Tuesday, 23^rd October 2018

A smashing $2.35 million redevelopment of the Sale Tennis Club is underway, with local contractors starting works on the much anticipated project.

Upper House Member for Eastern Victoria, Harriet Shing lent a helping hand with a shovel in the dirt this morning to celebrate the start of construction.

Victorian sports clubs are the lifeblood of our suburbs, and they deserve modern, accessible, and safe facilities. The Andrews Government is getting on with delivering them.

Works will involve reconstructing two existing, and constructing two new, red porous courts which will meet official requirements for International Tennis Federation tournaments, and upgrading eight courts for club-level competitions.

Seating, shared pathways to connect facilities, court lighting for evening games and the clubhouse will also be improved, allowing the centre to attract higher grade tournaments and better cater to club level players and community.

Locally based RAL Constructions has been appointed to construct the pavilion while Drouin based Meluca Group has won the contract for the court works, with local jobs to be created throughout the build.

The Victorian Government is contributing $1 million to the project under the $85 million Latrobe Valley Sports and Community Initiative, administered by Latrobe Valley Authority.

It’s all part of our commitment to promoting sports and active recreation, and encouraging all Victorians to get involved and enjoy the sport and recreation they love.

In addition to this investment across Victoria we’ve invested more than $420 million in community sport and recreation facilities getting more people moving across the state and helping bring communities together.

It is backed by almost half a billion dollars in the Victorian Budget 2018/19 to ensure sport and active recreation continue to be accessible to everyone regardless of gender or location.

Ms Shing acknowledged Wellington Shire, Tennis Victoria and Sale Tennis Club for their commitment and financial contribution to the project.

The redevelopment is due for completion by mid 2019 and is one of seven major infrastructure projects being funded by the LVSCI.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Sport, John Eren

“The Andrews Government is giving local communities like Sale the facilities they need so more locals can play the sports they love.”

“It’s a great example of how the Andrews Government is making sport and recreation more accessible, welcoming and inclusive for all Victorians.”

 Quote attributable to Member for Eastern Region, Harriet Shing

“Today marks an exciting milestone for a much-anticipated project for the Wellington Shire and Gippsland community at large. Our $1 million contribution to this project is an investment into the sporting champions of tomorrow and the jobs of today.”

“Top class sporting facilities are a boon for our local users and bring the very best events from across the country, and the world, right here to Gippsland.”