State Member for Shepparton Kim O’Keeffe has called on Community Sport Minister Ros Spence to provide funding for the redevelopment of the Shepparton Sports and Event Centre.
Speaking in parliament last week, Ms O’Keeffe emphasised the need for fair distribution of the $2 billion Regional Funding Package following the cancellation of the regional Commonwealth Games.
“The Shepparton Sports and Events Centre is a top-priority project that is ready to go with completed design and costings,” Ms O’Keeffe said.
“The community has totally outgrown the current facility and both Basketball Victoria and the Greater Shepparton City Council have nominated this project as one of their highest priorities.”
The current building was built in 1972, and the redevelopments would include a new facility with a 3000-seat show court.
This multi-purpose venue would offer economic opportunities for the region by hosting major sporting tournaments and other big events.
“You can’t get a seat at a Gators game with the current limited seating capacity, and Shepparton is missing out on national and state basketball tournaments due to the facility not being up to standard,” Ms O’Keeffe said.
“We have been lobbying for this stadium redevelopment for a long time and this is an opportunity to make it happen.
“In the absence of the games and the economic and social benefits this would have provided, I believe it’s crucial that we prioritise the redevelopment of the Shepparton Sports and Event Centre.”