The Gillard Labor Government will provide more than $2.7 million towards the redevelopment of Memorial Oval in Bankstown.
The announcement was made at the oval today by Minister for Infrastructure, Anthony Albanese, Labor Member for Banks, Daryl Melham, and Labor Member for Blaxland, Jason Clare.
They were joined by former Australian cricketers, Mark Waugh and Grahame Thomas.
The project, which is worth nearly $4.2 million in total, will involve the construction of a multipurpose indoor sports complex, a community education and conference centre as well as car parking, landscaping and associated infrastructure.
The sporting complex is also expected to include four indoor practice wickets with netting, two accessible change rooms and a gymnasium.
“This ground has already secured a place in the nation’s sporting history as the home of Steve and Mark Waugh, Jeff Thomson, Len Pascoe, Grahame Thomas and Steve Smith,” Anthony Albanese said.
“This redevelopment will make sure that Bankstown continues to train the next generation of Australian cricket legends.
“Importantly, it will support local jobs in Bankstown while making sure our young people and their families have a great facility for cricket, football, athletics and other community sports.
“The Memorial Oval redevelopment is an important part to Federal Labor’s plans to build stronger and healthier communities.”
Daryl Melham said Bankstown had a proud cricket tradition and he was very pleased to see this investment in our community.
“Memorial Oval has played host to men’s and women’s international games, Sheffield Shield and Ford Ranger Cup matches as well as community events for the NSW Deaf Cricket Association, the Blind Cricket Association, primary and secondary school sports carnivals and matches for children with special needs,” Daryl Melham said.
“The Bankstown District Cricket Club and Bankstown City Council have
worked very hard to bring this project together and Federal Labor’s investment will help make it a reality.”
Jason Clare said he welcomed the boost for local teams, schools, children and young people and sporting and community groups.
“The community education and conference centre will provide high quality facilities for local groups and will help bring more non-sporting events to Bankstown to boost our local economy,” Jason Clare said.
“This investment will make a big difference for our community and it’s another example of the Gillard Labor Government delivering for Bankstown.”
“This funding will be provided to Bankstown City Council and builds on
Federal Labor’s record investment in local infrastructure, such as the $3.15 million grant we have already delivered for the Bankstown Arts Centre,” Anthony Albanese concluded.
Funding for this contribution will be fully offset over the forward estimates, consistent with the Gillard Labor Government’s commitment to return the budget to surplus in three years.
Media Contact: Communications Unit T: (02) 9384 2220
