Two major sporting precincts will be upgraded under the South Australian Government’s plan to upgrade the state’s sporting infrastructure.
The funding from the 2020/21 State Budget Sport Fund includes $12 million for Stage Two upgrade works at SA’s home of netball in Mile End, $5 million towards an $18 million facelift for Thebarton Oval, and $5 million in additional funding towards the $19 million upgrade to the State Centre of Football.
The funding is in addition to projects already announced, such as the second stage for the Memorial Drive Tennis Centre redevelopment, upgrades to Hindmarsh Stadium, expansion to the Grassroots Grants Program and additional funding to the Regional and Districts Facilities Program.
Premier Steve Marshall said the sporting infrastructure projects will create jobs for South Australians.
“Our investment is a game changer for sport at all levels and will cement our state as one of the leading sporting cities in the nation,” Marshall said.
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“These projects will create hundreds of jobs during construction, support local businesses and significantly boost our economy.”
The funding announcement coincides with the release of the State Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Plan, a roadmap for what South Australia needs to build from scratch and what existing facilities need upgrades.
Recreation, Sport and Racing Minister Corey Wingard, said the plan will lead South Australia into a golden sporting era and help the state bounce back from the crippling financial impacts of COVID-19.
“The comprehensive work that went into the plan started long before we were thrown into a global health crisis but delivering on key projects outlined within it will help us navigate out of the troubling times we find ourselves in,” Wingard said.
“The first projects under this plan are expected to create hundreds of jobs during construction and boost our economy significantly.
“We’ve already seen what can happen when money is invested wisely in worthwhile infrastructure projects.”
Wingard said the potential for the state is massive and the plan will help position it as a global destination for major sporting events.
“Not only that, we’re committed to upgrading facilities at the grassroots level too because we know how important it is for everyone in our community to be active and healthy,” Wingard said.
“The plan is underpinned by extensive research and consultation with councils, sporting codes and other key stakeholders.
“This is a 20-year road map. More than 230 projects were identified as needing upgrades and if we can start to deliver on some of them immediately, all South Australians will benefit for many years to come.”