East Gippsland Shire Council has awarded the contract for the next stage of the WORLD Sporting Precinct redevelopment in Bairnsdale to local company Brooker Builders, marking a significant step towards delivering the long-awaited soccer facilities. Construction of the WORLD soccer pavilion and two pitches will deliver a dedicated soccer precinct featuring two new soccer pitches – one synthetic and one natural turf – both with lighting, along with player shelters, a new pavilion and associated external works.
Mayor Cr Jodie Ashworth said the contract award marked an important milestone for one of the region’s most significant sporting infrastructure projects.
“With excitement building around the FIFA World Cup and the Socceroos, the timing of this final stage of the WORLD Sporting Precinct comes at an exciting moment. “The WORLD Sporting Precinct has already transformed opportunities for netball and hockey in East Gippsland, and this next stage will create a modern home for soccer that can support the sport’s continued growth across our region,” Cr Ashworth said.
“The new facilities will provide players, volunteers and supporters with high-quality infrastructure and create opportunities to host larger competitions and events in Bairnsdale.” The redevelopment was identified as a high-priority project in the Bairnsdale Sporting Facilities Plan adopted by Council in 2018. When complete, the soccer precinct will support East Gippsland United Football Club and provide facilities for other soccer users, helping to meet growing participation demand across the region.
More than 800 players, competing across summer and winter seasons, will benefit from the new grounds.
The contract has been structured in two stages, allowing site preparation and drainage works to proceed while final approvals are completed for the pavilion, pitches and associated facilities.
Construction will commence once all required approvals have been received, including environmental and statutory approvals currently being finalised. The soccer precinct represents the final major stage of the broader WORLD Sporting Precinct redevelopment, which has already delivered upgraded netball and hockey facilities, pavilions, car parking and supporting infrastructure.
Once complete, the WORLD Sporting Precinct will provide regional-level facilities for netball, hockey and soccer, creating one of East Gippsland’s premier sporting destinations. The WORLD Sporting Precinct project was funded by the Australian Government through the Building Better Regions Fund and Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program, the Victorian Government through Sport and Recreation Victoria programs, and East Gippsland Shire Council.
