A new three-court indoor sporting complex will be delivered at Lakes Entrance under an $8.8 million contribution under a Nationals and Liberals’ Government, providing a major boost for local sport and growing participation.
The Nationals’ candidate for Gippsland East, Gemma Rendell, and Shadow Minister for Sport, Brad Battin, made the announcement today and said the commitment, if elected would allow the project to proceed in partnership with East Gippsland Shire Council, replacing the town’s ageing single-court facility with a modern three-court complex.
“This has become the number one sporting infrastructure priority for our region and it will be a fantastic facility for Lakes Entrance and surrounding communities,” Ms Rendell said.
“The existing single court simply cannot cater for current demand, let alone future growth. It leaks regularly and is past its use by date and we’ve been working with the council to get this dual funding commitment.
“Basketball participation alone is now capped because of the lack of court space, with competitions having to use outdoor courts at local schools just to accommodate games.
“The facility is also used for futsal, badminton, netball, table tennis, volleyball and walking basketball, so this investment will benefit a wide cross-section of the community.”
Ms Rendell said the new complex would be developed on the secured greenfield site near the existing swimming pool, gym and tennis facilities.
“Co-locating these facilities will create a genuine sporting precinct for Lakes Entrance and give local families access to the modern facilities they deserve.
“The current court has a leaking roof, inadequate changerooms and run-off areas that are too short and present safety concerns for players.
“This project will address all of those issues while increasing capacity from one court to three.”
It will be funded through the Liberals and Nationals’ Fair Share Guarantee, which provides regional Victoria with 25 per cent of new infrastructure investment, in line with its share of the State’s population, rather than the current 12 per cent under Labor. This is not spending more taxpayer money, but a reallocation to ensure regional communities receive their fair share.
Mr Battin said considerable work had already gone into getting the project to this stage.
“The new site has been secured and I’m advised the geotechnical work and the Cultural Heritage Management Plan assessment have already been undertaken, so there has been important progress towards getting this project underway.
“Lakes Entrance is a growing community with very strong sporting participation, but the existing indoor stadium has simply been outgrown and I thank both Gemma and the current member, Tim Bull, for their advocacy on this.
“The need is evident when a local basketball competition has to find additional courts because its own facility cannot accommodate the number of people wanting to play.
“We’ve seen what quality sporting infrastructure can do for other communities across East Gippsland. It increases participation, supports associations and volunteers and gives our young people better opportunities close to home.”
“I’m a firm believer the higher participation in sports, the improved social and community outcomes we have,” Mr Battin said.
Ms Rendell said the commitment would allow final planning for the project to be finalised.
East Gippsland Shire Council CEO, Fiona Weigall, welcomed the announcement.
“This is an important project for Lakes Entrance, and one Council has been strongly advocating for and working on for some time,” Ms Weigall said.
“A new three-court stadium will provide much-needed capacity for local sport, create greater opportunities for young people and families to participate, and strengthen Lakes Entrance’s capacity to host regional competitions and events.
“We welcome this latest support and will continue working constructively across all levels of government and to ensure bipartisan support and funding for this project.
“Importantly, the project is already well progressed in its design, supported by previous funding. This is an example where the community and all levels of government must work together to plan and deliver generational infrastructure.”
Caption: Gippsland East Nationals’ candidate Gemma Rendell, welcomed Shadow Minister for Sport, Brad Battin, to Lakes Entrance where the pair announced an $8.8m funding commitment to deliver a new Lakes Entrance Indoor Sporting Complex under an elected Nationals and Liberal government.
