MP secures $2M for Stage 1 Mt Barker Sports Hub
Posted September 03, 2019
Federal Member for Mayo Rebekha Sharkie has welcomed the announcement of an extra $2 million to finish off Stage 1 of the Mount Barker Regional Sports Hub worth just over $23 million.
Photograph: Federal Member for Mayo Rebekha Sharkie, left, and Mount Barker Mayor Ann Ferguson on the site of the Mount Barker Sports Hub.
The money, secured by the Centre Alliance MP in recent months, will add to the $8 million pledged by the Federal Government in 2018; the $8.15 million contribution from the Mount Barker District Council; $3.775 million from the State Government and $300,000 from peak sporting bodies.
It means the Council now has the full amount required to build an oval for AFL football and cricket with changerooms and lighting, two synthetic soccer pitches with change rooms and lighting, storage sheds and other infrastructure such as parking, fencing, stormwater and landscaping.
“With the population of the Mount Barker district expected to grow from around 34,000 to 55,416 by 2036, we need to meet the demand for recreational facilities as well as upgrading our road networks and waste water facilities,” Rebekha said.
“We want an active and connected community and sport plays an important role in building health and happy communities.
“I meet regularly with all our local councils to hear firsthand what their priorities are for each area.
“The sports hub is a priority for Mount Barker so I was really pleased to advocate on behalf of the Council and secure the final bit of funding needed to get this project over the line.”
Mayor Ann Ferguson said securing the funds for Stage 1 had been a “dream” initiated by the Mount Barker Football Club in collaboration with the Council.
“Because of this dream we acquired this land and now it’s coming to fruition, it is a dream coming true,” Mayor Ferguson said.
“Once the heavy machinery comes in and we can start to see the sports hub taking shape, the community will begin to see this vision and share in our excitement.”
The overall sports hub project is expected to cost $38 million and when finished will include two ovals for football and cricket, four soccer pitches, eight netball courts, six tennis courts and 12 cricket practice wickets.
The extra $2 million has been allocated from the Community Development Grants Programme.