Funding is flowing and works progressing on the $8.2 million Goolwa Oval Recreation Precinct, delivering jobs and economic stimulus for the historic river port.
The project will create up to 57 jobs during construction, three ongoing jobs once finished, and leave a lasting recreational legacy for the region that will open up opportunities for sport and play into the future.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said the project will help improve the wellbeing of those in the community by providing more opportunities for recreational activities.
"This project is delivering a brand new facility that will open up opportunities for a range of activities for the community, including netball, football, cricket, hockey, lawn bowls and tennis," the Deputy Prime Minister said.
"This forms part of the Australian Government's commitment to towns across the nation like Goolwa to support critical infrastructure that promotes stable, secure and viable local and regional economies."
Senator for South Australia Andrew McLachlan CSC said the project is well underway, constructing new clubrooms with two sets of changing areas, a multipurpose social room, canteen and kitchen, plus office and administration areas.
"The project is also delivering the new sporting precinct, which will include upgraded and additional netball and tennis courts, new cricket training nets and storage areas, new oval and court lighting, and upgrades to open-space areas," Senator McLachlan said.
"This is an incredible selection of facilities, and I can't wait to see them completed and then open for the community to make use of."
South Australian Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development and Member for Finniss David Basham said the project aims to showcase how a traditional country town sports precinct can be reimagined to encourage physical activity participation by a much wider range of people including youth, seniors and people with a disability.
"This is a fantastic example of what is possible when all three levels of government work hand-in-hand to deliver for the community," Minister Basham said.
Mayor of Alexandrina Council Keith Parkes said the new facility will meet the needs of over 900 registered sporting club members across seven clubs who use the site.
"The project marks the start of works under our Goolwa Oval recreation Precinct Master Plan, a coordinated and strategic approach to the future redevelopment of the precinct centred on the community's needs now and in the future," Mayor Parkes said.
"It is fantastic news for the hundreds of frequent visitors, as well as those in our community yet to use the site, as this project is all about maximising the opportunities for locals to enjoy well-planned and high-quality sports and recreation infrastructure."
The project is expected to be complete by December 2022.
The Australian Government has committed $5 million through its Community Development Grants Programme to the Goolwa Oval Recreation Precinct, with Alexandrina Council providing $2.4 million and the South Australian Government providing $800,000.
