King Park and Tomaree Sports Complex are the lucky recipients of the NSW Government's Regional Sport Facility Fund to keep communities healthy, active and connected.
Mayor Ryan Palmer says the grants will improve the quality of sport infrastructure across Port Stephens.
"Investing in sporting infrastructure is an investment in the health of our community, now and into the future. It's also an investment in keeping our community connected and creates economic opportunities through hosting events.
"Thanks to this grant, more than $840,000 will go to King Park Regional Sport Complex to help us continue to deliver the King Park masterplan.
"We'll upgrade the existing amenities building to provide unisex change rooms, revamp the meeting and function area, create new pathways to connect the complex, build tiered and sheltered seating for spectators and install new signage.
"These upgrades will be a huge improvement not only for Raymond Terrace but for the broader community who travel to use these facilities.
"Our aim is to transform King Park Sports Complex into a regional sporting destination which can host major events like championships and carnivals," he said.
Mayor Palmer says Tomaree Sports Complex will also receive grant funds for upgrades.
"At Tomaree Sports Complex, we've received $260,000 to revitalise the Elizabeth Waring building into a high-quality sporting and community space. It will also fund new pathways, seating and signage.
"We want to encourage community events, meetings and training programs to be delivered from this modern function area that overlooks the John Nell Match Field.
"This will complement works already underway at Tomaree Sports Complex to construct a new multipurpose amenities building, which is scheduled to be complete in early 2022.
"These new facilities are going to be a game-changer for our local community as we continue to deliver on the vision of the Tomaree Sports Complex masterplan," he said.
The projects will be delivered under the 2020/21 Regional Facility Fund.
Minister for Sport Natalie Ward said the projects will provide a welcome lift to sporting infrastructure across Port Stephens.
"This investment will help improve sporting facilities across Port Stephens, meaning more locals will have the opportunity to enjoy and take part in sport," Mrs Ward said.
"The NSW Government is committed to creating spaces and facilities that will meet the current and future needs of communities and support participation at all levels."
Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Taylor Martin said the funding will improve sport infrastructure in Port Stephens.
"The upgrades to Kings Parks and Tomaree Sports Complexes will provide Port Stephens locals with modern facilities for grassroots sport," Mr Martin said.
Council will continue to work with sporting clubs and community groups on the scope of the projects. Works are expected to be delivered in 2022.
