Opposition pledges $3.5m for intersection and stadium rebuild

THE Nationals and Liberal Government have put forward two ambitious funding commitments to rebuild the Mirboo North stadium and fund stage two of the Leongatha Heavy Vehicle Alternate Route, if elected.

Visiting South Gippsland Shire today, The Nationals Member for Gippsland South, Danny O’Brien and party leader Peter Walsh, announced they would commit $2.5m for the stadium and $1m to undertake a business case for the intersection.

Mr O’Brien said the intersection in the centre of town was confusing, congested and dangerous for locals and visitors alike.

“This intersection is a headache for Leongatha and has only been made worse by the addition of the newly completed section of the Great Southern Rail Trail that goes right through it.

“This issue has been raised with me repeatedly by locals, it featured heavily in my ‘Your Future, Your Say’ community survey and nearly 750 people have signed a petition I tabled in Parliament seeking a solution.

“Getting a solution will be good for the town, for the safety of motorists and to help make the rail trail a success for tourists and local users alike.”

At Mirboo North, Mr O’Brien said it was clear to all that the stadium needs replacing but the Andrews Labor Government has repeatedly ignored community requests for funding.

“It is outdated with an undersized basketball court and concrete floors covered in vinyl. The toilets and change facilities are awful despite the schools’ best efforts at cosmetic updates, and there is asbestos and various building failures that need to be addressed.

“The Nationals in government will ensure that the community is given a full regulation-sized basketball court and a gymnasium that is safe for the community and local schools to use.”