THE Federal Government has approved funding of $1,599,570 towards two Barossa projects as part of its $1.5 billion Local Road and Community Infrastructure Program, including more than $1,000,000 for an artificial soccer pitch and amenities at Nuriootpa Centennial Park.
Member for Barker Tony Pasin said the project is a coup for the Barossa.
“We know how important these facilities are for communities because we recognise the wider health, social and community benefits that come from increased activity and participation in sport,” he said.
“Getting shovels in the ground on local construction projects is important for maintaining jobs and economic growth, particularly as we deal with the economic crisis created by the coronavirus.”
Barossa Council Mayor Bim Lange said an additional artificial pitch with lighting, changerooms and clubroom facilities will directly benefit 450 players and members at Barossa United Football Club, as well as the wider community.
“Growing grassroots sport and participation is a key deliverable of The Big Project, and we can only achieve that by investing in high quality, accessible community infrastructure,” he said.
“This project will not only stimulate the local economy during construction but deliver tangible benefits to the sporting and wider Barossa community long after the infrastructure has been delivered.”
Mayor Lange said it was important to deliver upgrades at multi-use sporting hubs like Nuriootpa, which supports soccer, AFL, cricket, netball and tennis.
“This vital Commonwealth funding brings us another step closer to developing the Barossa as the best sustainable regional sports event tourism destination in South Australia,” he said.
“It is perfect timing to capitalise on the growth of the game as Australia jointly hosts the Women’s Soccer World cup with New Zealand in 2023.”
Barossa Council will contribute $3 million to the project, while the remaining $565,108 of funding will go towards implementing its district-wide footpath renewal and upgrade program.