Anthony Albanese, Minister for Infrastructure and Local Government and Tanya Plibersek, Minister for Housing, have announced the Rudd Government would offer $3.4 million for the Stage Two development of the Champion Lakes Regatta Centre.

Ms Plibersek was in Champion Lakes in Perth for the announcement with the Mayor of the City of Armadale, Cr Linton Reynolds.

This project is the next step in transforming the Centre from a regional facility to international competitive standard.

The Champion Lakes Regatta Centre is a part of the revitalisation of the south-east metropolitan area of Perth.

The $40 million-plus first stage Champion Lakes Regatta Centre was recently completed, with the official opening held in January 2009.

This federal funding is part of our $800 million Community Infrastructure Program the largest one-off investment in local infrastructure in Australia's history.

Through the Rudd Government's economic stimulus plan, we are investing in major projects like this to support local jobs and economies during the global recession.

Stage Two of the Champion Lakes project, which will be overseen by the City of Armadale, will deliver:

•  a finishing tower, which will serve as the control centre for events;


•  a starting pontoon, providing 8 x 13m rowing lanes and 9 x 9m kayaking lanes; and


•  environmental works and water harvesting.

This world-class facility will help bring national and international sporting events to Perth and deliver a stimulus to the local economy.

It will also provide high quality infrastructure for recreation, community sporting activities and the training of elite athletes.

The funding announced today builds on nearly $700,000 that the Rudd Labor Government has already delivered for local projects in Armadale earlier this year. It brings our investment in Armadale community infrastructure to $4.1 million this year.

Nearly 70 per cent of the stimulus plan is infrastructure with construction projects already underway. More than 3,000 projects are being funded through the Government's Community Infrastructure Program across Australia to support local jobs.