Friday, March 22^nd 2019

Work is now underway to build the Gippsland Regional Aquatic Centre (GRAC) and transform the Traralgon Indoor Sports Stadium, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government.

Minister for Regional Development Jaclyn Symes joined Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing in Traralgon to announce the start of works at the site of the Gippsland Regional Aquatic Centre redevelopment.

The Labor Government has invested $63 million in the aquatic centre and indoor sports stadium projects, as part of the $85 million Latrobe Valley Sports and Community Initiative (LVSCI).

The Aquatic Centre will include a 50-metre competition pool with spectator seating, a 25-metre outdoor pool, warm water pool, indoor water play areas, water slides, gym, geothermal heating and a wellness centre.

The Traralgon Indoor Sports Stadium will be expanded to include additional courts for netball, basketball, badminton and other indoor sports, allowing it to host large-scale events.

More LVSCI major recreation project upgrades are underway across the Latrobe Valley, including the Latrobe City Sports and Entertainment Stadium, and several community reserves.

The construction blitz is creating local jobs, with up to 120 workers expected to be on site at the peak of the GRAC building cycle, plus an anticipated 275 ongoing operational and support roles at the completed facilities.

Discussions with local sub-contractors are taking place and the Industry Capability Network and GROW Gippsland have been engaged to ensure maximum opportunity for local work on these projects.

As designated Victorian Industry Participation Policy initiatives, both the aquatic centre and the indoor sports stadium projects will use 90 per cent local content.

Construction of the aquatic centre and the indoor sport stadium is expected to be completed by 2020.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Development Jaclyn Symes

“We’re ensuring the Latrobe Valley community has access to world class sporting facilities in their own backyard.”

“The state-of-the-art aquatic centre and indoor sport stadium will provide benefits to the region for generations to come.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing

“This state of the art Aquatic Centre will be a huge boost for local pride, competition and liveability in the Valley and it’s just one part of our record investment across the region.”

“Projects like this are creating local jobs, improving health and wellbeing and will also bring more world-class competition and events to Gippsland for locals to enjoy.”