Works have officially commenced at Lord Nelson Park Multipurpose Sporting Facility in St Arnaud after Northern Grampians Shire Council conducted a sod turning ceremony on Monday, May 3.
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Kara Kara Ward councillor Tony Driscoll and federal government Member for Mallee, Dr Anne Webster presided over the ceremony held at 2.30pm on the former grounds of the now demolished Tote building.
Northern Grampians Shire Council Mayor, Cr Murray Emerson, expressed his gratitude to all the funding bodies that contributed to the project and have made it possible to achieve the community's vision.
"This is a massive journey," he said.
"We're coming from what have been described as the worst change facilities in the state, not our words, but those of the AFL.
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"For our community the time has come to reach the next exciting phase.
"We've had a lot of community input across the years on this project including the current advisory committee and all of the user groups who have worked hard to pull this project together; this is a community precinct for all."
The $3.9 million sporting facility project has received funding from multiple sources including $700,000 from the Victorian Government Sport and Recreation Victoria Local Sports Grant, $500,000 from the Federal Government Sports Australia Community Sports Infrastructure Grant and $100,000 from the AFL Key Communities Facilities Fund.
The Northern Grampians Shire Council has committed to supplying the balance for the facility project of $2.6 million.
The St Arnaud community is making a significant contribution of $150,000 to the landscaping and enhancing the new facility surrounds.
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On completion, the building will provide St Arnaud residents and visitors with a multipurpose facility for sports and community events equipped with various indoor and outdoor spaces, all abilities and female friendly amenities and commercial grade catering capabilities.
Dr Anne Webster said the new venue will address a lack of female facilities at Lord Nelson Park and encourage increased participation in a range of sports.
"Lord Nelson Park is regarded as one of the main sporting venues in the North Central Region of Victoria and is home to sports including football, netball, harness racing, hockey and cricket," Dr Webster said.
"The park also hosts the St Arnaud Agricultural Show. However, the existing facilities are somewhat dilapidated now and no longer fit for purpose, so I'm pleased to see work begin on what I know will be a well-utilised venue, and a wonderful community asset."
Further information and updates regarding the project can be viewed at www.ngshire.vic.gov.au/Lord-Nelson-Park
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