A re-elected Albanese Labor Government will deliver $4.85 million for the thriving community of Murray Bridge for the redevelopment of the Sturt Reserve Precinct.

The Pondi Play Space will turn the underutilised reserve into a Play Precinct that will meet the needs of the entire community, enabling children and families to enjoy a safe, inclusive and accessible open leisure space.

At the heart of the Pondi Play Space is Pondi the Murray Cod: a sensory structure designed to represent the Murray Bridge community while encouraging gross motor development in children’s outdoor play.

The facility will include an outdoor classroom, providing opportunities for learning and connection in nature, and a soundscape encouraging imagination and discovery.

It will also include shade structures to promote a diverse recreational environment suited for the community to connect all year round.

Additionally, it will include barbecue and picnic facilities which will elevate the space, providing an inclusive location for all ages.

The project, which was co-designed by the Traditional Owners, the Ngarrindjeri Nation, will embed storytelling and cultural interpretation into the Play Space and build on the Council’s engagement with the Indigenous community. The Play Space will showcase rocks and plants that have meaning to the Ngarrindjeri people.

This investment contributes to the broader redevelopment of the Sturt Reserve Precinct.

Consistent with past practice, this election commitment will be delivered in line with Commonwealth Grants Rules and Principles.

Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Regional Development, Anthony Chisholm:

“Murray Bridge is well on its way to becoming South Australia’s largest regional city. Upgrades like this one ensure that title doesn’t come at the expense of the town’s beautiful nature reserves.

“This project may seem small from a national perspective, but backing local projects in our major regional centres is critical to ensuring places like Murray Bridge remain a great place to live and raise a family.

"Labor’s investment in this project is going to give locals a fantastic new space to enjoy, and it’s great to be here to see where it’ll all unfold.”

Quotes attributable to Senator for South Australia, Marielle Smith:

“Murray Bridge is a thriving, growing community, and the Albanese Labor Government is investing in its future.

“Like all communities, as more and more families call it home, we need to ensure they have fantastic places to learn, grow and connect.

“As a mum of two small children, I know just how important local play spaces are for community connection.

“Importantly, this play space will also promote cultural connection, support local jobs and provide a place for children and their families to learn more about the Ngarrindjeri Dreamtime story of Pondi, the giant Murray Cod.

“I am determined to see this project come to life and know it will not only be valued by the local community but become a drawcard for even more tourism to the beautiful town of Murray Bridge.”

Quotes attributable to Labor Candidate for Barker, James Rothe:

“The Albanese Labor Government is committed to investing in our regions.

“Our community will only benefit from high quality cultural, recreational and tourism infrastructure.

“This investment is the centrepiece of a revitalised Sturt Reserve Precinct, a vital part of Murray Bridge’s recovery in the wake of the 2022 Murray River flood”

Quotes attributable to Mayor Wayne Thorley, Mayor of Rural City of Murray Bridge:

“This is a significant partnership project, that bring us closer together as a community, creates place, supports our reconciliation journey, and provides a new and exciting play space – replacing a flood impacted play ground”.