PASIN OPENS LOXTON RECREATION CENTRE

Member for Barker, Tony Pasin is to officially open the much anticipated Loxton Recreation Complex this afternoon, as the $13.2 million project reaches completion.

Mr Pasin said Loxton and surrounding communities will benefit from the project, which will provide access to modern sporting facilities for fitness and recreation.

“This project will have so many benefits for the whole community. With at least 18 sporting clubs to use the facility, improving regional amenities for sport and recreation not only benefits those already participating in sport but it makes the region and even better place to live and work, helping to attract new residents to the region to help fill job vacancies,” Mr Pasin said.

Mr Pasin said the Australian Government’s $4.5 million investment in community infrastructure would provide long term benefits to the Riverland region of South Australia.

“The Building Better Regions Fund aims to create jobs, drive economic growth, and build stronger regional communities into the future. That’s exactly what this project is doing, making Loxton an even better place to live and work,” Mr Pasin said.

The Morrison Government is investing a record $100 billion over 10 years from 2019–20 through its rolling infrastructure plan and is committed to delivering jobs, productivity improvements and economic growth to all Australians.

“We’re investing in Regional Australia to foster stronger regional communities to ensure the nation’s prosperity continues in the future,” Mr Pasin.

At the opening Mr Pasin will also announce the approval of two major projects for the council receiving funding from the Federal Government’s Drought Communities Program.

Through the Federal Government’s Drought Communities extension program the Loxton Waikerie has received an additional $1 million.

The Council will use $500,000 of the additional funding for the fit-out of the mezzanine floor at the new Loxton Recreation Complex. The mezzanine level provides a large flexible space which is ear-marked to support the business sector and be used to host significant regional business services, events and conferences, trade shows and agricultural education and training programs.

Waikerie will also benefit from the funding with $500,000 allocated for the implementation of the first stage of the Waikerie Riverfront Master Plan. The plan includes the development of a new boat ramp, new lawn areas and roads, and moving the 50-berth houseboat area further west along the Murray River to allow for access to the prime areas for recreation. It also includes shared bicycle and pedestrian paths, new toilets, an amphitheatre, and increased linkage to the Waikerie CBD that links to the Waikerie CBD revitalisation plan.

“As the drought steps up, so too does the Government’s response. We’re investing more than $8 billion in drought relief work, including $1 billion announced since the election. “The Drought Communities Program has already delivered for the Loxton and Waikerie communities with the initial $1 million improving public spaces. Extending the program to give the council an additional $1 million will go that extra step to boosting the public infrastructure,” Mr Pasin said.