Construction starts on the Byron Regional Sport and Cultural Complex

Construction on the Byron Regional Sport and Cultural Complex has officially begun.

Anthony Albanese, Minister for Infrastructure and Local Government, turned the first "sod" on Saturday 27 March at the Ewingsdale Road site in Byron Bay.

Mayor Jan Barham said the federal funding support of $9.5 million had allowed the community initiated project to begin the construction phase.

She said she was thrilled to see the project commence and thanked the Federal Government for their major funding support and commitment to the project and special thanks to Richmond MP, Justine Elliot for her ongoing support.

"Work on the site today is a tribute to the tireless work over the last five years between Council and the Ewingsdale Sports Field Working Group which included members of the Byron Bay Sports Association and community members.

"The complex will provide essential facilities to the Shire along with the economic benefits of attracting additional sporting and cultural events.

"An active sporting community has many health benefits for the Shire and the complex will provide much needed facilities for our enthusiastic sporting community as well as providing for other community events," Mayor Barham said.

The community can expect to see trucks' arriving to the site from next week as construction on the sporting fields begins.

Mayor Barham said the project would also provide an immediate economic boost to the Shire with up to 15 people each day expected to work on the project over the next 3 years.

Council's executive manager of community infrastructure Phillip Holloway said Stage 1 of the project includes the access roundabout, fencing and the design, supply and installation of the site transformer.

"Final design details are being completed for the access roundabout on Ewingsdale Road and tenders are expected to be called for its construction in April 2010," he said.

Stage 2 includes delivery of site fill to level and raise the playing fields plus the installation of irrigation, turf and the construction of the car park. Stage 3 comprises the construction of a multipurpose stadium.

Mayor Barham also thanked Investment and Industry NSW in supporting the project with a $12,500 contribution towards the project's business plan.

Byron Shire Council was successful in 2009 in receiving Australian Government funding of $8 million from the Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program and another $1.5 million from the Better Regions Program.

With a final cost estimated to be $16.8 million, Byron Shire Council has contributed the remaining $7.3 million.

When completed in 2012, the Byron Regional Sport and Cultural Complex will be home to sporting teams including soccer, rugby, cricket, athletics, basketball, netball and volleyball as well as cultural events.