DEPUTY Prime Minister Michael McCormack described the “world-class” Mildura South Sports Precinct as the best of its kind he had seen.
The Nationals leader was in Mildura on Tuesday for a tour of the new facility, with Stage 1 nearing completion and on schedule to open in July.
“I’ve been to a lot of country sporting stadiums around the nation and I have not seen a better one,” Mr McCormack said after being shown the new AFL-standard oval, changeroom facilities, six-court basketball stadium and social facilities by Mildura Council staff.
“This is world-class. This will attract world-class athletes. This will attract world-class events, so I congratulate Mildura,” he said.
“You can see what can be done with $17.5 million of the Building Better Regions Fund, you can see what can be done when the community gets behind the council, gets behind the workers, with some 237 workers on site at the peak of construction.”
Sporting user groups are expected to have some trial runs inside the indoor stadium over the coming months, with the courts to be ready for official competitions by July.
Federal Member for Mallee Anne Webster, who was also on the tour, said it was incredible to think that it was just two years ago that the first sod was turned on the $36 million project.
“It’s just phenomenal to see the amount of progress since that time,” she said.
“To actually be standing here is a real thrill.
“Looking forward to July and stage 1 actually opening. It is just brilliant for Mildura, brilliant for the region and a real moment of pride.”
Mildura Mayor Jason Modica said the facility was going to be of enormous benefit to the Sunraysia community.
“I thank the Federal Government for their large portion (of funding), but also the $10 million from the State (Government) and also the $8 million that we (council) have put in, it really reflects on what the three tiers of government can do if everybody unites behind a single goal and the proof is here and will be open shortly,” Cr Modica said.
He said council was still working through a process to name the new facility, believing it was about “six to eight weeks away”.
Mr McCormack said the new sporting facility would be a drawcard for the region.
“One of the first things people look at when they go to a town, either to move or to holiday, is what sort of sporting facilities they’ve got and Mildura has got a great acquatic centre, which is not that old, and you’ve now got a sporting complex that is second to none,” he said.
