The Victorian government's new $10 million package for improvements to eight VFL grounds is part of a push to continue supporting grassroots sport, with the Sports Minister commenting that the move is one of the keys to building stronger and more liveable communities across the state.
FROM THE MINISTER FOR SPORT AND RECREATION
DATE: Wednesday, May 7, 2008
VFL GROUNDS SCORE $10 MILLION BUDGET BOOST
The Box Hill City Oval will get a $600,000 boost to complete its redevelopment as part of a $10 million boost for VFL grounds across Victoria revealed in the 2008-09 State Budget yesterday.
Sport and Recreation Minister James Merlino, who today visited the home of the Box Hill Hawks with Mitcham MP Tony Robinson and Burwood MP Bob Stensholt, said the redevelopment of the oval would include upgrading the main pavilion, coaches boxes, canteen and cricket pavilion.
“The Brumby Labor Government understands that supporting grassroots sport is one of the keys to building stronger and more liveable communities across the state,” Mr Merlino said.
“This investment in the Box Hill City Oval is helping to ensure future viability of the football and cricket clubs that use the ground, while also delivering a better sporting facility for the local community.”
Mr Merlino said the $10 million package in the 2008-09 State Budget for eight VFL grounds includes $3 million for Williamstown’s historic Burbank Oval, $2.5 million for a new Craigieburn oval and $1.4 million for the Northern Bullants’ Preston City Oval.
“This is all part of our plan to ensure more economically sustainable VFL football clubs are able to nurture and provide pathways for up-and-coming talent, while encouraging participation across the state,” he said.
“Australian Rules Football is a way of life in Victoria and this funding will help to support the future of the VFL competition and reaffirm our reputation as the premier state football competition.”
Mr Robinson and Mr Stensholt said the funding for Box Hill City Oval was a boost for the Hawks, Box Hill Cricket Club and the whole community.
“The Oval has been an important part of the local community and a sporting focal point in Box Hill since its construction in 1937,” Mr Robinson said.
“This funding will provide a better facility for everyone associated with the ground, from players and club members, to spectators and officials,” Mr Stensholt said.
The full funding package for VFL grounds in the 2008-09 State Budget includes:
• $600,000 for Box Hill City Oval (Box Hill Hawks); • $538,000 for Casey Fields (Casey Scorpions); • $2.5 million for the Craigieburn greenfield development (Coburg Tigers); • $1.4 million for Preston City Oval (Northern Bullants); • $1 million TEAC Oval (Port Melbourne Boroughs); • $462,000 for the Trevor Barker Beach Oval (Sandringham Zebras); • $500,000 for the Bartercard Oval (Werribee Tigers); and • $3 million for the Burbank Oval (Williamstown Seagulls)
Mr Merlino said the VFL home grounds for North Ballarat and Frankston would also benefit from Brumby Labor Government funding.
“The AUSTAR Arena in Ballarat will receive $306,000 from the Victorian Government’s Drought Relief for Community Sport and Recreation Program for major works on ground surface, drainage and watering infrastructure,” he said.
The Brumby Labor Government also committed $3.45 million earlier this year towards the $10.25 million redevelopment of Frankston Park, which will be established as the new home of the St Kilda Football Club.
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