The Andrews Labor Government will invest $1.5 million to create an integrated community hub at Charlton Park Reserve.
Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford today announced $1.1 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund and $400,000 from the Victorian Racing Industry Fund for the Charlton Park 2020 Multi-Purpose Facility Development.
Charlton Park Reserve is home to numerous sport and recreation clubs, including football, netball, hockey, tennis, cricket, golf, and harness racing as well as the Agricultural and Pastoral Society.
Many of the existing buildings are aged, in poor condition, flood-damaged, and no longer meet the needs of the community.
The $4.2 million, community-driven project will consolidate buildings to create a modern multi-purpose facility, share resources and improve the layout of the venue. The works include:
- Shared sports administration club rooms (AFL football, netball, hockey, tennis, cricket, golf)
- Regional harness racing administration facilities to support the recently upgraded track
- Accessible toilets and change rooms
- A 320m² conference and function facility seating approximately 240 people
- Agricultural and Pastoral Society administration rooms
The project is expected to increase visitor numbers to the precinct from 26,000 per year to over 36,000 within five years.
The project will support five construction jobs and is expected to generate 14 additional jobs in the longer term.
Charlton has been working since 2006 to develop a multi-purpose facility at Charlton Park, and has raised over $1 million towards the project from a town of only 1,100 people – signifying the level of local support for the project.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford
“Charlton was badly hit by floods in 2011 and then drought in 2015 but today we celebrate a massive community effort and are proud to help make the Charlton 2020 vision a reality.”
“We are proud to provide $1.5 million to develop the multi-purpose facility to help make Charlton an even better place to live, work and do business.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Racing Martin Pakula
“We’re proud to be investing in this upgrade because it will mean the Charlton Harness Racing Club can attract bigger crowds and provide better facilities for racing industry participants.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020