THE Victorian Government will consider whether to provide additional funds to complete stage 2 of the Mildura South Regional Sporting Precinct (MSRSP).
Securing state funding for the project in May’s State Budget was labelled a high priority on Member for Mildura Ali Cupper’s 2020 Vision list, along with fixing Robinvale-Sea Lake Road.
Sport Minister Martin Pakula was in Mildura in September to discuss stage 2 of MSRSP and the $8 million shortfall for full completion of the $36.5 million project.
A spokesman said on Monday the government was “pleased” to have already provided $3 million to support stage 1, but further support would need to be considered.
“Minister Pakula visited Mildura on 18 September, 2019, and met with council and other key stakeholders to discuss stage 2 of the Mildura South Regional Sporting Precinct,” the spokesman said.
“Further support for the Mildura South Regional Sporting Precinct will need to be considered as part of the 2020-21 budget process.”
The Federal Government has contributed $17.5 million to the project and Mildura Council $9.5 million, but any shortfall will require the project to be staged.
Ms Cupper will also push for further funding to upgrade the Robinvale-Sea Lake Road, which she described last week as a “die-in-the-ditch” issue.
Widespread potholes, dropaways that lead to wheel damage or flick stones into oncoming traffic, lack of width and poor line marking are some of the main concerns for road users.
The Victorian Government invested $2.9 million to improve the Robinvale-Sea Lake Road last year, but Ms Cupper said $23 million was needed to “essentially rebuild” the road.
“Regional Roads Victoria will be strengthening shoulders on Robinvale-Sea Lake Road from Bannerton and Manangatang to just south of Chinkapook and reconstructing two sections near Cocamba and Lake Tyrrell,” a government spokesman said.
“Works are expected to be under way in the coming months.”
The spokesman did not comment on whether the government would consider further 2020-21 budget funding for the road.
