Member for Morwell Russell Northe is calling upon the State and Federal Governments to provide funds to turn the Latrobe City Sports & Entertainment Centre (LCSEC) into a football centre of excellence.

The master plan for the Latrobe City Sports and Entertainment Centre facility upgrade

Latrobe City Sports and Entertainment Centre (LCSEC), owned by Latrobe City Council and located in Crinigan Road, Morwell is in desperate need of redevelopment and a master plan was commissioned, developed and approved in 2019 by Latrobe City Council and key stakeholders.

Whilst some aspects within the master plan have been completed, there is still a vast amount of works required to bring the stadium up to a modern standard which is a source of frustration for the football community. Mr Northe said approximately $13 million would be required to transform the stadium into a football centre of excellence and realise the potential of this
centre.

Utilised for variety of purposes

Mr Northe said, "The current stadium has been utilised over many years for a variety of purposes and attracted some significant events including "A-League" games of football despite the facilities being in a relatively poor state. We have an opportunity in our own backyard to create an amazing precinct that could attract some special events including the LCSEC being a host venue for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup." Mr Northe said.

"A real possibility exists to showcase our area in hosting significant events which would provide a real boost to tourism and to our local economy. A new football centre of excellence would allow for the hosting of Regional, State, National and even International games and events." Mr Northe added.

"With a masterplan of the current stadium already supported by stakeholders, I urge the State and Federal Governments to urgently jump on board and provide the necessary funding to transform LCSEC into a world-class facility for future use" said Mr Northe.

Potential for the region

Representatives from Falcons 2000 Soccer Club said, "There's huge potential within the master plan and it would be huge for our region to host a national team for the women's world cup in 2023. There's real scope to base a centre of excellence at the venue and re launch the sport within Gippsland. We are a proud community with a rich & successful history in the sport."

"The stadium is in need of major rejuvenation and this is required for the future of the sport and attracting major events. It is extremely disappointing that sports like AFL have had significant capital investment in the area but our venue, a supposed Centre of Excellence, has been left by the wayside. This needs immediate attention by Latrobe City Council, State and Federal Governments."

"Latrobe City Sports and Entertainment Stadium is in a state of disrepair and to be honest some elements are unsafe for public use, in particular the major grand stand. This venue has the potential to be the best football venue in regional Victoria which would be a source of pride for all Latrobe Valley residents."

Incorporating a centre of excellence

Representatives from – Gippsland Football Club said, "Gippsland Football Club offer a talented player program for young talented football players across the Gippsland region. The clubs players come together from across Gippsland to train and play at the venue which has been proposed as a "Centre of Excellence".

"However, the existing facilities fall well short of a venue with that title. Completing the masterplan will allow the Gippsland Region to house a true "Home of Football incorporating a Centre of Excellence" to rival other regional areas such as Ballarat and Shepparton whose facilities are of a higher standard than ours in Gippsland."

"The completion of the plan also allows for all local football offices to be housed at the one location as well as the scope to host junior football tournaments and draw additional teams/clubs and visitors to the region."

Gippsland as a true football heartland

Kimon Taliadoros, Football Victoria CEO said, "The Latrobe City Sports and Entertainment Centre is the centrepiece of Football Victoria's strategy to grow the game in Gippsland, a true football heartland. This upgraded Masterplan represents a once-ina-generation opportunity and would again position Morwell as the undisputed football hub in Victoria's south-east."

"This facility is one of our most iconic and historic pieces of football infrastructure, symbolising decades of aspirations for football in the Latrobe Valley. With the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup expected to spark a major surge in participation, particularly among women and girls, now is the time to start writing the next chapters in the story of this famous facility. FV looks forward to working closely with the key stakeholder groups to realise this critically important project."

For more information, download Latrobe City Entertainment and stadium master plan.

Pictures from Russell Northe MP website.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

