Article from the Bendigo Advertiser.
Looks like it will be ready early in the 2011 season.
Green light for QEO work
LAUREN HENRY
15 Oct, 2010 09:09 PM
BENDIGO’S Queen Elizabeth Oval will be redeveloped after the state government made a $700,000 promise to back upgrade plans yesterday.
Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan made the announcement, with new Labor candidate for Bendigo West Maree Edwards, at the QEO, in front of representatives from the City of Greater Bendigo and cricket and football clubs.
The council is planning a $2 million redevelopment of the ground, including reconstruction of the oval surface, a lighting upgrade to make the ground capable of hosting AFL pre-season matches, relocation of the coach’s boxes and installation of tiered spectator viewing.
The federal government will contribute $800,000 and the council $500,000 to the project.
Ms Allan said Bendigo was passionate about sport and many Bendigo junior players had gone on to become sports stars.
She said the oval redevelopment was not only for VFL team Bendigo Bombers, but also Bendigo Football League and Bendigo District Cricket Association players.
Ms Allan said the City of Greater Bendigo approached the state government 12 months ago about the funding.
Mayor Rod Campbell said the redevelopment was very important and much-needed.
“The ongoing drainage issues won’t resolve until the work is done,’’ he said. “We need a ground to meet national standards.’’ Chief executive Craig Niemann said the council was hoping to award a contract for a tender to start work in early November.
Mr Niemann said work on the oval surface may not be ready for round one of the football season but the oval would be available for the bulk of the season.
Nationals candidate for Bendigo West Steven Oliver, who is also the chief exectuve officer of the Bendigo Football League, said Labor’s announcement fell short of what was required for the QEO. The Coalition announced last month $1 million to redevelop the QEO.
“The QEO should be the sporting jewel in the crown of Bendigo and central Victoria, something which has the capacity to attract national and international events and that the whole community is proud of,’’ Mr Oliver said.
“It appears the Labor Government either doesn’t understand this or simply doesn’t see it as a priority, which is a pity because Bendigo deserves better.’’
