The Canberra Raiders, ACT Government and NSW Government, officially launched the commencement of construction of the new CDRL Centre today in Braddon.
ACT Deputy Chief Minister Yvette Berry and NSW Deputy Premier and Member for Monaro John Barilaro, joined Raiders representatives today in Braddon, to officially turn the first sod for the construction of the new $19 Million facility for the Canberra District Rugby League (CDRL).
In June this year, the ACT Government and NSW Governments committed a total of $9 Million to the project, with the ACT Government contributing $5 Million and the NSW Government $4 Million.
Today's announcement means construction of the project can now commence, with the construction set to be completed by the end of 2019. Local company Richard Crookes Constructions has been awarded the tender to complete the project.
Canberra Raiders CEO Don Furner said the Canberra District Rugby League was once again thankful of the cross-border commitment to the project and reinforced the positive impact the facility would have on the local community.
"As mentioned earlier this year, the investment by both the ACT and NSW Governments has given us the ability to provide a facility which will service the entire region," Mr Furner said. "We're excited to see construction of the new CDRL Centre begin and we look forward to seeing it completed by the end of 2019."
"This CDRL Centre will provide a world-class rugby league facility to help service and grow the game from all around our region including the ACT, Queanbeyan, Goulburn, Cooma, the Hilltops region, the South Coast and the Riverina."
ACT Deputy Chief Minister Yvette Berry said the project was one that would benefit many different groups and organisations.
"This project is an important investment for the local community," Ms Berry said. "Importantly it's not just a facility for elite sport but somewhere for junior teams, schools and community groups to benefit from too."
Deputy Premier of NSW and Member for Monaro John Barilaro said the Canberra region, including the Monaro and regional NSW, is home to many talented up-and-coming rugby league players.
"This Centre of Excellence will provide a state of the art facility, and will benefit hundreds of young rugby league players and fans across southern NSW and the ACT," Mr Barilaro said.
"Players across southern NSW will benefit with borderless access to high-level coaching, training and mentoring at this brand new, purpose-built centre."
Mr Barilaro said the new centre is the perfect example of a successful cross-border project.
"The ACT-NSW Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for Regional Collaboration 2016-2019 sets out an impressive framework to strengthen cross-border collaboration, ensuring the ACT and NSW work together to improve service delivery with a coordinated approach," Mr Barilaro said.
"With the assistance of the NSW Cross-Border Commissioner, James McTavish, we have been able to develop a framework that enables strategic and sustainable regional growth.
"The Centre of Excellence is a fantastic example of this collaboration coming to life. Our governments have worked together with the best interests of local sports enthusiasts at the core of our actions, and we will soon have a terrific facility to show for it."
