The Allan Labor Government is delivering a world-class athletics track for Ballarat, announcing work on the project will soon kick-off.
Premier Jacinta Allan today announced that Victorian-based Ausdecom will start works to transform the former Ballarat Showgrounds to create the Ballarat Major Events Precinct with new sporting facilities and public spaces.
The initial works on the former showgrounds site will include demolishing existing infrastructure and preparing the land for the athletics track. The Ballarat Agricultural and Pastoral Society recently vacated the site as part of its relocation to a new home in Mount Rowan.
Delivered as part of the Labor Government's Regional Sports Infrastructure Program, Eureka Stadium will also be upgraded - delivering 5,000 new permanent seats and better accessibility across the Eureka Precinct.
Just down the road, the Ballarat Sports Events Centre will benefit from court upgrades, broadcast and lighting updates, and improved accessibility, so local teams have the facilities they need to succeed on and off the court.
And Miners Rest will also receive a new community sports centre with a competition-grade oval, sport pavilion with carparking, amenities and change rooms.
While these projects will unlock Ballarat's sporting stars of the future, the Government is also unlocking land at the former Saleyards to enable a new jobs precinct and more homes to be built in the future.
The site is currently vacant and will undergo remediation works due to its historical land use as a livestock exchange with a rail siding.
Whether it's housing, tourism, jobs, sporting or transport - the Labor Government is backing the future of Ballarat.
As stated by Premier Jacinta Allan
"Work is kicking off to transform this pocket of Ballarat - creating a buzzing hub with jobs, homes and fantastic sports facilities."
As stated by Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison
"This is an investment in local athletes, making sure they can fulfill their potential and follow their dreams."
As stated by Member for Eureka Michaela Settle
"We're making sure more players and teams across the Ballarat region have the spaces they need to play the sport they love - whether it's kicking a ball around with your mates or running around the track."
As stated by Member for Ripon Martha Haylett
"Our community is growing, and these upgrades will make sure local facilities keep up with the needs of local families."
