KING, URQUHART & LYNCH – MEDIA RELEASE – BUILDING A NEW SPORTING FUTURE FOR DEVONPORT – FRIDAY, 28 JANUARY 2022

An Albanese Labor Government will commit $25 million to deliver a long-awaited upgrade of sporting facilities in Devonport.  

Devonport is the heart of a growing community, but its sporting facilities have been left behind. The Devonport Basketball Club is the biggest in the state, but its facilities lag behind others.

Simply put, through the development of its new master plan, the Devonport City Council has identified that sporting facilities such as the Devonport Recreation Centre are no longer fit for purpose. They are too small and outdated to cope with current demand.

Today’s announcement is a commitment to partner with the Council as it continues the process of bringing together the many different sporting groups involved, and develops detailed plans for modern, accessible facilities to meet future demand and act as a community hub. 

These new facilities will be able to cater for the 115,000 patrons who access the Devonport Recreation Centre each year, as well as delivering an NBL-standard stadium ready to host the Tasmanian JackJumpers.

Other sports, including racquetball, squash, badminton, futsal, gymnastics, table tennis and Judo, will also be able to use the new facilities.

This project is a key priority of Devonport City Council, having been included in their Devonport Sports Infrastructure Master Plan 2035.

All that is needed is a Commonwealth Government ready to partner with the local community in delivering this much-needed upgrade – an Albanese Labor Government will do just that. 

Comment attributable to Catherine King, Shadow Minister For Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development

‘Labor is committed to building infrastructure that will deliver a better life to locals.

‘This project will do just that, enabling more in the local community to get active, and giving everyone across Devonport access to the facilities they deserve.’

Comment attributable to Chris Lynch, Labor Candidate for Braddon 

“This wonderful project is bringing together the sporting codes of the area to develop modern, accessible, multi-use facilities. Labor supports that vision and we will fund it to the tune of $25 million dollars. 

“Creating community hubs for sport and recreation is tremendously important for health and wellbeing and building stronger social connections. 

“It’s great to see this project taking shape and to be able to support it.” 

FRIDAY, 28 JANUARY 2022