Residents in and around Mildura today celebrated the completion of nine community infrastructure projects, worth over $3.4 million, by marking the opening of the redeveloped Merbein Swimming Pool.

Minister for Infrastructure and Local Government, Anthony Albanese, joined local children and Mildura Rural City Council Mayor, Glenn Milne, to officially open the pool by kicking off a race.

The Rudd Labor Government provided nearly $1.5 million to the Mildura Rural City Council for the nine completed projects, with the Council kicking in the extra $1.94 million.

“The funding was provided to the Council through the more than $1 billion Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program,” Mr Albanese said.

“This Program is a key part of our Economic Stimulus Plan and is delivering local jobs in communities across Australia by building infrastructure for the long term.

“Importantly, these projects supported 35 jobs in the local area during construction,” he said.

The nine completed projects are:

• Merbein Pool redevelopment, including a new 25-metre, eight-lane pool and disabled access ramp;


• Design and construction of landscaping and pathways for the water gardens on Mildura`s river front;


• Construction of two netball courts on Eleventh Street in Mildura including surfacing, fencing, line marking and goals;


• Relocation of the Red Cliffs Toy Library to the Maternal Child Health Centre and redevelopment of its facilities;


• Upgrades to Ouyen Youth Park including shade sails, play equipment and landscaping;


• Installation of water efficient irrigation systems, tree removal and replacement, garden and landscape development and installation of seating and paths on Deakin Avenue in Mildura;


• Installation of an environmentally friendly pollutant trap in the Mildura South Wetlands;


• Upgrades to the public amenities in Merbein; and


• Upgrades to the Millewa Pre-school to provide a kitchen and adult amenities.

“It is a pleasure to be here in Merbein to mark the completion of these projects,” Mr Albanese said.

“It is expected over 8,000 people will use the upgraded Merbein Pool each summer – a great investment for this small town.”

“In partnership with every council in the country the Rudd Labor Government is delivering more than 3,300 small and larger scale building projects like these, including new and refurbished public libraries, sporting facilities, parks and playgrounds, and child care centres.”

“I congratulate the Mildura Rural City Council for moving quickly to get the Economic Stimulus money out into the community – where it is needed most – and on the completion of these nine important community infrastructure projects.”