BRIGHTON OVAL COMPLEX UPGRADE DELIVERS BOOST FOR COMMUNITY

LOCAL residents and sporting clubs in Brighton will soon have access to bigger and better sporting facilities, with the first sod turned today on the Brighton Oval Complex upgrade.

Federal Member for Boothby Nicolle Flint said the new clubroom facilities would support the Brighton Football, Cricket, Rugby and Lacrosse clubs to grow as well as provide a place for the community to come together, support grassroots sport and be active.

“The Brighton Oval Complex upgrade will double the number of available changerooms at the site catering for the strong growth in participation we have seen at these fantastic local clubs, particularly for female players,” Ms Flint said.

“It will also provide a range of new spaces for the wider community.”

South Australian Minister for Sport, Recreation and Racing and Member for Gibson Corey Wingard said the funding provided by the Marshall Government showed its commitment to the local community and female sports by providing the facilities they needed to get involved.

“We are unlocking up to $24 million through our Grassroots Football, Cricket and Netball Program which has a focus on facilities which accommodate female sports.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Australian Government had committed $5 million as part of its commitment to support community and sporting infrastructure across the country.

“By investing in sports grounds like these, we are ensuring young people have the facilities they need to live active lives while also boosting the local economy by creating dozens of jobs during construction,” Mr McCormack said.

The upgrade will also improve the community space for families and spectators, providing a new playspace, shelters, seating and car parking.

It will also offer a new place for community and social groups to hold events and functions, bringing more money and business to Brighton when the project is complete in autumn 2021, weather permitting.

City of Holdfast Bay Mayor Amanda Wilson said the start of construction was an exciting milestone for the community.

“The Brighton Oval redevelopment has been many years in the planning and it is wonderful to see construction underway so we can deliver these great new facilities for the community,” Mayor Wilson said.

The project is jointly funded, with the Australian Government committing $5 million, the South Australian Government contributing $2 million and City of Holdfast Bay $6.7 million.