Monday, 7 August 2017
COUNTRY sporting facilities will get a free kick for major upgrades, with $100 million for new infrastructure works set to boost fields, pitches and tracks across the Northern Tablelands.
Local State MP Adam Marshall said the new Regional Sports Infrastructure Fund, part of the NSW Government’s $1.3 billion Regional Growth Fund, would help country areas develop a more professional sporting presence and attract new codes to town.
“Sport forms a core part of the identity of our regional communities – it helps to build town pride, improve fitness, and drive local economies,” Mr Marshall said.
“Through the NSW Government’s investment in sporting infrastructure, our sporting teams can focus on building their on-field performance, confident in the knowledge they’ll have the best facilities possible.
“This $100 million fund will build new facilities, create sporting hubs, boost participation and help upgrade existing sporting infrastructure – providing a helping hand for local economies in the process.
“Plans that create regional sporting hubs and build community participation will take priority – with an extra focus on facilities that cater for multiple sporting codes.
“The funding will also work to improve the experience for those on the sidelines – which will help draw more professional and amateur events visitors to our regional centres.
“With many of the nation’s top sportspeople coming from regional NSW, this funding will help foster their development, build communities and put the spotlight back on our sporting successes.”
Mr Marshall said the Regional Sports Infrastructure Fund was now open for applications and will build upon the investments already being made in the region.
“I’m keen to hear from local sporting groups about potential projects and how we can work together to improve our facilities for multiple sports and to help attract some major sporting carnivals and matches,” he said.
Further information and program guidelines are available at www.nsw.gov.au/regionalsportsinfrastructure