Ms Jodie Campbell MP, Federal Member for Bass, today officially turned the first sod to mark the start of work on the almost $12 million Windsor Park Multi Purpose Community Leisure and Wellbeing Centre Project in Windsor Park.

Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Regional Development and Local Government Anthony Albanese said as part of our Economic Stimulus Plan, the Rudd Labor Government was giving $3 million to the West Tamar Council for the construction and fit-out of the facility.

“This facility will be unique to Tasmania and will comprise of council, not for profit, professional, government and community facilities. It will offer a diverse range of indoor and outdoor leisure, sporting, community building, social health and educational programs for the regional community,” Ms Campbell said.

“The Centre will deliver a 60 place childcare centre, pharmacy, nine new tenancies, gymnasium and cafe, as well as expansion of the current medical and council facilities.

“This project is being constructed in an area of strong residential growth, which when complete will put in place vital community infrastructure delivering lasting benefits to the community.”

Mr Albanese said that in partnership with every council in the country the Australian Government was delivering more than 3,300 small and larger scale building projects, including new and refurbished public libraries, sporting facilities, parks and playgrounds, and child care centres.

“In fact, we’re making the single largest federal investment in community infrastructure through the more than $1 billion Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program,” Mr Albanese said.

“The Program’s remaining $220 million will be made available to councils in coming months, with West Tamar Municipal Council set to receive at least $138,000.

“This additional funding will support even more local jobs and rebuild even more of the nation’s vital community infrastructure.”

Mr Albanese and Ms Campbell congratulated West Tamar Municipal Council and the local community for helping deliver these important community facilities and helping build a stronger region for the future.