A Jess Wilson-led Liberal and Nationals Government will invest $12 million towards
the proposed redevelopment of the Shepparton Sports & Events Centre, helping
deliver the modern indoor sporting facility the Shepparton District needs.
Leader of The Nationals and Shadow Minister for Regional Development Danny
O’Brien will join The Nationals’ candidate for the Shepparton District, Shane Sali, and
Liberal candidate for Northern Victoria Region, Steve Brooks, to announce the
funding commitment for the redevelopment of the existing Shepparton Sports
Stadium.
The commitment would support the proposed $37 million redevelopment.
The existing four-court stadium has served the community for more than 50 years
but is now at capacity and falls short of contemporary standards for accessibility and
flexibility.
Mr O’Brien said the commitment would help meet growing demand for indoor
sporting facilities across the region.
“Local sporting clubs bring communities together, and they need facilities that give
more people the opportunity to participate,” he said.
“The Shepparton District has made a strong case for this redevelopment. Our $12
million commitment is a significant contribution towards delivering it.”
“We want to work with Council and the Australian Government to help bring this
project to fruition and give the community a facility that serves it for generations to
come.”
Mr Sali said the Shepparton District had outgrown the existing facility.
“Right now, clubs, schools and community groups are all competing for limited court
space as participation continues to grow,” he said.
“Community is front and centre of this project. We want more children playing sport,
more opportunities for people of all abilities and backgrounds to participate and more
capacity for our local clubs to grow.
The proposed redevelopment would deliver four new national-standard multi-use
courts, including a show court with seating for up to 3,000 spectators, modern and
flexible change rooms, accessible amenities including Changing Places, multipurpose spaces and improved access around the precinct.
Mr Brooks said the commitment built on his longstanding support for the project.
“I’ve backed this redevelopment for years because I know how much it would mean
to our local clubs and families. I’m pleased our team is committing $12 million to help
make it happen,” he said.
The redevelopment would also strengthen the Shepparton District’s capacity to
attract regional, state and national sporting events, bringing visitors and supporting
local accommodation, hospitality and retail businesses.
“We know we’re missing out on hosting major sporting events because our existing
stadium doesn’t have the capacity or facilities needed,” Mr Sali said.
“This $12 million commitment is about backing a growing community and helping
deliver the sporting infrastructure the Shepparton District needs for the next
generation.”