• Baw Baw Shire Council secures funding for four key road safety projects through TAC and federal Blackspot Programs
  Baw Baw Shire Council secured TAC and Federal Blackspot funding for four key road safety projects in Warragul and Drouin, targeting high-risk areas with upgrades to improve safety for all road users.
• Latrobe City Council endorsed applications for the 2026/2027 Black Spot Program, targeting high-risk crash sites across the shire
  Latrobe City Council has applied for the 2026/2027 Black Spot Program, proposing safety upgrades at Traralgon, Morwell, and Newborough crash sites. Successful projects will involve community consultation during the design phase.
• Latrobe City launches investment campaign showcasing strength, innovation, and opportunities across Gippsland
  Latrobe City Council launched an investment campaign showcasing business strength, innovation, and opportunities positioning itself as Gippsland's hub for growth, transformation, and future industries.
• Latrobe City Council seeks community feedback on the future of Moe Gardens Caravan Park as lease nears end
  Latrobe City Council is inviting community feedback on the future of Moe Gardens Caravan Park, with the current operator's lease expiring in May 2026 under Crown Land Leasing Policy requirements for open and impartial processes.
• Latrobe City Council endorses submissions on Hazelwood and Yallourn declared mine rehabilitation plans
  Latrobe City Council has endorsed submissions on Hazelwood and Yallourn mine rehabilitation plans, promoting sustainable restoration, strong coordination, environmental accountability, community benefits, and long-term regional resilience.
• Nationals pledge to restore Parentline funding, criticise Labor's decision to axe vital family counselling service for Gippslanders
  The Nationals vow to reinstate Parentline funding if elected, condemning Labor's cut to the vital family counselling service that supports Victorian parents, particularly in regional communities facing limited access to services.
• Latrobe City Council endorses community engagement on draft financial, asset, and road management plans
  Council endorsed community engagement on key draft plans, including the Financial, Asset, and Road Management Plans, ensuring alignment with the Community Vision, Council Plan, and long-term strategic planning framework.
• Danny O'Brien slams Labor for funding maintenance at Sale College instead of new campus
  Danny O'Brien has criticised Labor for allocating $273,175 in maintenance to Sale College, arguing funds should instead deliver the long-promised new consolidated campus the community has campaigned for since 2017.
• From Job expos to farms and sports awards connecting communities across East Gippsland through events and advocacy
  From jobs expos to farm visits, sports awards, and community projects, recent weeks highlighted East Gippsland's talent, resilience, and collaboration, advocacy, and opportunities that strengthen local communities.
• Bass Coast Shire Council begins Cowes foreshore upgrades with $8M funding improvements for safer, greener, connected spaces
  Bass Coast Shire Council will soon commence the Cowes Foreshore Precinct Project, delivering staged civil and landscaping upgrades with $8 million federal funding, revitalising Cowes into a safer, greener and more connected destination.
• Latrobe Valley's new 100MW big battery boosts energy reliability, cuts power bills, and supports Victoria's renewable transition
  A 100MW Latrobe Valley big battery has officially opened, boosting energy reliability, cutting power bills, and supporting Victoria's renewable transition, helping achieve government storage targets while delivering affordable electricity.
• Latrobe Valley households to cut energy bills with efficient electric heat pump hot water system upgrades
  Latrobe Valley households can cut energy bills by $330 annually with efficient heat pump hot water systems, thanks to the Allan Labor government's SEC one stop shop pilot expansion.
• Gippsland Water reaches 100 percent renewable electricity target, cutting emissions by 20,000 tonnes toward 2030 net zero
  Gippsland Water has achieved 100% renewable electricity by 2025, cutting 20,000 tonnes of emissions annually and advancing its ambitious goal of net zero emissions by 2030, 20 years ahead of schedule.
• Allan Labor government backs regional footy and netball with $1.5M from 2025-26 Country Football and Netball Program
  The Allan Labor government is investing $1.5 million in Morwell sports clubs through the Country Football and Netball Program, while opening new grants to upgrade regional facilities and boost community participation.
• Darren Chester welcomes $6.2M Traralgon Recreation Reserve redevelopment with upgraded facilities for Latrobe Valley sports clubs
  Darren Chester welcomed the $6.2 million Traralgon Recreation Reserve redevelopment, providing modern changerooms and upgraded facilities through joint funding to support Latrobe Valley sports and long-term community participation.
• Labor government backs Moe's Ted Summerton Reserve upgrades with major investment in cricket, football and community facilities
  Works have begun on Moe's Ted Summerton Reserve, delivering oval upgrades, lighting, new changerooms, and improvements through the Regional Sports Infrastructure Program, boosting community sport, events, jobs, and local participation.
• Allan Labor government backs First Nations athletes in Eastern Victoria with new sports grants
  The Allan Labor government has announced over $67,000 in Aboriginal Sport Participation Grants, supporting First Nations athletes in Eastern Victoria with travel, uniforms, and equipment to compete locally and nationally.
• Danny O'Brien warns Labor is risking beachgoers safety by forcing councils, ratepayers to cover LSV funding shortfalls
  Danny O'Brien warns the Allan Labor government is forcing Gippsland councils and ratepayers to cover Life Saving Victoria shortfalls, risking reduced lifeguard patrols despite billions in new emergency services taxes.
• Swifts Creek Recreation Reserve officially opens during Omeo District Football Netball League Grand Finals celebrations on Saturday
  Swifts Creek will celebrate the official opening of its $2.9 million upgraded recreation reserve during the Omeo District Football Netball League Grand Final on Saturday, 6 September 2025.
• Melina Bath urges action on Gippsland youth crime with tougher penalties, stronger policing, and restored diversion funding
  Melina Bath has demanded urgent action on Gippsland's escalating youth crime, calling for tougher penalties, stronger police presence, and restored diversion program funding to protect communities and restore safety.
• Melina Bath urges parents, carers, and educators to provide submissions to improve child safety by 30 November 2025
  Victoria's Child Safety Inquiry calls for public submissions to investigate early childhood education failures, restore family confidence, and recommend reforms ensuring children receive safe, high-quality care and protection.
• Bass Coast Shire Council urges Victorian government, LSV to ensure lifeguard patrols continue safely, without cuts
  Bass Coast Shire Council urges Victorian government and LSV to guarantee lifeguard patrols, warning proposed funding hike strains budgets while beaches remain high-risk, with recent drownings highlighting urgent safety needs.
• Wellington Shire Council proudly announces the $23M Aqua Energy Leisure Centre redevelopment opens 7 October 2025
  Wellington Shire Council is thrilled to announce the much-anticipated redevelopment of Aqua Energy Leisure Centre in Sale is complete, with the $23 million facility set to open officially to the public on Tuesday 7 October 2025.
• Princes Highway $2M upgrade improves safety and access for pedestrians at Lakes Entrance and Kalimna
  Nearly $2 million in joint government funding will upgrade Princes Highway at Lakes Entrance and Kalimna, improving pedestrian safety, access, and traffic flow with new medians, lighting, safety platforms, and path reconstruction.
• Tim Bull slams government over firewood shortages, fuel loads and lack of practical solutions
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull has slammed government policy for firewood shortages, warning rising bush fuel loads pose serious risks, calling for extended collection areas, longer seasons and practical fire management.
• Darren Chester secures $20,000 to preserve Tambo Valley trenches commemorating Victoria's WWII history
  Darren Chester secured $20,000 funding to preserve the historic Tambo Valley Trenches, enhancing access, safety, and interpretation, while honouring East Gippsland's wartime history and boosting cultural tourism along the Great Alpine Road.