A re-elected Rudd Labor Government will breathe new life into the old Kilburn Primary School site on Adelaide’s north side, contributing $1 million towards the development of sporting fields and facilities for community use.

 

Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister for Infrastructure, Anthony Albanese, today announced that, if re-elected, the Rudd Government would fund the Kilburn Sports Complex under the Liveable Communities program, which supports local projects that built stronger, more prosperous communities.

 

Member for Adelaide Kate Ellis said she had lobbied hard for the project after holding street corner meetings and listening to local constituent concerns about the dormant nature of the site.

 

“I’ve heard from the community about how passionate they are about retaining this site for community use and ensuring it’s not sold off for residential or industrial development.

 

“It’s also a win for one of Adelaide’s most famous soccer clubs – West Adelaide- which has a proud history but no current home.”

 

Senator Farrell said Labor funding for the Kilburn Sports Complex will allow the commencement of a phased redevelopment of the existing buildings and construction of a new sporting and social club on the western side of old school site.

 

“The facility will be a multi-use sporting and recreation facility that integrates sport and community facilities,” he said.

 

“As well as being the new home of the West Adelaide Soccer Club, it will also cater for sports like soccer, rugby, hockey and lacrosse.

 

In addition to the announcement of a $1 million contribution of federal funding, this project will be supported by the South Australian Labor Government which will manage the transfer of land to the Football Federation of South Australia. 

Minister Tom Koutsantonis said safe communities and healthy neighbourhoods have been identified by the South Australian Government as one of its seven priorities.

 

“Providing sporting facilities is an important element of creating healthy neighbourhoods,” Mr Koutsantonis said.

 

“Local communities can come together around sport. Whether it is soccer, rugby or any popular sport, providing facilities creates an environment for young people and their families to join a welcoming community with a shared interest. 

“I absolutely commend the State Government for its strong support of the proposal and the need for the site to be revitalised.”

 

Football Federation SA Chief Executive Officer Michael Carter commended the contribution by local government.

 

“The Football Family estimated to be in excess of 100,000 voters applauds the announcement made by the Federal Member for Adelaide Kate Ellis today.

 

“Participation in Football is at an all time high. Investment in infrastructure will pave the way for future participation.

 

“Federal Labor has committed $2 million for Football in South Australia with in the past 12 months and Football Federation SA would like to thank Minister Koutsantonis for the commitment of open space for Football”.

 

This commitment would be delivered through the Government’s Liveable Communities Program which is already included in the budget.

 

West Adelaide President Alex Alexandrou noted that it is announcement a long time coming for the proud club.

 

“It is a historic day for us. After 50 years with many of them being at Hindmarsh, we have finally got some where that we can call home and build and even stronger base for the future.

 

“It is a ‘blue letter day’ for the West Adelaide soccer club.”