The Andrews Labor Government has unveiled a major boost for footy in the west, with funding to kick-start the second stage of the Whitten Oval redevelopment – creating new community places and better facilities for watching AFLW and VFL matches.

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula announced that the Victorian Budget 2020/21 will include $36.6 million towards the $58 million project, which will further transform the home of the Bulldogs and cater for the needs of sports fans and the wider community in Melbourne’s west.

The project, which will also include a significant funding contribution from the Western Bulldogs, will build a new EJ Whitten Stand with improved seating, new club administration space and a function area available to the community.

There will be space to expand the Bulldogs’ Community Foundation programs, including the highly successful Sons and Daughters of the West which tackles physical and mental health issues in the community.

There will also be refurbished training facilities for the Bulldogs’ men’s and women’s teams – continuing to level the playing field for professional women’s sport – a new match-day pavilion with food and beverage facilities and other amenities, and a refurbished entry building.

The project will also incorporate broadcast-quality lights, reducing the reliance on temporary infrastructure and ensuring prime-time AFLW matches can be televised in high definition.

The Labor Government provided $5 million to upgrade facilities at Whitten Oval to AFLW standard in the Victorian Budget 2018/19.

Last year’s Budget invested a further $1 million for the club to undertake detailed planning for this project. The Western Bulldogs have submitted plans for the development to Maribyrnong City Council which are currently under consideration.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula

“This project is a massive win for the people of the west and not just football fans, with the needs of the community central to the planning and delivery of the redevelopment.”

“It’s fantastic footy fans will be able to watch the AFLW Bulldogs and Footscray VFL teams in much improved conditions.”

Quote attributable to Member for Footscray Katie Hall

“Whitten Oval is the heart and soul of Footscray and we couldn’t be prouder to back these important works which will provide very real benefits across our community.”

Quote attributable to Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne

“People from across the western suburbs look on Whitten Oval with great pride and a sense of ownership – and now they will have even more reason to do so.”

Quotes attributable to Western Bulldogs president Peter Gordon

“We are very grateful to the Andrews Government for believing in the vision we have created for the future of the Whitten Oval precinct.”

“Our ambition is to make the Whitten Oval precinct the heart of the community – an everyday precinct to spectate, celebrate and discover.“