Joint release between Minister for Education and Training Simon Birmingham and Minister for Regional Development, Territories and Local Government John McVeigh
Works on the iconic Edwardstown Oval in Marion have begun with the first ground broken on the redevelopment, which has been backed by $4 million in funding from the Turnbull Government.
Minister for Regional Development, Territories and Local Government John McVeigh said he was proud to see the delivery of another federal election commitment.
“This project will support the local economy by creating 39 jobs during construction, and another 17 ongoing jobs once complete in early 2019, continuing our commitment to support regional communities,” Dr McVeigh said.
“The extensive development of a new two storey recreation centre is an investment in grassroots sport for the region that will encourage participation in sport.”
Minister for Education and Training and Senator for South Australia Simon Birmingham who attended the ground breaking ceremony said the transformation of Edwardstown Oval would provide local residents with a state of the art facility for them to use and enjoy for decades to come.
“The local community has been crying out for this upgrade for years, and we have worked closely with the City of Marion to deliver this project that will address the shortage of local recreation and sporting facilities,” Minister Birmingham said.
“The $4 million the Turnbull Government has invested in this project is demonstration of our ongoing commitment to infrastructure projects that benefit South Australians.”
Mayor of City of Marion Kris Hanna said the long-awaited redevelopment would transform the ageing site
“Edwardstown Oval will be transformed into a new home for sport and the community,” Mayor Hanna said.
“The oval will be a modern complex, popular with cyclists, cricketers, lawn bowlers and the community. The memorial garden area will be enhanced for Anzac Day services and other memorial events.”
The project will construct a two storey multi-use function centre, incorporating community rooms, change rooms and viewing balconies. The project will also reconfigure the existing oval and velodrome, and extend the carpark.
This project was jointly funded with the Australian Government contributing $4 million, the South Australian Government $18,500 and the City of Marion $4.81 million.