Minister for Sport Kate Lundy today joined Member for Corio Richard Marles and Member for Corangamite Darren Cheeseman for a tour of the Simonds Stadium redevelopment in the Kardinia Park precinct.

Senator Lundy said the contribution by the Gillard Labor Government was focused on stage three of the redevelopment and would result in Simonds Stadium being one of the most advanced stadiums in regional Australia.

'As a result of funding through the Regional Australia Development Fund Simonds Stadium will have four light towers installed providing broadcast quality standing lighting for the future,' Senator Lundy said.

“Once the lights are complete it will result in more access to more sports for more hours of the day which is good news for local residents.”

Mr Marles said the Federal Government’s investment of $10 million towards the $46 million project is a great investment for both the Geelong Football Club and our local community.

'We here in Geelong pride ourselves as being amongst Australia’s sporting capitals, we have great sportsmen and women, and it is important that that we have state of the art sporting facilities,' Mr Marles said.

Mr Cheeseman said that the Gillard Government was a strong investor in the region and was working closely with the local surf coast community to ensure all residents had access to high quality local facilities.

'The Geelong Football Club is a very important institution in our community and the Federal Government’s support will help build a new grandstand,' Mr Cheeseman said.

'The new grandstand will provide new opportunities for Geelong supporters to watch our beloved Cats in more comfort.

'It will also open the possibility of night games right here in Geelong.'