Darren Chester MP

SALE NETBALL STADIUM GETS BOTH SIDES OF THE HOUSE TALKING

March 12, 2009

The request for Federal Government funding for an indoor sports centre in Sale has made headlines in Parliament this week, following the presentation of a petition by The Nationals Member for Gippsland Darren Chester.

Mr Chester has submitted a petition containing 1200 signatures requesting Federal Government funding to establish a multi-sports centre in Sale as part of the netballers’ relocation and construction of a new TAFE facility.

Mr Chester also provided a letter of support directly to the Minister responsible, requesting $3.25 million from the Federal Government.

In an unusual twist, the Federal Minister for Regional Development Anthony Albanese raised the matter in question time and spoke of Mr Chester’s support for the project.

Mr Chester said he was delighted his message had made it through the bureaucratic ranks to the Minister’s office.

“It is good to see that the Minister is personally aware of this project and the benefits it can deliver to the local community,” Mr Chester said.

“Hopefully it will not be too long before he comes through with the required funding.

“This project already has bipartisan support, with former Labor candidate Darren McCubbin on record supporting the project, and I hope the Minister will now take the next step and commit some real funding to allow construction of an indoor sports stadium to begin.”

Mr Chester said the project was well advanced and has the backing of state and local government.  Federal Government support is required to proceed with the next stage.

“The benefits of this project are extensive and include the obvious opportunity to encourage more young people in the community, particularly young women, to enjoy a healthy lifestyle,” Mr Chester told Federal Parliament yesterday.

“The Sale Netball Association has made an outstanding contribution to the Gippsland community.

“The construction of the new courts and an indoor facility will allow the association to take the next step in attracting more high-quality competitions and continuing to cater for local sports-women.

“The relocation of the netball courts will clear a site for the local TAFE college to be established at a more central location, which has obvious benefits to students accessing courses.”

Mr Chester urged the government to consider the issue as soon as possible.

“If we are serious about nation building and stimulating economic growth and jobs, here is a project that is ready to roll right now,” he said.