Another two major sporting precincts will be upgraded under the Marshall Liberal Government's plan to revitalise our sporting infrastructure across the state.
South Australia's home of netball at Mile End and Thebarton Oval will both be upgraded, helping to lead South Australia into a sporting golden era.
The funding from the 2020/21 State Budget Sport Fund includes:
- $12 million for Stage Two upgrade works at SA's home of netball in Mile End
- $5 million towards an $18 million facelift for Thebarton Oval
- $5 million additional funding towards the $19 million upgrade to the State Centre of Football (total investment now $24 million)
This is on top of projects already announced including:
- $44 million for Stage Two of the Memorial Drive Tennis Centre redevelopment
- $45 million for upgrades to Hindmarsh Stadium
- $25 million expanded Grassroots Grants Program
- $10 million Regional and Districts Facilities Program
Premier, Steven Marshall said these new projects will create jobs for South Australians while building what matters for our sporting communities.
"Our investment is a game changer for sport at all levels and will cement our state as one of the leading sporting cities in the nation," Premier Marshall said.
"These projects will create hundreds of jobs during construction, support local businesses and significantly boost our economy.
Today's announcement coincides with the release of The State Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Plan, a roadmap for what South Australia needs to build from scratch and what existing facilities need upgrades to ensure we can position ourselves as a premier sporting destination.
Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing, Corey Wingard, said the plan will lead South Australia into a golden sporting era and help the state bounce back from the crippling financial impacts of COVID-19.
"The comprehensive work that went into the plan started long before we were thrown into a global health crisis but delivering on key projects outlined within it will help us navigate out of the troubling times we find ourselves in," Minister Wingard said.
"The first projects under this plan are expected to create hundreds of jobs during construction and boost our economy significantly.
"We've already seen what can happen when money is invested wisely in worthwhile infrastructure projects.
"The Marshall Government spent $10 million on the roof at Memorial Drive and within a year it was complete and the venue was hosting a world class tennis event, the Adelaide International – and we've now secured that event for a decade.
"The potential for our state, as we deliver on the projects in this plan, is massive and will position us as a global destination for major sporting events.
"Not only that, we're committed to upgrading facilities at the grassroots level too because we know how important it is for everyone in our community to be active and healthy.
"The plan is underpinned by extensive research and consultation with councils, sporting codes and other key stakeholders.
"This is a 20-year road map. More than 230 projects were identified as needing upgrades and if we can start to deliver on some of them immediately, all South Australians will benefit for many years to come."
The Thebarton Oval redevelopment, funded in conjunction with City of West Torrens and the Morrison Government includes:
- New state-of-the-art facilities (family-friendly player change rooms, gymnasium, rehabilitation, coaching and education rooms)
- Administration offices and improvements to spectator amenities including the grandstand to enhance the game day experience
- Oval and broadcast works will also be undertaken to provide an AFLW compliant venue and establish Thebarton Oval as the second home of Football in SA
The Netball SA stadium redevelopment includes:
- Creation of modern entry facilities with turnstiles and open foyer
- Updated cafe/eatery and bar facilities for patrons
- Technology upgrade including new scoreboards and replay screens
- Increased stadium capacity
- Better viewing spaces and connection between the indoor and outdoor courts
