Media Releases
Sunday, 21st February 2010
Tonight’s Twenty/20 match between Australia and the West Indies was the first international cricket game to be played under Bellerive Oval’s recently installed lights, marking the start of a new era for this iconic ground.
Tasmanian Premier David Bartlett joined with Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Anthony Albanese, Australian Captain Ricky Ponting and Cricket Tasmania Chairman Tony Harrison to mark the occasion.
“Without these lights Bellerive Oval was in danger of simply slipping off the international cricket stage,” Mr Bartlett said.
“The four new 56 metre high light towers mean night games of Aussie Rules and cricket at Bellerive Oval can now become regular fixtures on Australia’s sporting calendar. This is a great outcome for local fans.
“It has also provided an important injection of money into the local economy, helping to keep the order books of Tasmanian companies moving and underpinning the jobs of Tasmanians.”
The installation of the towers was a jointly funded project, with the Tasmanian Government having contributed $2.85 million, the Federal Government $2 million and the Tasmanian Cricket Association $100,000.
Mr Albanese said the source of the Federal funding was the Rudd Labor Government’s Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program, a key element of the Economic Stimulus Plan.
“This project is a great example of our economic stimulus money at work supporting local jobs during the height of the global recession while at the same time leaving a lasting legacy for the community,” said Mr Albanese.
“All up, some 50 jobs were supported during the installation of the lights, with new ongoing jobs likely now that there’s the possibility of more world class events being held at the Oval.
“In partnership with the State Government, the Clarence City Council, Tasmanian Cricket Association and the local community, we have delivered a piece of infrastructure that will support the growth of sport in Tasmania.”
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Electorate Office
334a Marrickville Rd
Marrickville NSW 2204
Phone: 02 9564 3588
Parliament House Office
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
Phone: 02 6277 7700
Phone: (02) 9564 3588
Fax: (02) 9564 1734
Email: A.Albanese.MP@aph.gov.au
We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which our offices stand and we pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We acknowledge the sorrow of the Stolen Generations and the impacts of colonisation on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We also recognise the resilience, strength and pride of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Authorised by Anthony Albanese. 334a Marrickville Rd, Marrickville NSW 2204.