Senator Jana Stewart
Mutthi Mutthi and Wamba Wamba
Labor Senator for Victoria

The Hon Catherine King MP
Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government 

The Albanese Government will invest more than $11,356,000 towards Victoria Park Multipurpose Facility in Echuca, responding to the increased demand for community, sporting, and visitor opportunities. 

The funding is being delivered under Round 1 of the Growing Regions Program, which is providing around $207 million to fund 40 new local priority infrastructure projects across the country. 

The project will deliver a new multi-purpose community and premier sporting location. The proposed redevelopment to be completed includes a function space and community facility including changes rooms, 400 seat grandstand, expanded sealed car parking, 99kW Solar System, playground and shade sail. 

In the wake of flooding in October 2022, there is also an urgent need for a functional emergency relief centre in the region. Completion of the project at Victoria Park will establish a fit for purpose emergency relief centre, including a companion animal shelter. 

Round 2 of the Growing Regions Program will open later in 2024. The program is competitive with funding awarded on a merit basis. 

Providing funding of between $500,000 and $15 million, the Growing Regions Program will support local government entities and incorporated not-for-profit organisations to deliver capital works projects in regional and rural Australia. 

For more information on the program, including a full list of successful projects, visit www.infrastructure.gov.au/territories-regions-cities/regional-australia/regional-and-community-programs/growing-regions-program.  

Quote attributable to Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King: 

“The Albanese Government is committed to investing in regional Australia to create jobs, build opportunity and unlock economic growth and productivity – making sure our regions remain great places to live, work and play.  

“Our Growing Regions Program forms a key part of this commitment, by investing in critical community and economic infrastructure across regional and rural areas, in a fair and transparent way. 

“I look forward to seeing the successful projects roll out across the nation, supporting employment, stimulating economies and strengthening communities.” 

Quotes attributable to Senator for Victoria Jana Stewart: 

“The Albanese Labor Government is delivering more than $11.3 million to fund the creation of the Victoria Park Multipurpose Facility in full, meeting community priorities now and into future. 

“This project will completely redevelop the site at Victoria Park and make it a versatile community hub and sporting location, while also addressing Echuca’s urgent need for emergency relief services. 

“We know that the projects funded through the Growing Regions Program will help bring communities together. Whether it’s a sporting club or a community hub, these places are often the source of connection for people in our regional communities. They are part of what makes our regions so great, and it’s vital we continue to invest in them. 

“This will make a real difference for the Echuca community, and I look forward to seeing the benefits flow as works get underway – supporting local jobs and the local economy.”