Coalition promises big for Rochester

The funding commitment would support a full overhaul of the reserve’s social rooms, a refurbishment of the existing change rooms, construction of a new AFL-compliant change room, modern umpire facilities and improved disability access for all visitors.

The reserve upgrades carry a total price tag of $5.59 million and has been in the pipeline for several years, with master plans already drawn up.

The Coalition's $4 million pledge would bridge most of the gap — leaving the project just $1.59 million short of the finish line.

One of the reserve's primary users at the helm of fundraising efforts is the Rochester Football Netball Club.

Club president Justin Cleary welcomed the funding commitment, saying it would make a significant difference to the club and the broader community.

“These are the sorts of things that are still helping people feel reassured that Rochester has got a future… there are people listening, and there's opportunity to create really exciting developments for the community,” Mr Cleary said.

He said the funding coincidentally was announced just days before the user-group committee got to see the first draft of the upgrade designs.

Crucially, the final designs would also upgrade the facilities into a community venue capable of accommodating up to 200 people — further strengthening the reserve’s established role as an emergency relief centre during flood events and other crises.

Mr Cleary said this was an especially important aspect to the upgrades, as it is something the entire community can get behind.

“I think it is important that it's a whole-of-community facility that's being undertaken… it’ll be a great benefit for the whole community,” he said.

Speaking at the announcement, Ms Wilson said regional communities like Rochester deserved access to modern facilities that meet 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."

Community members have already contributed their own money towards the upgrades, eager to see the project completed.

For local user groups, the fight for the reserve's future continues regardless of the political polling.

With the first draft of the upgrade designs landing on committee desks this week, the dream of a modernised hub is closer than ever.

As Mr Cleary puts it, the town is simply ready to see the blueprints become reality.

“It has all really just made that feel a bit more real," he said.

"We've got an opportunity actually to pull this off.”