July 2026

After years of planning, advocacy and collaboration, the WORLD Soccer Precinct Redevelopment is ready to move from concept to construction.

The project has been highly anticipated by East Gippsland’s soccer community and represents a significant milestone for sport and recreation across the region. A significant breakthrough for the project was receiving approval under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act 1989, along with an approved environmental offset package - a critical step that enables the project to proceed.

More than just a sporting facility, this project is about creating opportunities for participation and belonging. It is about creating a home for one of East Gippsland's largest participation sports and delivering facilities that reflect the sport’s importance and continued growth across the region.

Soccer has been at the heart of the precinct’s planning since its inclusion in the Bairnsdale Sporting Facilities Plan, with local clubs long advocating for facilities that better support players, volunteers and spectators.

With more than 800 participants involved each year, the redevelopment will bring soccer activities together at a single site and resolve the long-standing challenge of operating across multiple locations.

Council acknowledges the patience, commitment and advocacy of local clubs and the broader soccer community throughout the planning process. Their support has played an important role in bringing the project to this stage.

Works are expected to commence in the coming weeks, with site establishment and early construction activities set to get underway.

A New Home for Soccer in East Gippsland

The redevelopment will deliver a modern, purpose-built sporting precinct featuring:

Early works

An important first stage of the project involves relocating an existing water main that currently runs through the proposed playing field area. This work is required before construction of the new sporting facilities can commence.

Environmental improvements

The redevelopment has been carefully designed to balance improved sporting facilities with environmental stewardship, delivering benefits for both the community and the surrounding landscape.

Alongside the new sporting facilities, the project includes a range of environmental enhancements designed to improve the site's long-term ecological value.

Works will include:

These works will enhance biodiversity outcomes across the precinct while creating a more attractive, resilient and environmentally sustainable recreational space for the community.

Vegetation removal

To enable construction of the new facilities, some vegetation removal is required within the project footprint. These works have been carefully considered through the project's design and approvals process, including detailed environmental assessments undertaken to support the redevelopment.

Wherever possible, vegetation impacts will be minimised, with replacement planting and wetland revegetation forming a key part of the precinct's landscape and environmental strategy.

Access and traffic

Construction vehicles will access the site via Albert Street and the laneway off Wallace Street. A detailed traffic and access management plan is currently being finalised.

Any temporary impacts to roads, parking areas or nearby facilities will be communicated to the community in advance.

Stay informed

The commencement of works marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for soccer in East Gippsland. After years of planning and perseverance, the community will soon see the transformation of the WORLD Soccer Precinct take shape.

Project updates, including construction milestones, any temporary disruptions and environmental works, will continue to be shared through Your Say East Gippsland and Council's communication channels.