Tuesday, 23 October 2018

The transformation of the Gippsland Regional Aquatic Centre and the Traralgon Indoor Sports Stadium is set to ramp up thanks to the approval of a $10 million loan from the Andrews Labor Government.

Minister for Sport John Eren and Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing today announced that Latrobe City Council will be able to begin additional upgrades at both venues to benefit the community as well as attract the big events, thanks to the Community Sports Infrastructure Loans Scheme (CSILS).

Sport and recreation are the lifeblood of Victorian communities and the Labor Government is ensuring communities like those in the Valley have first class facilities available.

The Labor Government recently kicked in $46 million to the Gippsland Regional Aquatic Centre on top of the extra $8 million loan. The money will see the development of a 50 metre competition pool with spectator seating, 25 metre outdoor pool, warm water pool, indoor water play areas, water slides, gym, wellness centre and more.

At the Traralgon Sports Stadium redevelopment will go up a gear with the $2 million loan supporting the Labor Government’s $17 million investment which will deliver four additional indoor courts including a new FIBA show court with seating for 3,000 spectators, changerooms and an activity centre complete with gym.

It is expected the upgrades will increase the number of sports programs on offer, boost participation, help the venues attract and stage big events and strengthen community ties.

The $100 million CSILS provides low-interest loans of between $500,000 and $10 million for councils, clubs and organisations to improve or develop new community sport and recreation infrastructure.

Since November 2014 the Labor Government has invested more than $420 million in community sport and recreation facilities.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Sport John Eren

“Community sport is vital for our regional areas – this investment will encourage the Latrobe Valley community to participate and engage in sporting, recreational and social activities.”

“We are working together with local councils to make local sport and recreation more welcoming, inclusive and accessible for all Victorians.”

Quote attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing

“We’re delighted to provide the Valley with the new facilities they need so locals can attract big events and play the sports they love in their own backyard.”

Quote attributable to Cricket Victoria CEO Andrew Ingleton

“Cricket’s partnership with the Victorian Government and Latrobe City Council will provide local cricketers from the entry level through to high performance with facilities that support skill development while also fostering participation growth, particularly by girls and women across the region.”