Senator the Hon Bridget McKenzie
Minister for Regionalisation, Regional Communications and Regional Education
Senator the Hon Richard Colbeck
Minister for Sport
Sam Birrell
Nationals Candidate for Nicholls
Steve Brooks
Liberals Candidate for Nicholls
The Coalition Government is committing $25 million towards the upgrade and expansion of the
Shepparton Sports Stadium, to transform it into the new Shepparton Sports and Events Centre.
Originally built in 1972, this funding means the centre will be able to meet local demand and effectively
compete with other regional cities for significant sporting events such as state and national
championships.
With a significant upgrade and expansion of the existing Shepparton Sports Stadium, the new Sports and
Events Centre will enable Shepparton to host elite netball and basketball events and sporting
competitions.
Minister for Regionalisation, Regional Communications and Regional Education, Bridget McKenzie, said
the redevelopment will transform the aging centre into a state-of-the-art modern sports and events
facility to service athletes from the wider Goulburn and Murray regions, benefiting a population of
around 220,000 people.
“The new Shepparton Sports and Events Centre will create a regionally and nationally significant
sporting, entertainment and events centre for a broad community,” Minister McKenzie said.
“Only a Coalition Government will stand up for regional Australia and we believe that all Australians
should have access to quality community services, regardless of where they live.
“Upgrading the centre will create around 235 local jobs during construction and generate an additional
24,000 visitors annually, which is part of our government’s plan for a strong economy and stronger
future.
“The commitment continues the Coalition Government’s real and practical support for this dynamic
region, including contributing to fund community facilities like $15 million towards construction of the
new Shepparton Art Museum and $2.5 million towards the new Museum of Vehicle Evolution.”
Minister for Sport, Richard Colbeck, said the Coalition Government’s commitment to support regional
sport was more important than ever.
“We understand the power of sport, particularly local competition, and how it can bring a community
together,” Minister Colbeck said.
“This has never been more important as we continue to recover from the impact of the pandemic.
“This funding boost for Shepparton Sports and Events Centre will not only reinforce local competition, it
will also be key in strengthening the fabric of the community.”
Nationals candidate for Nicholls, Sam Birrell, said the commitment to redevelop the complex includes
the construction of six basketball, netball, multi-use national compliant courts, a 3000-seat retractable
grandstand, new amenities, administration hub and external works.
“Once redeveloped, the Shepparton Sports and Events Centre will have the capacity to host elite netball
and basketball events and sporting competitions, as well as host concerts and cultural events. This feeds
into the visitor economy strategy that Greater Shepparton has so successfully implanted over the past
few years.
“The development of this project should reinvigorate the conversation about Greater
Shepparton hosting 2026 Commonwealth Games events after the region was forgotten by the Victorian
Government,” Mr Birrell said.
Liberal candidate for Nicholls, Steve Brooks, said the funding commitment will help Shepparton to
provide a top-level sporting and events facility that will create hundreds of jobs in its construction stage
and bring thousands of visitors to the region.
“The funding commitment will mean the Shepparton community can build upon its sporting and cultural
prowess and build another very important facility in an already successful regional precinct,” Mr Brooks
said.
Minister McKenzie said because of COVID, regional Australia has never been a more attractive place to
live for millions of Australians.
“As the only political party from regional Australia that understands this, we stand ready to meet these
challenges. The Coalition is managing these challenges, so that key local infrastructure like this is not left
behind,” Minister McKenzie said.
Only the Coalition has a plan to deliver a strong economy and stronger future for Nicholls.
Media contacts:
Minister McKenzie: David Edghill, 0477 417 516
Minister Colbeck: Aaron Langmaid, 0456 889 018
Sam Birrell: 0448 357 133
Steve Brooks: 0419 446 588