STAFF WRITERS
MEMBER for Gippsland South, Danny O’Brien is continuing to call on the state government to provide funds to build a much-needed new sports stadium for the community of Mirboo North.
O’Brien said while much of the focus has understandably been on storm recovery of late, the community has been in desperate need of an updated sports stadium for years.
“With the support of the Mirboo North community, I have been lobbying the Labor government over the Mirboo North community’s desire for a new basketball stadium for years now,” he said.
“It is very evident to anyone who cares to take a look that the current stadium, which is shared by Mirboo North Secondary College and Primary School and the wider community, is not fit-for-purpose.
“I was pleased to host the Minister for Community Sport, Ros Spence to visit the stadium recently and impress upon her the need for funding for a new one.”
Mr O’Brien said the current stadium is clearly a well-used and important community asset used by not just the schools, but by the basketball association, Mirboo North Football-Netball Club and a number of other sporting and community groups as well.
“This is a well-loved facility that sees a lot of usage between the schools and community groups, but it is old, falling apart and not up to current standards.
“Indeed, for sporting purposes, the facility doesn’t even meet current competition standards – particularly with respect to size and run-off areas.”
The South Gippsland MP said that the previous petitions he had presented to the state government had fallen on deaf ears, and was hopeful that progress could be made in the wake of the February storm event.
“I have spoken with both schools and the various sporting organisations over the years, and they have always demonstrated that they are keen to work together to deliver the best outcome,” he said.
“We are now just waiting for the Allan Labor government to get on board and fund the project.”
