"This commitment recognises Simonds Stadium’s key role in generating vital new employment opportunity and economic benefit for the people of the entire Geelong region.
"Stage Four will also enable Geelong Football Club to continue to expand its role in the community, creating jobs, attracting investment and delivering vital new programs that will help to secure the future welfare of our region."
"Ninety per cent of the $103 million invested in works to date has been directly spent in the community and region via the employment of local contractors and suppliers. This high level of investment and return to community will continue in Stage Four.
"Deloitte Access Economics assessment indicates that activities and events held at the Simonds Stadium precinct will generate incremental direct expenditure in the local economy of $624.3 million, over the next ten years.
"Each stage of the stadium's development has had significant community impact. This has included providing facilities such as the Deakin Cats Community Centre, which has delivered programs attracting 22,500 people since its inception in June 2013.
"An important facet of Stage Four is the new Sunrise Centre. This specialised facility will provide leadership in return to work training and rehabilitation - clearly aligned with Geelong’s status as the headquarters of DisabilityCare Australia, TAC and the Victorian Workcover Authority,” Cook said.
The redevelopment will provide Simonds Stadium with the potential to host an increased number of national and international events, such as T20 Big Bash games, soccer, rugby league, rugby union, concerts, as well as other entertainment and cultural events.
