Anthony Albanese, Minister for Infrastructure, Regional Development and Local Government, today announced the Rudd Government has finalised a $2.75 million contract for a new Performing Arts Centre at Emerald Secondary College in Victoria.

The announcement was made by Minister Albanese, who was at Emerald Secondary College for Community Cabinet today.

This federal funding is part of the Better Regions program, which fulfills the Rudd Government’s election commitment to provide $176 million for community facilities.

Today’s agreement is the next step in bringing this community vision closer to reality.

The contract will give the green light for the Government and Emerald community to work together to provide a multi-purpose facility local and regional performances and community activities.

The Emerald Performing Arts Centre will provide a purpose-built venue for a range of community groups including Rotary, local dance groups, youth concerts, St. Marks Anglican Church, Emerald Centre for Hope and Outreach and local sporting clubs.

The new Centre will have the flexibility to host activities including plays, dance, musical and gymnastic performances, recitals, concerts, forums, youth groups, church groups and parent forums.

It will also help bring visiting dance, drama and musical groups to Emerald, instead of local schools, families and residents travelling nearly an hour to Melbourne.

The facility will have permanent seating for nearly 300 people, with a flexible design to accommodate an audience of up to 625.

I congratulated the Emerald Secondary College and Emerald Centre for Hope and Outreach for supporting this important community project.

Today’s announcement builds on nearly $3.6 million that the Rudd Labor Government is delivering through the Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program for six community projects in the electorate of La Trobe, including funding for a new Pakenham Hall and Library.