Lake Macquarie's sporting communities will benefit from more than $2.6 million in Australian Government funding, with six projects across the city set to improve playing conditions, increase participation opportunities and support growing local clubs.
Federal Member for Hunter Dan Repacholi today joined Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz at Douglass Street Oval in Dora Creek to announce funding facilities in Blackalls Park, Barnsley, Toronto, Morisset, Rathmines and Dora Creek.
The Major and Local Community Infrastructure Program projects - funded by the Australian Government - will deliver improved lighting, drainage and facility upgrades to support athletes, volunteers and community members across the region.
The funded projects include:
- $880,000 for upgrades to Water Board Oval, Blackalls Park
- $550,000 for lighting upgrades across three fields at Taylor Park, Barnsley
- $340,000 for lighting upgrades at Lyall Peacock Field, Toronto
- $300,000 for drainage upgrades at Bernie Goodwin Oval, Morisset
- $300,000 for lighting upgrades to four courts at Rathmines Tennis Club
- $300,000 for drainage upgrades at Douglass Street Oval, Dora Creek.
Mayor Adam said the funding would help Council continue delivering high-quality community infrastructure across the city.
"Grassroots sport and recreation facilities are at the heart of our Lake Macquarie community, bringing people together, supporting healthy lifestyles and creating opportunities for all ages to get involved right across our city," he said.
"These projects will improve playing conditions, extend the hours facilities can be used and help local clubs meet growing demand from participants across our city.
"We're grateful for the Australian Government's support, which will help Council deliver these important upgrades and ensure our sporting infrastructure keeps pace with the needs of our community."
Mr Repacholi said the investments would provide lasting benefits for residents throughout the electorate.
"Local sporting clubs are run by passionate volunteers and supported by families who dedicate countless hours to keeping community sport thriving. These upgrades will give them the facilities they deserve," he said.
"Whether it's better lighting that allows more training and competition opportunities, or drainage improvements that keep fields open and playable, these projects will make a real difference for local players and clubs.
"It's fantastic to see funding flowing to communities right across Lake Macquarie, helping create safer, more accessible and more reliable facilities that people can enjoy for years to come."
The projects are expected to enhance community participation in sport and recreation while improving the resilience and usability of key local facilities throughout the Hunter Region.
The Douglass Street Oval announcement follows the recent completion of a $2.2 million Lake Macquarie City Council-funded amenities building replacement project at the venue in a double win for the growing Southlakes Roosters Junior Rugby League Football Club.
Today's event complemented further local MLCIP funding announced last Friday at the Belmont Sports Complex by Federal Member for Shortland Pat Conroy and Mayor Adam.
Go to lakemac.com.au
