TEAC Oval will receive an extensive upgrade as part of a $10 million boost for VFL grounds announced in the 2008-09 State Budget on Tuesday.
The $10 million package for eight VFL grounds includes $3 million for Williamstown’s historic Burbank Oval, $2.5 million for a new Craigieburn oval, $1.4 million for the Northern Bullants’ Preston City Oval and $1 million for TEAC Oval in Port Melbourne.
Sport and Recreation Minister James Merlino said “The Brumby Labor Government understands that supporting grassroots sport is one of the keys to building stronger and more liveable communities across the state”.
“Australian Rules Football is a way of life in Victoria and this funding will help to support the future of the VFL competition and reaffirm our reputation as the premier state football competition,” he said.
Welcoming the funding contained in Tuesday’s State Budget, State Labor Member for Albert Park Martin Foley said "The Port Melbourne Football Club facilities are due for their biggest makeover in its 120 years".
The project is a partnership between the State Government, Port Melbourne Football Club, City of Port Phillip and the AFL. It will see a new facility built on the Ingles Street side of the ground that will open a new era for the Club. The change rooms will be completely redeveloped and a new administration headquarters built with new offices and community meeting rooms. A focus of the program will be to make TEAC Oval a home of accessible community based football and sport - not only for the Port Melbourne Football Club - but also to provide a key part of the AFL's community based program of premier sports grounds for younger footballers and community sport.
Club President Peter Saultry said "This announcement today of the partnership between the State and Local Government, the AFL and the Port Melbourne Football Club is great news for the Club, its players, our supporters and the football loving community of Port Melbourne. It’s a vote of confidence in the Port Melbourne Football Club’s decision to continue as the VFL's number one stand alone club. We are the club with the proudest and most successful history - and now we will be the club with the best future."
City of Port Phillip Deputy Mayor and Sandridge Ward Councillor Janet Bolitho said "This welcome contribution from the State will enable the Port Melbourne Football Club to build on its proud tradition at the heart of the Port Melbourne community. New facilities will encourage greater participation of young people and women and further open the doors of the club to the 'new' Port Melbourne. The City of Port Phillip looks forward to working with the club and the AFL on this exciting new chapter in the club's history."
Last Modified on 08/05/2008 15:11