for sporting activities for the whole district.

“I think it’s an exciting opportunity for an excellent facility to be provided, especially for our young adults and children who have really suffered in the past year in terms of physical activity and the social wellbeing that comes with that,” she said.

“It will allow our children and our residents to compete on surface that other children and adults are competing on. Your stance and how you receive the ball and hit the ball is completely different from synthetic surface to grass surface. It’s a higher level and when our kids go to Melbourne, they’ve learnt on a grass surface and every kid they are playing against is already playing on a synthetic surface. It will give country kids a chance to play on a level playing field.

“It would be a wonderful opportunity if it came to fruition. Hopefully we can get more children and adults involved in the game.”

Corangamite Lions Football Club Secretary Shaun Moloney said it was an exciting opportunity to be part of. 

“At the moment we’ve got a small clubrooms with no kitchen facilities. There is showering out the back but it’s quite limited. We’re excited by the prospect of being able to hold functions and people can sit there and watch, and just having proper change rooms where we can shower and do what we need to.”

He said a synthetic pitch would also be an improvement on the current pitch.

“It’s a lot better to play on and obviously can be played on in all weather and all conditions.”

The plans and an online feedback form are available here.

Online sessions will be held Tuesday 16 February at 10 am and 6 pm to discuss the proposal. You are invited to tune in, ask questions and have a chat. To register interest in an online session, please email jarrod.woff@corangamite.vic.gov.au

The park is named after all-round cycling great Russell Mockridge.

"The Geelong Flyer" won gold medals at the 1950 British Empire Games and 1952 Olympics. As a professional he won the Paris six-day race in 1955, 12 consecutive Australian championships and Australian national road race titles from 1956-1958.