A better Shark Park thanks to Australian Government support

Senator the Hon. Helen Coonan

Former Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts; Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate archived website

Senator the Hon. Rod Kemp

Minister for the Arts and Sport from 23 November 2001 to 30 January 2007

Senator the Hon George Brandis was Minister for the Arts and Sport from 30 January 2007 to 3 December 2007. This site is available for archival purposes only.

A better Shark Park thanks to Australian Government support

Federal Minister for the Arts and Sport Senator George Brandis SC, Federal Member for Cook, Bruce Baird and State Member for Cronulla, Malcolm Kerr, today inspected the progress of the Australian Government’s $9.6 million upgrade to Shark Park.

Speaking from the Cronulla Sutherland District Rugby League Football Club, Senator Brandis said the Australian Government’s April 2006 announcement of a $9.6 million grant for upgrade work would result in an outstanding home ground for the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks and a valuable facility for the local community.

“It is the only major event stadium within an area of more than 250,000 people and the only venue of its type within the Sutherland Shire,” Senator Brandis said.

“The upgrade to the facility will provide improved access for people with disabilities and cater for local schools and community groups as well as league fans.”

Senator Brandis said better facilities encourage greater community participation in organised sport and recreational activities.

The Australian Government’s one-off $9.6 million contribution is on top of $800,000 raised by the club.

When completed in June 2008 the upgrade will provide:

  • improved access to the ground through the provision of a new lift to the ET Stand and a new level path around the whole field of play;
  • improved patron safety and security by installing additional fixed seating, secure entry points and a closed circuit TV system;
  • environmental improvements through establishing a zone for the protected mangrove stormwater channel and the creation of a water reuse initiative to collect stormwater for use in field irrigation;
  • community improvements through the creation of a multi-function facility and additional parking facilities; and,
  • amenity improvements for the community through rebuilding the dilapidated southern end fronting Captain Cook Drive.

Senator Brandis said upgrade was only possible because of the efforts of local MP Bruce Baird who lobbied hard to secure Government support for this facility.

Media contact: Travis Bell 0448 950 248

11 October 2007
138 / 07