Members of the Yarrawonga Mulwala Basketball Association, Member for Nicholls Damian Drum, candidates for the forthcoming election and Moira Shire Mayor Libro Mustica join Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce at the site of the Yarrawonga Multisport Stadium.
The future development of the Yarrawonga Multisport Stadium project has been given a boost with a continued Federal Government funding commitment for stages two and three.
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Stage two will include two additional multisport courts while stage three will include an indoor pool facility including changerooms, toilets and showers.
In a press conference held at the Yarrawonga Multisport Stadium site on Monday, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce joined Member for Nicholls Damian Drum to meet with stakeholders and examine the site.
Deputy Prime Minister Joyce speaks with Secondary College students while studying the artists impressions of the stadium.
When asked if the Federal Government is committed to the second and third stages as they have already granted funding the first, the answer was pleasing for local residents.
“History would have to say yes we are. The Federal Government has got a great record to, if we need an additional small sum at the end to finish this project off, that is the least of our worries,” Mr Drum answered.
“Once we’re in, you will find that we are in.
“The Yarrawonga Multisport Stadium has been among Moira Shire Council’s top priorities for a while now, and I’m so proud to have got this one over the line.
“Securing funding for these projects takes time and it takes effort. We put the effort in and found a way. And now the money is on the table to make this important community project a reality.
“Once complete, people right across the Yarrawonga and Mulwala communities will benefit from this fantastic new facility. Its close proximity to the education precinct means school students can use it during the day, while sporting and community groups will have access in the evenings.
“It will bring people together and help these communities grow. This is a project locals deserve and our government is thrilled to be delivering it.”
Recently Mr Drum announced a $3.3 million funding injection from the Federal Government, guaranteeing the last of the funding needed to get the project started.
With Yarrawonga currently attaining limited indoor sports facilities, with some existing courts in the area not meeting current training and competition standards and the population of Yarrawonga and Mulwala expected to reach 16,244 people by 2031, delivering new and improved facilities is essential to meeting the needs of these growing regional communities.
Deputy Prime Minister Joyce said the government is continuing to deliver the projects regional communities need.
“This is a great day. This is a great announcement,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
“Our government believes regional Australians should have access to the same opportunities and services that people in capital cities take for granted.
“That’s why we’re continuing to invest in community infrastructure projects like this one, to ensure our regional communities are the best places to live, work and visit.
“Once complete, the Yarrawonga Multisport Stadium will be a place for sport and recreation, teaching and learning, community events and community health and wellbeing.”
This new complex will ensure local schools and sporting and community groups can access modern facilities and courts as they grow into the future, supporting jobs, keeping locals active and boosting social connections.
Yarrawonga Mulwala Lakers Basketballer Darcy Bigger shows off his basketball skills to Barnaby Joyce.
Yarrawonga Mulwala Basketball Association President and long-time advocate of the stadium Amanda Wheaton said it is nice to see the Deputy Prime Minister come to Yarrawonga to acknowledge the project.
“To get it recognised at the highest level shows the importance of the project to the town,” Ms Wheaton said.
“We could not be happier that the project is so close to getting off the ground.”
Moira Shire Mayor Libro Mustica said it is fantastic to finally be able to deliver this project for Yarrawonga and the wider community.
“We are very grateful for the Federal Government coming on board for this project,” Mustica said.
“This project is going to make its mark on Yarrawonga especially with the growth Yarrawonga will have and I can’t wait to have it completed.
“I mean if you can have the vision to look 15 years into the future and see what we are going to create here, it is going to be one of the best stadiums in the regions of Victoria.”
Member for Ovens Valley Tim McCurdy also thanked Mr Joyce for assisting with resources through funding and coming to Yarrawonga as he travels through the regions.
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