The Latrobe Valley is set to become one of regional Australia’s top sporting hubs with a major investment in its sporting infrastructure, thanks to an unprecedented $85 million investment by the Andrews Labor Government.
Premier Daniel Andrews today joined Minister for Sport and Tourism John Eren, Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing, Collingwood and Melbourne Stars President Eddie McGuire, Melbourne Victory Club Ambassador Archie Thompson and Latrobe Valley community members to make this landmark announcement.
This package delivers the very best community sporting infrastructure for Gippsland’s many sporting clubs and athletes, with over 500 jobs created along the way to boot.
The community sporting package includes:
- $46 million for a new Gippsland Regional Aquatic and Leisure Centre in Traralgon
- $17 million to redevelop the Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports and Entertainment Complex in Traralgon
- $4 million to upgrade Morwell Recreation Reserve
- $1.7 million to upgrade the Latrobe Sports and Entertainment Complex in Morwell
- $3 million to upgrade the Ted Summerton Reserve in Moe
- $1.4 million for the Sale and Traralgon Tennis Centres
- $5 million for 9 local reserves to be upgraded
The Valley’s visitor economy will also get a welcome boost, with the sporting heroes from Collingwood Football and Netball Clubs, Melbourne Victory, Melbourne Stars, Melbourne United and Swimming Australia set to become regular visitors.
To support this, the Labor Government will invest $6.9 million over 5 years to deliver an extensive program of major events and community sporting activities across the Valley. This includes bringing elite sports with regular pre-season games, coaching clinics and community carnivals.
The major clubs will also partner with local community organisations to support the critically important work they do in tackling disadvantage, boosting health outcomes and dealing with issues such as family violence, drug abuse and youth disengagement.
This sporting package will create 300 jobs during the construction phase and 275 ongoing ones. Construction will start on these projects in the coming weeks and is expected to conclude in 2019.
Quotes attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews
“This is about building world class facilities and creating hundreds of local jobs, but it's also about so much more.”
“People living in the Valley have a fierce pride in their community and these new facilities will bring people together from across our state and help them celebrate what they love."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Sport and Tourism John Eren
"We're delivering the sporting infrastructure the Latrobe Valley needs to host the big games and best stars. This investment will also give local clubs the facilities they need to grow and prosper."
Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing
“Since being elected, we’ve made record investments across industry, education and infrastructure in the Valley. Today’s announcement is a further crucial step in creating new jobs and harnessing the potential of the Valley.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020