LABOR WILL INVEST IN BACCHUS MARSH SPORTS FACILITIES

A Shorten Labor Government will invest $1.4 million in providing new sporting grounds to supporting increased participation as a result of population growth in the Bacchus Marsh area.

Catherine King MP, Member for Ballarat, said Labor’s investment will provide new soccer and cricket fields as part of the second stage of the Bacchus Marsh Racecourse and Recreation Reserve Active Sports Precinct project.

“There are no dedicated, purpose-built football pitches in Moorabool Shire, despite rapid population growth in the area, so Labor’s investment is about improving the region’s liveability and opportunities now and into the future,” Ms King said.

“Our investment will deliver two football pitches and a cricket pitch with coaches boxes and the associated drainage, irrigation and fencing works.

“About one in three of all sports participants in the shire are based in the Bacchus Marsh area but only about half of the sporting facilities, so these facilities are needed now but will also help build capacity in the community to cope with a population forecast to increase to 25,000 by 2021 and more than 35,000 by 2041.”

Shadow Minister for Sport, Senator Don Farrell, said Labor is committed to supporting clubs and communities to improve local sporting facilities to give all Australians a fair go at sport.

“Whether they dream of playing for Australia, or just want to enjoy the health and social benefits that come with being part of a community sporting club, we want to give all Australians the chance to enjoy sport,” Senator Farrell said.

“Our investments in local sporting facilities like these help clubs and communities build capacity to meet the welcome growth in female participation in club sport and support more Australians to live active, healthy lifestyles.”

Labor can invest in a fair go for all Australians because Labor has made the tough budget decisions to make multinationals pay their fair share of tax, close tax loopholes used by the top end of town, and we won’t give the big banks a tax cut.

This election is a choice between Labor’s plan for better hospitals, schools and community facilities, or bigger tax handouts for the top end of town and Liberal cuts to schools and hospitals.