THE Mildura South Regional Sporting Precinct has received a $750,000 boost in Victorian Government funding, but still faces a shortfall of about $10 million to complete the project.
The government on Tuesday announced the sports precinct would be one of 100 projects across the state to share in $30 million through its 2020-21 Local Sports Infrastructure Fund.
A total of $500,000 will go towards the outdoor netball courts and lighting project, while $250,000 has been allocated for the multisport outdoor infrastructure project.
Four outdoor acrylic netball courts will be developed and floodlit to competition standards at the Mildura South Regional Sports Precinct.
Member for Northern Victoria Mark Gepp said that funding was made available through the Local Sports Infrastructure Fund’s Female Friendly Facilities program.
“It is aimed to encourage more women and girls to get involved in sport and anticipates competitions and events will attract many visitors to the region,” Mr Gepp said of the program.
The $250,000 will help deliver stage 1 of the Mallee Murray Regional Cricket and Community Centre in partnership with Cricket Victoria and Cricket Australia, including installation of eight turf and synthetic cricket training nets and an upgrade of the lighting to 500 lux.
Mr Gepp said the cricket nets, both turf and synthetic, would add significant benefit to the community and provide many opportunities for cricket participation.
The $130,000 lighting element is expected to elevate the sports oval to Premier Cricket status, suitable for hosting major events and regional-level competitions.
Mr Gepp said the government acknowledged Mildura Rural City Council, Mildura Netball Association, Sunraysia Football Netball League, Cricket Victoria and Cricket Australia – which also contributed $275,000 to the multisport project – for their commitment and financial contribution to these projects.
