Anthony Albanese, Minister for Infrastructure and Anthony Byrne, Member for Holt and Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister, today announced the Rudd Labor Government would offer $8.9 million towards the new Casey Fields development project at Cranbourne East.

Parliamentary Secretary Anthony Byrne made the announcement today with City of Casey Deputy Mayor, Councillor Daniel Mulino.

The Government is funding the majority of this $10.6 million project. This 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 package, we are investing in major projects like this to support local jobs and economies during the global recession.

The project, which is being managed by the City of Casey, will develop a number of facilities and ancillary works at Casey Fields, the area’s premier sporting precinct.

The development of the regional athletics complex will support local and senior schools, and little athletics programs.

Federal funding will contribute to the development, which is expected to include:

•  A regional athletics complex, including track and field infrastructure;


•  Stage 2 of the Regional Playground;


•  Spectator shade structures on surrounding playing ovals; and


•  Internal access roads and car parking to support the complex.

Casey Fields Development Project will support a significant number of jobs over its construction.

It will also provide high quality sporting infrastructure for a growing population in Cranbourne, expected to reach more than 120,000 over the next 15 years.

This funding builds on more than $2.2 million that the Rudd Government has already delivered for six local projects this year. It brings Rudd Government investment in the City of Casey to over $11.1 million this year.

Nearly 70 per cent of the stimulus package 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.