7.3. THEME 3: SPORT AND RECREATION

7.3. THEME 3: SPORT AND RECREATION

OBJECTIVE 2 Strengthen and increase the prominence of sport and recreation tourism in the Murray through facility renewal and attraction of new investment in infrastructure.

The Murray Region has a strong association with sport and recreation. There are many Australian sporting legends who have their roots in the region, highlighting the sporting pedigree in the Murray.

The sporting culture within the Murray Region has led to investment in major sporting infrastructure and event venues across the Murray’s townships. This event infrastructure provides hosting opportunities for golf, tennis, bowling, football, basketball, soccer and swimming tournaments that bring visitors from across Australia to the region. The region’s warm climate is a key advantage for hosting outdoor events.

Informal water-based recreation such as fishing, water skiing and boating is a major attractor to the region, with premium waterways and lakes providing assets for visitors.

The Murray is Australia’s number one golfing destination with 67 golf courses catering to a variety of standards. Many of the golf courses are supported by substantial complementary facilities such as restaurants, bars, gaming and accommodation.

Some golf courses have invested substantially in improved off field facilities in order to provide a contemporary offer, however further investment is needed across many courses, to deliver facilities which compete with those in other regions such as the Mornington Peninsula, Bellarine Peninsula/Surf Coast and North East Tasmania. Golf on the Murray

“The people who come to play golf on the Murray River enjoy the fact they are playing a leading Australian golf course in Victoria or New South Wales –they revel in the golf, the river and the experience.Tourism businesses taking a partnership approach is what’s made the Murray the country’s leading golfing holiday destination."Amy Wright, Marketing Administrator, Golf on the Murray

7.3.1. GAME CHANGER

MILDURA MOTOR SPORTS PRECINCT (STAGE 1)

Description

Progression of the Mildura Motor Sports Precinct as outlined in the Business Case and Staged Development Plan. Capitalising on Mildura’s robust motorsports sector, this project will see a major, multipurpose motorsports precinct established at Koorlong. Bringing together the region’s key motor sports clubs and facilities, the 547 hectare precinct would include a sealed 3km road circuit (with potential for expansion), a skid pan, pits and control tower, office facilities, maintenance/washdown shed, food/beverage facilities, parking and camping site. The concept will deliver one of Australia’s leading motorsports precincts.

Stakeholders

• Mildura City Council • Regional Development Victoria • Confederation of Motor Sport • Motorcycling Australia

Actions

• Seek private and public sector funding support. • Actively advocate for investment in the precinct.

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7.3.2. TIER 1 PRIORITY PROJECTS

ALBURY WODONGA SPORTS INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT

Albury Wodonga is a growing destination for major sporting events. It is important that continued investment in sporting infrastructure is encouraged to maintain its growing status, and keep pace with population growth. Major projects include:

• A major redevelopment and expansion of Lavington Sports Ground including new playing fields and amenities. $9 million in funding has already been secured for the precinct, and there is further opportunity for activation and redevelopment of the privately owned, former Lavington Sports Club site. • Upgrade of the Lauren Jackson Sports Centre to include a five-court multipurpose venue with supporting facilities. • A major regional aquatics facility in Albury Wodonga to service the needs of the local and surrounding communities, and visitors to the region. Further investigations are to be undertaken by Albury and Wodonga Councils as part of its Two Cities One Community partnership. • Baranduda Fields sporting precinct will allow the City of Wodonga to showcase sport at a local, regional and state level, and will provide economic benefits from visitation of major sporting events. Planning is complete and awaiting funding.

MILDURA SOUTH REGIONAL SPORTING COMPLEX

Development of an indoor and outdoor sporting complex in one of Mildura’s residential growth areas has long been a priority for the Mildura community. The proposed precinct would provide a home base for local sport and recreation clubs and bolster opportunities to host major sports, entertainment and conferencing events. Plans include a 3000-seat capacity entertainment centre, six-court indoor stadium, squash courts, change rooms, café and alfresco area, AFL-standard oval and second multipurpose sports field. 7.3.3. ALIGNED PROJECTS

Projects that are aligned to this theme should be supported. These include:

• Investment in supporting golfing infrastructure such as club houses, food and beverage and accommodation. • Investment in sports and recreation facilities. • Investment in sports clubs. • Capacity building in event managers ability to host/run major competitions.

MURRAY REGION DMP UP DATE MURRAY REGIONAL TOUR ISM