Anthony Albanese, Minister for Infrastructure and Local Government, has announced that the Rudd Government will offer $8 million towards the new Byron Regional Sport and Cultural Complex in Ewingsdale on the NSW Far North Coast.

The announcement was made in Ewingsdale by Minister Albanese with Richmond MP, Justine Elliot, Byron Shire Mayor, Jan Barham, and was attended by legendary former Olympian Herb Elliott.

This complex will deliver first-class sporting and cultural infrastructure to Byron families, businesses and residents.

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.

The Complex, which is being managed by the Byron Shire Council, will provide the local community and visitors with a year-round facility, encourage sport and cultural activities and serve domestic and international tourists.

The $14.2 million multi-purpose centre will include:

•  A multi-use indoor stadium to host sports activities and music and arts events;


•  Netball courts, multi-use playing fields, track and field facilities, and a bicycle circuit;


•  A tourist information centre; and


•  Energy-efficient lighting, improvements for internal roads, car parks and other environmental measures.

This funding builds on nearly $610,000 that the Rudd Labor Government has already delivered for five local projects in the Byron Shire this year.

Nearly 70 per cent of the stimulus plan is on infrastructure with construction of projects already underway.

More than 3,000 projects are being funded through the Government's Community Infrastructure Program across Australia to support local jobs and deliver community benefits to our local communities.