The Andrews Labor Government will start planning for the second stage of the MARS Stadium redevelopment as part of a deal that will secure two AFL games in Ballarat every year for the next decade.
The Victorian Budget 2018/19 will provide $500,000 to start planning the next stage of the Stadium’s revamp, which has already upgraded the ground, installed new lights and built a new grand stand to bring premiership footy to Ballarat for the first time.
The planning works for Stage 2 of the redevelopment will look at boosting the capacity of the stadium, facilities for fans and commercial development around the stadium.
The funding is part of nearly half-a-billion-dollars announced today by the Labor Government for the future of footy in Victoria, including the biggest investment in women’s and community sport in Victoria’s history.
$241.6 million will be invested in upgrading local grounds, changerooms and elite facilities – so more people can play and watch the sport they love.
Well over $100 million will improve facilities and access for women, including $15 million boost for the Female Friendly Facilities Fund and $67 million for elite women's facilities.
This comes on top of a further $60 million for community sporting grants and $5 million for Community Sports Infrastructure Loans, which will unlock up to $100 million to upgrade local facilities.
The Labor Government has also signed a landmark deal with the AFL that will deliver major redevelopments of the MCG and Etihad Stadium Precinct, and guarantee the AFL Grand Final will be played in Victoria for the next 40 years.
The Labor Government has already provided $38.5 million redevelopment of the Eureka precinct, which includes upgrading Eureka Stadium, and revitalising C.E. Brown Reserve and the Wendouree Sports and Events Centre.
Quote attributable to Minister for Regional Development and Member for Western Victoria Jaala Pulford
“The first stage of the Eureka MARS Stadium development brought footy to Ballarat – this is the next step, and we’re getting on with it.”
Quote attributable to Member for Wendouree Sharon Knight
"This is a win for players, fans and our community that will secure the future of AFL footy in Ballarat."
Quote attributable to Member for Buninyong Geoff Howard
“We’re investing in the future of MARS Stadium to bring more footy, more visitors and more jobs to Ballarat.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020