THE Nationals' candidate for Ripon Scott Turner announced on Friday that a re-elected Victorian Coalition Government will invest $350,000 into the first two stages of redeveloping Gordon Street Oval.
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Mr Turner said the funding would begin a major transformation of the site from a dilapidated oval into a multi-use sporting complex, catering for a range of local sports including cricket, football, hockey, rugby and athletics.
The facility upgrade has been a major focus for Mr Turner during his election campaign, with the local candidate discussing the issue with a number of politicians including Deputy Premier Peter Ryan, Minister for Sport Damian Drum and Senator for Victoria Bridget McKenzie.
"Fixing up Gordon Street Oval has been a priority of mine both as an Ararat local and as The Nationals' candidate for Ripon," Mr Turner said.
"I have been lobbying the government for a funding commitment for this project and I am happy to announce $350,000 from a re-elected Coalition.
"Ararat is my home town and I know how important it is for the community to have additional quality sporting facilities. Not only this, but the oval has become an eyesore with its run-down change rooms and poor ground conditions. There has only been minor maintenance of the grounds over the past 20 or so years."
Should the Coalition be re-elected at this Saturday's State Election, their first step in this project will be to facilitate the transfer of the 5.3 hectare parcel of land into the ownership of Ararat Rural City Council.
The property is currently owned by the Education Department.
"Stage one of the Gordon Street Sporting Complex redevelopment will then include renovating the existing building at the oval to provide toilet, meeting, change room and catering facilities," Mr Turner said.
“Stage two will upgrade the oval with ground resurfacing, fencing, drainage and an underground watering system. Rugby bars will also be fitted to the existing AFL goal posts so the oval can be used for both sports.”
Mr Turner commended Ararat Rural City Council, which has already allocated some reserve funds towards the project, and the community for their determination to see this development go ahead.
“It is really important that towns like Ararat have access to quality sporting and community facilities and it’s something I have been fighting for - and will continue to fight for - if I am elected.
“The Nationals, in Coalition, have also committed $765,000 for the Alexandra Oval and Gardens precinct and $2.5 million for the Ararat Active program if re-elected.
“Under a Coalition Government Ararat will become a real sporting hub, which will encourage more people into sport and help to attract new residents to the town.”