GREATER Shepparton City Council is again advocating Federal and State Governments and opposition to contribute significant funds to redevelop Greater Shepparton Sports Stadium.
Originally built in the 1970s, the stadium supports more than 150 local sporting clubs with an estimated 15,000 members, but its outdated facilities mean it falls short of being the premier event centre a regional city the size of Shepparton deserves.
Council believes that the outdated stadium hinders their ability to attract significant tournaments and events to the region, providing a barrier to improve social and economic outcomes for Greater Shepparton.
Greater Shepparton Major Events Program brings in $62M per annum, which Council believes could be increased with an improved venue catering for sporting events and a range of other large events, with seating for up to 3,000 spectators.
They are asking the Australian Government to contribute $20M to the re-development of the Shepparton Sports Stadium into a Shepparton Sports & Events Centre. Council is also asking the Victorian Government to contribute $8M, with Council contributing $4M towards the redevelopment.
Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali, said the project is shovel ready with a design that enables a staged approach, less disruption to users of the stadium and is mindful of the constrained economic conditions of the Australian and Victorian Governments.
“The project is more than just a Sports and Events Centre; it will be a significant regional hub that services the six surrounding municipalities. The redevelopment will provide for large-scale events at state, national and international standards and cater for additional activities such as dance, boxing, judo, taekwondo, pickleball and other multisport and non-sporting events,” he said.
“The economic benefit of attracting major events flows through to our local businesses, with accommodation and hospitality providers set to benefit, as well as other visitor experiences and attractions.”
Federal Member for Nicholls, Sam Birrell MP also announced that a Dutton-Littleproud Coalition government will invest $20M to expand the Shepparton Sports Stadium if elected.
