Victoria Park will receive its largest ever grant of $11.3 million to redevelop the site as part of the Federal Government’s Growing Regions Program.
The project will feature a new community, events, and emergency relief centre, and the development of a new grandstand and change rooms.
“I’m delighted to announce that we received a grant from the Federal Government from the growing regions fund of over $11.3 million for the redevelopment of the Victoria Park sporting precinct” Campaspe Shire Mayor Rob Amos said.
“This is a multigenerational project that is going to be fantastic for ... all the user groups here.”
The Victoria Park precinct refurbishment master plan was released in 2018, with updated plans for the space made over the past 18 months.
“This project forms part of the broader Victoria Park and Scenic Trail master plan and will connect to future projects including proposed cultural trails, nature walks, boat ramp and car park upgrades,” Cr Amos said.
“We have identified that Victoria Park urgently requires redevelopment to cater to a growing community and visitor economy as well as establishing an adequate relief centre during emergencies, especially after the devastating October 2022 flood disaster which impacted Echuca and surrounds.”
Campaspe Shire Council has committed $2 million for the project, totalling $13.3 million.
Echuca Football and Netball Club president Justin Hatfield said the refurbishments were a “game changer”, and was grateful to council for the work it has done to secure funding.
“On behalf of all the user groups ... we’d love to say a big ‘thank you’ for all the hard work the Campaspe Shire has done,” he said.
“They’ve done an amazing job over the last few years to present this and make this a great facility for future generations to come.”
Echuca Cricket Club president John Moyle said the whole league was excited, with their club outgrowing the current space in recent years.
“Our junior system is great, but our junior system and our club, like the football club, actually have outgrown the facility, and it does need an upgrade,” Mr Moyle said.
“We’re extremely grateful and excited about the funding that’s been received.”
Both clubs embrace the new change rooms and facilities, with female and all abilities access enabling greater inclusivity in sport.
“From a cricket point of view and from a user group point of view, we couldn’t be happier,” Mr Moyle said.
“It will be inclusive; we want the girls to feel as comfortable and as welcome at Vic Park as the boys have for a period of time.”
The redevelopment includes a 400-seat grandstand with a timekeepers’ box and lift; a community facility including change rooms; and a function space with capacity of up to 250 seated and 400 standing guests.
The new facilities will be all-abilities accessible, including the grandstand, scoreboard, change rooms and function centre.
“This is ... where the Campaspe Shire is heading with all our facilities, that all users of all abilities can have access to these types of grounds and stadiums,” Cr Amos said.
Council expects the project to start this financial year, as permits and designs are complete. They are grateful for the community’s help in their funding application.
“On behalf of council I would also like to extend our sincere appreciation to all of the organisations who provided letters of support to boost our application and contributed to this achievement,” Cr Amos said.