Stage two of the development of Belmore Sports Ground is set to proceed if Labor forms Government after the upcoming Federal election.
Member for Watson and Shadow Minister for Finance, Tony Burke, Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Cities, Tourism, Anthony Albanese, Labor Candidate for Barton, Linda Burney and Labor Candidate for Banks, Chris Gambian, joined Bulldogs Chairman Ray Dib, Chief Executive Raelene Castle and the NRL playing squad at Belmore today to confirm funding for the project.
The development will be known as the Sydney Multicultural Arts & Sports Precinct and will benefit the Bulldogs, Sydney Olympic FC and the newly formed Canterbury-Bankstown Council. It will also see the area from Belmore train station, down along the walkway through Terry Lamb Reserve, past Belmore Sports Ground and around to the Peter Moore Fields transformed.
The walkway through the Terry Lamb Reserve will be filled with a number of cultural markers featuring key moments and figures from within the local area whilst the southern end of both the Belmore Sports Ground and Peter Moore Fields will have the addition of grandstand seating (1,700 seats) with facilities available including a community activities centre (Belmore Sports Ground) and also a performing arts centre (Peter Moore Fields) for use by all members of the community.
The Bulldogs received an initial commitment of $4million from then Minister Burke in 2013 in the hope that the additional $4million needed to complete the project would be matched by the NSW Government. Having failed to secure backing for the project from the State, the Bulldogs are now pleased to have a guarantee from Labour to finance the entire project if they are elected.
Bulldogs Chairman Ray Dib says the commitment for funding is a significant development for the community.
“The Bulldogs have a unique ability to unite people from all backgrounds. This funding gives us an opportunity to broaden our reach and bring even more people together through the provision of a much needed multicultural arts facility for our area,” Dib said.
“As Patron of the Bulldogs Tony Burke has been a passionate supporter of the need to create a hub for sports and the arts in our area project and we are grateful for his commitment to making this happen.”
