October 6, 2016
Stage two of the Gippsland Regional Sports Complex upgrade in Sale will become a reality, after receiving funding in Round 3 of the Federal Coalition Government’s National Stronger Regions Fund.
The project will include a new multi-purpose synthetic field, and an adjoining pavilion to be used by hockey, soccer, AFL 9s, schools and community groups.
Member for Gippsland Darren Chester today announced the Australian Government would allocate $600,000 to the stage two works, with the total project worth more than $3 million.
“Junior and adult sport is the lifeblood of a strong regional community, and these upgrades will provide first-class playing surfaces for people in the Sale and Maffra region,” Mr Chester said.
“The new playing surface will also help Sale attract more sporting events, bringing more visitors to our region and providing a boost to local small businesses.
“I congratulate the local sporting community for working with all levels of government to bring this funding together, and I also acknowledge the generosity of the John Leslie Foundation.”
The synthetic playing surface will become the new home of the Sale, Wellington and Maffra hockey clubs. It will also be made available to football and soccer teams when their grounds cannot be used for training
Wellington Shire Council will aim to attract modified hockey and soccer competitions to maximise use of the synthetic field.
Minister for Regional Development Fiona Nash said the local projects funded under NSRF Round 3 made a huge difference in their communities.
“I aim to help build the kinds of communities our children and grandchildren either want to stay in or come back to, and quality local infrastructure is a big part of that,” Minister Nash said.
“Whether it is cultural and healthcare facilities, tourism infrastructure or a great sports precinct, I’m proud to be delivering to Gippsland.
“Some 479 applications were lodged under Round 3 – only the very best were successful.”
In addition to the $600,000 from the Australian Government, the project will receive $1 million from the John Leslie Foundation, $750,000 from Wellington Shire Council, $650,000 from the State Government, and $50,000 from the East Gippsland Hockey Association.
Wellington Shire Council, Chief Executive Officer, David Morcom thanked the Federal Government for its support.
“GRSC is a facility of which the community of Wellington is very proud. This upgrade will take it to the next level of local sporting infrastructure and Council is delighted to be able to deliver this project on behalf of all of the funding partners,” Mr Morcom said.
“On behalf of the Wellington community, I thank the Federal Government for its generous contribution.”
The project is expected to create 16 jobs during construction.
A full list of successful round three National Stronger Regions Fund projects will be available on the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development website on Friday, 7 October at www.infrastructure.gov.au.
