The Regional Sports Precinct in Mernda is a step closer to being built, after the federal government committed $11.5 million towards the project.
The government will provide Whittlesea council with $10 million from its Thriving Suburbs Program and $1.5 million from its Play our Way Program.
The Thriving Suburbs grant will help deliver the indoor sports stadium component of the project, including four multi-purpose netball and basketball courts, council said.
The stadium will also feature changerooms, accessible toilets, foyer, reception area, kiosk office space, storage areas and more.
Earthworks to prepare the site for the indoor stadium are continuing ahead of council awarding a construction tender in 2025.
The Play Our Way Program grant will help fund the construction of eight outdoor netball courts and associated infrastructure such as lighting, fencing and coaches’ shelters.
According to a VicHealth report released in April 2024, Whittlesea ranked 73rd out of 79 Victorian local government areas for organised sport participation among women and girls.
The outdoor netball courts will help meet current demand but also boost participation rates among women and girls across the region.
Mayor Aidan McLindon said the Regional Sports Precinct is a vital piece of social infrastructure that will provide Whittlesea’s growing communities with the sporting facilities they so desperately need.
The state government is also supporting the Regional Sports Precinct through a $10 million election commitment to assist building the indoor stadium.
It has also provided $10 million from its Growth Areas Infrastructure Contribution fund to assist council build the transport infrastructure surrounding the precinct.
