The Andrews Labor Government is investing in grassroots sports and elite women's football, with works underway on the Coburg City Oval.
Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence today visited the iconic VFL ground which is being transformed thanks to $3 million from the Labor Government.
The project, due to be complete in June this year, will see the oval transformed into a first-class facility capable of hosting big games including VFLW finals, and includes female friendly and accessible facilities for players, umpires and visitors.
The kitchen and kiosk will be upgraded to provide modern and safe facilities and a large new multi-purpose area will be used for a range of training programs, activities and events.
The oval has been home to the Coburg Lions Football Club and Coburg Lions Cricket Club since 1912. It is also used by the West Coburg Football Club, the Coburg Superules Football Club, the Coburg Football Integration Development Association team and Coburg Auskick.
The facilities will give football and cricket clubs a modern space to grow their memberships and welcome more girls, women and people of all abilities. It will significantly improve facilities for the Coburg Turkish Club, the Arabic Seniors Group, the Italian Seniors Group and other community organisations that use the pavilion.
The project's construction phase will employ more than 270 staff, including trades, contractors and consultants.
Once construction is complete the facility will help generate approximately $4.40 for every $1 invested and will inject more than $1 million into the Moreland economy through the support of local businesses such as cafes, bakeries, supermarkets, hotels and trades.
The Labor Government has invested more than $1 billion in community sport and active recreation infrastructure since 2014.
As stated by Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence
"The Coburg City Oval transformation will open up opportunities for the growing numbers of local female footballers and cricketers to emulate their sports heroes, and also see them play in their own backyard."
"This upgrade will mean Melbourne's north is able to attract even more top-level competition, boosting the local economy, providing jobs, and giving locals the chance to see even more home-grown heroes in action."
As stated by Member for Pascoe Vale Lizzie Blandthorn
"It is great to see this project coming to life. We have a great club and a great community and they deserve first class facilities."
