- Published:
- Thursday 28 January 2016
Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford today joined Member for Wendouree, Sharon Knight and Member for Buninyong, Geoff Howard to celebrate the commencement of the turf-laying on the newly redeveloped oval at Ballarat’s Eureka Stadium.
The project is expected to create 38 construction jobs, attract an extra 1,500 participants to stadium activities per year, draw 21,000 visitors to Ballarat each year and increase annual tourism spending in the city by up to $3.6 million.
The Andrews Labor Government is providing $31.5 million towards the Eureka precinct redevelopment, which includes upgrading Eureka Stadium, the Wendouree Sports and Events Centre, the C.E. Brown Reserve redevelopment and the Ballarat Showgrounds.
The new playing surface will be the same size as Etihad Stadium, which will create more room for the new grandstand, players facilities, merchandise, foods stalls, and public toilets for people of all abilities.
Pitchcraft Pty Ltd will supply the turf for the Eureka Stadium Redevelopment Project, which will upgrade the stadium to a standard capable of hosting AFL matches, specifically for the Western Bulldogs Football Club, on track for the Bulldogs to hit the field in 2017.
Once complete, Eureka Stadium will provide 5,000 undercover seats in a new grandstand, boosting the stadiums capacity to more than 11,000.
As well as hosting AFL Premiership games, the new Eureka Stadium will cater for international acts and tournaments – improving the mix of events and activities available within the Grampians region and giving Western Victorians experiences otherwise only available in Melbourne and Geelong.
The Labor Government is proud to provide funds to Ballarat City Council for this major project, in order to enhance regional liveability and help to retain and grow local population bases.
Through the $500 million Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund, the Government is supporting projects like Eureka Stadium to boost business and bring more visitors to regional Victoria.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Regional Development, Jaala Pulford
“The Andrews Government is investing $31.5 million towards the Eureka precinct redevelopment so Western Victorians can experience the true football atmosphere right in the heart of Ballarat.”
“We are giving Ballarat the world-class stadium it deserves. It will allow the Western Bulldogs to play AFL home-and-away matches in Ballarat, meaning more tourists and a stronger local economy.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Wendouree, Sharon Knight
“Thousands of footy fans will soon be able to experience the best of Ballarat. We said we’d get on with delivering this important project as soon as possible and we’re keeping our word.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Buninyong, Geoff Howard
“As well as being available to local sporting clubs, Ballarat’s new world-class stadium will put us in the box seat to draw the best elite competitions and events to our region.”