The Gippsland Regional Sports Complex in Sale is set to expand with work on a new multi-purpose synthetic sports field starting today.
• Sod turned for new all-purpose synthetic field in Sale.
• New complex enhances the region’s ability to attract major sporting events.
• The Coalition Government investing $600,000 through the National Stronger Regions Fund.
Minister for Regional Development Fiona Nash said the Coalition Government’s investment in the sports complex would encourage community sports participation and provide a boost the region’s economy.
“I aim to build the kinds of communities our children and grandchildren want to either stay in or come back to, and great sporting facilities definitely helps do that,” Minister Nash said.
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester joined the community for the sod turning today.
Mr Chester said the improved sporting complex would attracting more regional events to Gippsland, and improve the playing surface for local clubs.
“The new multipurpose synthetic field will be ideal for a number of sports including hockey and soccer, providing the region with an all-purpose wet weather training venue,”
he said.
“The project will also include outdoor lighting, a new sports pavilion, additional car park spacing and an active play space.
“I look forward to seeing the final stages of the entire redevelopment unfold, improving the sporting facilities in Gippsland to a world class standard.
“This is another great example of all levels of government working with the community to provide better sport facilities in our community.”
Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing said that the new field will provide the opportunity for the East Gippsland Hockey Association to expand their competition, a great result encouraging individuals to stay and play in Gippsland.
“It was a great honour join the late John Leslie last year to announce the Victorian Government’s $650,000 contribution to this complex, and it’s wonderful to see it now coming to life.” Ms Shing said.
Mayor of Wellington Shire Council Carolyn Crossley thanked the Federal Government for their support of the Gippsland Regional Sports Complex Stage 2A upgrade.
“The Gippsland Regional Sports Complex already offers the community a wealth of sporting activities such as netball, basketball, indoor soccer, volleyball and table tennis,” Cr Crossley said.
“The upgrade to a synthetic multi-purpose field and pavilion will take the facility 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.
“It is great to see the works finally getting underway and we can’t wait to see the field in use by hockey groups and the broader community.”
The project is jointly funded between the Coalition Government ($600,000), the Victorian Government ($650,000), the Wellington Shire Council ($750,130), the John Leslie Foundation ($1,000,000), and East Gippsland Hockey Association ($50,000).