Mr Brumby said Labor would provide $30 million to bring AFL home and away games to regional Victoria, under a proposal being considered by the AFL, the Kangaroos and the City of Ballarat.
“Regional Victorians love their footy and North Melbourne playing in Ballarat would not only be a boost for the city, but will help ensure our clubs continue to play in Victoria,” Mr Brumby said.
“A future Labor Government will invest $30 million in the Eureka Stadium and Major Events precinct, with $25 million to bring the stadium up to AFL standard, including resurfacing the oval, new player change rooms and coaching boxes, and a boutique-style arena for up to 15,000 fans.
“The City of Ballarat will also receive $5 million to assist building a Regional Major Events Centre that is capable of hosting exhibitions and major events.
“Some of our greatest players have come from the bush. So it’s fitting that this historic move would bring AFL to Ballarat. As the game grows nationally it’s now time we took the elite form of the game to regional Victoria.”
Mr Brumby said under the proposed deal, Ballarat could host up to four home and away games every year.
“The move to bring AFL football to Ballarat would be an economic boon for the city, attracting supporters from all over the State," he said.
The City of Ballarat would also receive support from the recently announced $12 million Regional Events Fund to attract North Melbourne Football Club to transfer some of its games to Ballarat.
“The new Eureka Stadium and Major Events precinct will position Ballarat as our next great regional sports and events hub,” he said.
