SPORT Minister Martin Pakula confirmed he would be a “passionate advocate” for Mildura South Sporting Precinct (MSSP) funding.
Mr Pakula was in Sunraysia on Wednesday and met with Member for Mildura Ali Cupper, Mildura Council and a large number of sporting groups.
He said the council and stakeholders had identified the $10 million funding shortfall and described their case as “compelling”.
“Their view is that if we’re going to do it, let’s do it right the first time,” he said.
“I’m very understanding of their point of view – I think their point of view makes a great deal of sense and I’ve made it clear I’ll be a passionate advocate of what they’re trying to achieve within government.”
Last year, the Victorian Government committed $3 million to assist in building stage one of the new precinct, contributing to the current funding total of $28.5 million.
While Mr Pakula would not speak on a breakdown of costs, he acknowledged Mildura Council had already made a substantial contribution.
“The difference between the project as it’s currently funded and the vision they have is in the vicinity of $10 million,” he said.
“The sporting clubs and the council have been very clear that they would be seeking the full $10 million to realise their vision and I’m very understanding of that,” he said.
Mr Pakula explained the process moving forward would be dependent on the government’s May budget.
“The Minister for Sport is one of many ministers competing for funding in the budget process, but I’ll certainly be taking their case back to the heart of government and seeking as much support for the precinct as I can,” he said.
“The process is that we’ve got a budget coming up in May and all ministers feed their bids into that process.”
Representatives from Imperial Football Netball Club and South Mildura Sporting Club were among those who attended Wednesday’s meeting, amid discussions on which club will make the move to the precinct.
Sunraysia Football Netball League executive officer Peter Walker said the meeting with Mr Pakula was encouraging.
“The council presented a Powerpoint which showed where we fell short and the minister indicated he was very supportive and will go to work moving forward,” he said.
“He certainly didn’t promise anything, but he did say he would go into bat for us so fingers crossed we can get that additional funding so both stages can be completed from the start.”
