The Nationals Member for Shepparton District, Kim O’Keeffe, continues to lobby for the redevelopment of the Shepparton Sports Stadium but highlighted a significant hurdle in securing funding for the project. Despite years of advocacy, the progress hinges on the completion of a detailed design.
“I have been lobbying for this redevelopment for many years, and it is something that the Coalition committed to at both the last federal and state elections,” Ms O’Keeffe said.
The project has evolved from an initial extension upgrade to a redevelopment plan, including a 3000-seat show court.
It has been a top priority, with Ms O’Keeffe raising the issue in Parliament and discussing it with the Minister for Community Sport, Ros Spence. However, Ms Spence highlighted that any progress is stalled without a completed funding application, which requires a detailed design and costing.
Ms Spence said that the Victorian Government “works primarily with local councils to identify and support infrastructure projects through dedicated grant programs”.
“I am advised that the Victorian Government has not received a funding application for the Shepparton Sport and Events Centre,” Ms Spence said.
“I therefore encourage all stakeholders to continue developing the proposal and seek capital through future funding opportunities as they become available.”
The need for a ‘shovel ready’ project was emphasised by Ms O’Keeffe, who has been informed that the council is revisiting and advancing the design to reach this phase.
“The council is progressing a detailed design, and until that is completed, we cannot request funding,” Ms O’Keeffe said.
The blueprint from the previous design outlines contributions of $15 million from Local Government, $25 million from the Federal Government, and $20 million from the State Government.
“Our current stadium is not fit for purpose, and our sporting clubs and community deserve so much better,” Ms O’Keeffe said.
“I will continue to lobby for this project, but that cannot happen until we have a detailed design and a shovel-ready project.”