A $2 million redevelopment of the Latrobe Leisure Moe Newborough sports stadium is complete.
And local netballers and basketballers didn’t waste any time hitting the new court, after the revamped complex was officially opened by Sports Minister James Merlino today.
The centre – jointly funded by the Brumby Labor Government, Commonwealth Government and Latrobe City Council – provides a major boost for community netball, badminton, volleyball and basketball clubs in the Latrobe Valley and caters for their growing needs.
“Strong sporting clubs support stronger communities and stronger families,” Mr Merlino said.
“Strong sporting clubs support stronger communities and stronger families.”
“That’s why the Brumby Labor Government is taking action to ensure communities have the facilities they need to encourage healthy, active involvement in all forms of sport.
“The new sprung timber court is a welcome addition to the stadium and will provide a boost for clubs in the Latrobe Valley facing the pressures of limited court space.”
The stadium refurbishments include the new multipurpose court, as well as group fitness and meeting room, kiosk, first aid room, new staff administration, entrance and reception area.
“This complements the existing three stadium multipurpose courts and the rest of the Latrobe Leisure Moe Newborough facilities including the fully equipped gym, heated pool, male and female saunas, cycling track, spa, and squash court,” Mr Merlino said.
Member for Eastern Victoria Matt Viney said the Brumby Labor Government provided $750,000 to the project, which would add capacity for sports clubs across the Latrobe Valley.
“The bigger stadium will allow local clubs to further develop sporting pathways and host major tournaments that showcase up and coming players and attract even more spectators to home competitions and games,” Mr Viney said.
“We don’t want any Victorians to miss out on the benefits of sport and recreation, which is why we are committed to improving the quality and accessibility of local sporting facilities.
“Hopefully this will inspire even more people to support our local teams, get active and involved in all the new sporting possibilities at the stadium.
“This project is another example of how we’re taking action to ensure communities have the facilities they need to encourage healthy, active involvement in all forms of sport.”
Mr Merlino congratulated the Latrobe Shire Council which contributed $750,000 towards the project with a further $500,000 contribution coming out of the Federal Governments Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program.
The project forms part of the Brumby Labor Government's targeted support for drought-affected farming families and farming communities which has totalled more than $400 million since 2006.