Mildura South Regional Sporting Precinct: AFL pre-season, plans, finish date

Sunraysia hasn’t hosted an AFL pre-season game in 13 years, but the area once zoned to Richmond is moving closer to being able to welcome its beloved Tigers again.

Michael DiFabrizio

2 min read

October 23, 2020 - 6:00AM

The Mildura News

Plans for the Mildura South Regional Sporting Precinct, including outdoor netball courts, the main football oval and the two-storey indoor stadium.

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Mildura’s new sports hub is taking shape, paving the way for a return of elite football to Sunraysia.

Richmond’s Nathan Brown during the last AFL pre-season match in Sunraysia, played at Quandong Park in Red Cliffs in 2007.

The region, which has a strong connection to Richmond having been zoned to the club, hasn’t hosted an AFL pre-season game since 2007.

A lack of facilities up to AFL standard has often been attributed as the reason.

Stage 1 of the Mildura South Regional Sporting Precinct, a $33 million project, will likely change that.

A new football and cricket oval, with lighting up to standard for the elite level of both sports, and a two-storey indoor stadium are part of the plans.

Construction is well under way, with the latest indications pointing to the facilities being ready in the middle of next year.

That would put Mildura South in the frame for hosting a match in the 2022 AFL pre-season.

Richmond, who have previously expressed interest in playing in Mildura, would be a likely choice as one of the clubs involved.

Mildura Rural City Council has also mooted attracting other sports for pre-season fixtures, such as cricket, basketball and soccer.

Men’s and women’s games are being targeted.

Progress at the Mildura South Regional Sporting Precinct, with the AFL-standard oval, left, and two-storey indoor stadium, right. Picture: Mildura Rural City Council

Stage 1 of the project is fully funded, with the Federal Government’s $17.5 million and council’s $11.3 million the main contributions.

Community clubs, Cricket Australia and Cricket Victoria also chipped in.

The Victorian Government, which put in only $3.75 million for stage 1, is being asked to stump up $10 million so that stage 2 can go ahead.

Plans for the Mildura South Regional Sporting Precinct.

Stage 2 would involve a second oval, important for junior football fixtures in Sunraysia, as well as squash courts and outdoor beach volleyball courts.

Those hoping to see the project delivered in full are turning their attention to the Victorian Budget.

The indoor stadium under construction. Picture: Mildura Rural City Council

A Victorian Government spokeswoman said it was proud of its $3.75 million commitment and future support was being looked at.

“We’re investigating options for future Victorian Government support, to continue to attract marquee sporting events which have both social and economic benefits for regional communities,” the spokeswoman said.