THE Victorian Government says it is working to identify potential funding opportunities to complete the Mildura South Regional Sports Precinct.
Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence said the Victorian Government was proud to be a partner in the precinct amid calls for the government to give further funding so the second stage of the project can be completed.
Ms Spence said the project was another example of the Victorian Government partnering with local and federal governments to deliver major infrastructure that provides economic, social and health benefits to the Sunraysia region.
She said the government’s investment would enable Mildura Rural City Council to build a high-quality multi-sport indoor stadium capable of hosting major sport carnivals, entertainment events and business conferences.
The state has committed $3.75 million towards the development alongside Federal Government funding of $17.5 million and a further $11.1 million from Mildura Council.
Ms Spence said she understood the Mildura Council had submitted funding proposals to support stage 2 of the project through the government’s Community Sports Infrastructure Stimulus Program.
“The Victorian Government looks forward to working with the Mildura community to deliver the funded works, along with identifying potential future funding opportunities to make the entire vision a reality,” Ms Spence told State Parliament.
However, Mildura councillor for economic development and tourism Mark Eckel said it was time for the government to support further investment in the project to ensure the region’s economy can be kick-started after COVID-19.
Cr Eckel said Mildura Council and Member for Mildura Ali Cupper were not giving up on the idea of State Government further contributing towards the complex and the continued stimulation of jobs.
“The second stage is waiting for construction investment from the state and must be supported to ensure our recovery can be given a kick start,” he said.
“The ongoing benefits of this project across our economy are significant — this is only matched by the thousands of users of the facility across five major sports.
“Our region has been lacking such a facility for decades and each sport involved will only grow stronger through membership and participation and we can finally see the benefits and opportunities equal to our southern cousins.
“To have such a project ready to go is exactly what will generate the benefits required that will be vital for our long-term recovery.”
Cr Eckel said the council had already made some tough budget decisions to support the most vulnerable in the community during the coronavirus pandemic and the government should heed Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg’s call for states to spend more on economic support.
“This is even more important to ensure we can rejuvenate the economy through meaningful employment opportunities,” he said.
“Investing in infrastructure is a vital component to any economic recovery.”
