Victorian Premier pledges $30 million for AFL in Ballarat but uncertain on F1 GP Future

Victorian Premier John Brumby has announced that Ballarat would become North Melbourne Football Club's second home as part of a proposal to bring AFL football to regional Victoria under a future Labor Government.

Premier 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.

Premier Brumby statied "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.

"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 itâs fitting that this historic move would bring AFL to Ballarat. As the game grows nationally itâs now time we took the elite form of the game to regional Victoria."

Premier Brumby said under the proposed deal, Ballarat could host up to four home and away games every year, adding "the move to bring AFL football to Ballarat would be an economic boon for the city, attracting supporters from all over the State."

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, Premier Brumby adding that "the new Eureka Stadium and Major Events precinct will position Ballarat as our next great regional sports and events hub."

Meanwhile, Premier Brumby has indicated that Melbourne may not seek to host the Australian Formula One grand prix after its contract runs out in 2014.

The race, which has been held in the city's Albert Park since 1996, lost $34 million in 2007 and has posted losses in excess of $40 million for the last three years.

Premier Brumby told ABC Radio "I know there's a range of views in the community and it is a costly major event, but we've got it until 2014. We'll look at whether we go beyond that, I'm not making any commitment beyond that."

During the election campaign the Victorian opposition have questioned whether the taxpayer should continue to meet the costs of the Melbourne Grand Prix's losses. 

19th November 2010 - EXPANSION OF MCEC EXHIBITION SPACE REVEALED