The Mill Park Basketball Stadium is set for a transformation, thanks to a $1 million funding boost from the Victorian Government’s Community Sports Infrastructure Stimulus Program.

Member for Mill Park, Lily D’ Ambrosio today announced that the project is one of 27 to benefit from a share in more than $68 million from the stimulus program.

This investment recognises the overwhelming demand for shovel-ready community sports infrastructure and is part of the Victorian Government’s $2.7 billion Building Works package creating jobs and kick-starting vital projects across the state.

The project will include the redevelopment of existing infrastructure at the Mill Park Basketball Stadium to provide female friendly and accessible amenities. Additional functional improvements include family change and public amenities, additional storage and first aid spaces, office and reception reconfiguration, canteen and kitchen facilities and ESD improvements to the HVAC system.

Once complete the project will provide inclusive participation opportunities for a range of disadvantaged and underrepresented groups including women and girls, Aboriginal people, people with a disability and those from low socio-economically disadvantaged communities.

The facility will provide a perfect base for Whittlesea City Basketball Association, Mill Park Secondary College, Sport Stadiums Victoria and the broader Whittlesea community to develop programs, train, host games and events.

This investment is about helping grassroots sports communities get back in the game when the time is right.

From sports field lighting upgrades at multiple sites to new indoor sports courts, investments like these provide high-quality and accessible places for Victorians to reap the benefits of sport and active recreation participation.

By working with local government authorities, alpine resort boards and sporting clubs and organisations, the program is fast-tracking shovel-ready community sports infrastructure projects across Victoria and is expected to create almost $140 million in local economic activity.

This includes jobs in construction and supply chains with benefits for local businesses through the Victorian Government’s Local Jobs First requirements which will be built into contracts.

The program is part of the more than $915 million in Victorian Government investment in community sport and recreation infrastructure since 2014.

Ms D’ Ambrosio acknowledged the City of Whittlesea for their commitment and financial contribution to the project.

For more information about infrastructure grant opportunities available through the Victorian Government visit www.sport.vic.gov.au

Quotes attributable to Member for Mill Park, Lily D’ Ambrosio

“This investment will support the local economy and create jobs – and support the growing number of people in Mill Park keen to get involved in sport and recreation.”

“We’re making sport and recreation more accessible, welcoming and inclusive for all Victorians by giving communities the facilities they need.”