Kicking goals: Clarendon Vale Oval set for an uplift

Federal Member for Franklin Julie Collins today announced that the Albanese Labor Government will invest $2.2 million in the Clarendon Vale Oval Pavilion Reconstruction and Sports Lighting project in Tasmania.

Funded under the Thriving Suburbs Program, the project will deliver a state-of-the-art sports pavilion and sports lighting at Clarendon Vale Oval.

It will also provide inclusive amenities such as gender-neutral changing rooms, a social area, umpire rooms, external storage, fully equipped kitchen, a kiosk, public toilets, a covered viewing veranda, and tiered spectator seating.

The project will be delivered by Clarence City Council and is expected to be completed by 2026-27.

The Thriving Suburbs Program is designed to build better cities and more liveable suburbs, targeting projects – such as sporting and cultural hubs, libraries and parks – that increase community cohesion, liveability and accessibility.

With no competitive, urban community infrastructure program under the former Government, we know Councils and local organisations have struggled to maintain and upgrade their essential local assets.

That’s why the Albanese Labor Government established Thriving Suburbs – to help fund the backlog of community infrastructure projects putting a strain on local governments. 

Thriving Suburbs is an open and competitive program, with funding awarded on a merit basis, supported by a two-stage assessment process.

It is yet another demonstration of the Albanese Government’s commitment to delivering a suburban funding program focused on integrity, transparency, accountability and collaboration.

To find out more information on the Thriving Suburbs Program, visit: www.infrastructure.gov.au/territories-regions-cities/cities/thriving-suburbs-program.

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

“The Clarendon Vale Oval project will support higher levels of competition, fostering local and regional sports development.

“I know how vital funding like this is for communities, which is why our Government is committed to investing in our suburbs – including in Tasmania.

Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Franklin Julie Collins:

“This project will enhance usability, accessibility and safety for sporting clubs, Bayview Secondary College, local community groups and the general community.

“What a fantastic outcome for the Eastern Shore community, I look forward to seeing construction on the new facility get underway.

“Projects like this are crucial for supporting greater community cohesion, liveability and accessibility – making it possible for locals to enjoy sports in their own town.

“This is another example of the Albanese Labor Government delivering infrastructure projects for Tasmania.”

Quote attributable to Mayor of Clarence City Council Brendan Blomeley:  

“Council is very thankful for this grant, and I would like to sincerely thank the Member for Franklin, Julie Collins MP, and the Australian Government for their generous contribution to this project,” said Mayor Blomeley.

“Since the original Clarendon Vale Oval Pavilion suffered severe storm damage and had to be demolished in 2019, we have been working to replace it with a facility which not only caters for the frequent uses of Clarendon Vale Oval such as Rokeby Cricket Club, Lauderdale Junior Football Club, and Bayview Secondary College, but also the wider community.  

“The new pavilion has been designed with a function room and kitchen to see it double as a multi-purpose facility, serving as a meeting and event space for social and community groups of Clarence Plains.

“Along with the new pavilion, the upgrades to the lighting and resurfacing works will make Clarendon Vale Oval one of the best community sports facilities in Clarence, and a key piece in the recreational network for the Clarence Plain area.

“I would also like to thank the community for engaging with Council during the consultation phase and helping us to shape this successful project.”