The Federal Liberal 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, which is supporting local jobs, businesses and boosting the economy during COVID-19.

Member for Barker Tony Pasin has announced $1,034,462 in Federal Liberal Government funding will support the Barossa Council to build an artificial soccer pitch and amenities at Nuriootpa Centennial Park.

Mr Pasin said the investment is part of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Grant Program.

“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.” Mr Pasin said.

“I am so pleased that Federal Liberal Government funding can support this worthwhile project for the Barossa. 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.” Mr Pasin said.

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, plus 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, “and 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”.

Additionally, funding of $565,108 enabled Barossa Council to implement their district wide footpath renewal and upgrade programme.

This upgrade creates linkages that improve connectivity and access in and between strategic destinations such as town centres and key service areas, which encourages pedestrian movement in these retail, commercial and industrial precincts to support economic, social and recreational activity.

More information on the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program is available at investment.infrastructure.gov.au/infrastructure_investment/local-roads-community-infrastructure-program.

ENDS

Media contact: Anna Hawkins | 08 8724 7730 | anna.hawkins@aph.gov.au