Mid Murray sport and tourism has received a significant boost, with more than $2.6m in Federal Government grants awarded for projects across the district.
Mid Murray Council will receive over $1.162 million through the Play Our Way program for significant upgrades to the Mannum Oval Complex.
These include improvements to the netball and tennis courts and lighting, new changerooms, gym space and female amenities building, and supporting wastewater works.
Council will also receive $1.52 million through the Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program for initiatives that will further support additional tourism growth in the district and to develop regional masterplans.
Mid Murray Mayor, Simone Bailey said the grants were a substantial investment in the district’s future.
“These grants are a significant contribution towards improving access to quality sport and recreation facilities, and expanding tourism opportunities right across the Mid Murray,” Mayor Bailey said.
The Mannum Oval Complex works will also be supported by contributions from the Mannum netball and tennis clubs. The Federal Government’s $200 million Play Our Way program aims to break down barriers that stop women and girls from participating in sport.
“Sport is such a valuable activity in our community, both for the health benefits and the social connection it provides,” Mayor Bailey said.
“When facilities don’t cater for the needs of our women and girls, it can be a barrier to participating in sport locally. Council is passionate about supporting access to sport and recreation for everyone in our community and we are grateful for this substantial grant, which will go a long way towards providing high-quality sports and recreation facilities that will foster accessibility and inclusion for future generations.”
The Mannum Oval Complex works are also in addition to a major lighting upgrade announced in September, which will be funded through a SANFL grant, funding from SA energy infrastructure company Epic Energy, the Mannum Football Club and in kind support by Council.
Mayor Bailey said the combined $1.52 million Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program funding will support growth to the region’s economy and develop a strategic process for tourism asset construction. The funding will cover an Indigenous heritage survey, planning and design of tourism infrastructure for Australia’s only International Dark Sky Reserve, master-planning of river-based tourism infrastructure for the whole district and the Mannum Waterfalls recreation area. It includes creating regional masterplans for 11 towns across the Mid Murray.
“Mid Murray is still recovering from the impacts of the 2022/23 River Murray Flood and this grant funding will go a long way towards promoting tourism assets and facilities in our river communities, and the region more broadly,” Mayor Bailey said.
“With 220km of Murray River frontage in our district, we have much to offer visitors looking to explore one of Australia’s great natural attractions.
“From the natural beauty of the Murray and all it offers in terms of water sports, heritage cruising and laid-back holidays, to the rich First Nations history of the Ngaut Ngaut Conservation Park, and the unparallelled beauty of the night sky in our International Dark Sky Reserve – there is something for everyone in our area.
“We believe that the Mid Murray has significant potential for tourism growth, and the projects supported by this grant will help us realise some of these incredible opportunities.
“The Council appreciates and acknowledges the Albanese Government’s continued support for the region,” the Mayor said.
