Building works have officially begun at the Murray Bridge Regional Rowing Centre with the first sod turned today at the Sturt Reserve site.

The Murray Bridge Regional Rowing Centre is a joint project between The Rural City of Murray Bridge, Murray Bridge Rowing Club (MBRC), Commonwealth and State Governments.

Representatives from all levels of Government joined the Murray Bridge Rowing Club to celebrate the build commence on the $2.5 million project which will include five rowing sheds, a race control box, multi-purpose function area including kitchen and gym, and a new public toilet.

Member for Barker Tony Pasin, who secured $496,900 under the Federal Governments Building Better Regions Fund said today marked an important mile stone in the project and for Sturt Reserve.

“The Rowing facility will be a very welcome addition to Sturt Reserve. Not only is this going to be a great facility for local club members but for the wider economic benefit of the Murraylands.

“I can see Sturt Reserve becoming a destination for rowing and attract visitors from all over the State and the nation. It’s a brilliant project for the region,” Mr Pasin said.

“Construction begging now is also a welcome boost to the economy at a tough time, by supporting construction jobs,” Mr Pasin said.

The Rowing Centre joins other Federal Government investment into Sturt Reserve including $1.3 million from the Federal Government’s Building Better Regions Fund for Sturt Reserve Recreation Precinct and the new War Memorial to be located at Sturt Reserve which received $200,000 from the Federal Government announced last year.