Federal Member for Nicholls Sam Birrell has announced that a Dutton-Littleproud Coalition government will invest $20 million dollars to expand the Shepparton Sports Stadium.
“This is a major commitment that I have been working on for seven months, ever since Greater Shepparton City Council adopted a revised $32 million stadium project,” Mr Birrell said.
“In making this funding commitment I acknowledge Councils strong advocacy for expanding and modernising the stadium which is a top priority for the community and the many thousands of people who use the facility every week.
“The scope of the project has changed significantly from the last election but my commitment, and the commitment of the Nationals hasn’t.”
The current stadium was built in the 1970s and does not meet the requirements for major basketball tournaments and is non-compliant for other sports such as netball and badminton.
“The fact is the city has outgrown the current stadium, and it needs a significant upgrade to support the growth in basketball, particularly youth teams,” Mr Birrell said.
“Other indoor sports such as pickleball, badminton, volleyball, table tennis and wheelchair sports also require better facilities.
Designs for a $32 million extension that wraps around the existing stadium which will house four new basketball/netball/multi-use national standard compliant courts.
The new show court will have seating for 3,000 spectators.
“Greater Shepparton has hosted many national and even international sporting events as part of a clear tourism and economic development strategy,” Mr Birrell said.
“A new Shepparton Sports & Events Centre would build significantly on this successful strategy, bringing more events, more people and more economic activity to the region,” Mr Birrell said.
Mr Birrell said all levels of government need to get behind the stadium project.
“The Nationals are infrastructure builders but the Echuca-Moama Bridge, delivering faster and more frequent rail services for Shepparton and the Shepparton Art Museum were all partnerships with other tiers of government.
