Adventure sport lovers in the Snowy region now have biathlon in their sights, following a $4.4 million upgrade to training facilities at the Jindabyne Sport and Recreation Centre.
The NSW branch of Biathlon Australia received $785,150 from the Bushfire Local Economic and Recovery Fund, jointly funded by the Albanese and Minns Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, and $3,615,500 under the NSW Government's Multi-Sport Community Facility Fund.
Biathlon combines the endurance of cross-country skiing with the precision of sport target shooting, with athletes carrying a small-bore, air or laser rifle and shooting at targets 10 or 50 metres away.
The new facility opens the sport up year-round, with an asphalt roller-ski and cycling track, laser biathlon targets, upgraded changerooms, equipment storage and administration spaces.
The track will also support roller-skiers, cyclists and roller-bladers, giving the community more ways to train and stay active.
Designed for Jindabyne's alpine conditions, the new equipment shed and target facilities are built to withstand wind and snow.
The upgrade is expected to support regular use by up to 1,500 locals, including school students, community members and athletics clubs, creating more opportunities for people to train, participate and stay active year-round.
That community use will be complemented by strong visitor demand, with the biathlon track anticipated to be a major drawcard for the region and attract an estimated 6,000 visitors annually for training and competition.
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Emergency Management and Member for Eden-Monaro Kristy McBain:
"This jointly funded investment is helping Jindabyne build back stronger following the Black Summer bushfires, delivering infrastructure that will benefit the community for years to come.
"The new track will give local students, clubs and athletes more opportunities to train and stay active year-round, while supporting the development of the next generation of Australian biathletes.
"By attracting thousands of visitors for training and competition each year, this facility will also support local jobs, businesses and strengthen the Snowy Mountains' reputation as a leading destination for adventure sport."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW Tara Moriarty:
"This is a great example of the NSW Government investing in the infrastructure regional communities need to grow, attract visitors and support more opportunities close to home.
"The upgraded Jindabyne Sport and Recreation Centre will help cement the Snowy Mountains as a destination for elite and grassroots sport, outdoor recreation and regional events.
"This new biathlon and multi-use track will give local clubs, schools and athletes access to first-class facilities, while bringing more people to Jindabyne to train, compete and experience everything the region has to offer."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Sport and Tourism Steve Kamper:
"The Minns Labor Government is delivering better sporting facilities that give more people the opportunity to get active, try new sports and bring their communities together.
"The $4.4 million upgrade at Jindabyne Sport and Recreation Centre is a major boost for the Snowy Mountains, opening up biathlon training year-round and creating more opportunities for locals and visitors to enjoy.
"These upgrades will support up to 1,500 locals and help attract an estimated 6,000 visitors each year, strengthening the region's reputation as a destination for sport, recreation and tourism."
Quotes attributable to Member for Monaro, Steve Whan:
"We already know what an excellent place Jindabyne is for nurturing our winter athletes, and this investment from the Minns and Albanese Governments is going to ensure it remains a great place to train for another winter Olympic sport.
"I'm excited to see how local clubs and schools will use the new biathlon track and upgraded facilities. This is a great example of two levels of government working together to deliver for an important regional community in our state."
Quotes attributable to the Chair of Biathlon Australia, David Windsor:
"What a wonderful gift for Biathlon Australia's 50th birthday!
"This amazing place will serve us well for the next 50 - along with the broader sporting community. Sporting infrastructure of this calibre will make a lasting difference to the lives of so many and greatly assist both grass-root and elite sporting organisations achieve their participation, pathways, and high-performance outcomes.
"We're so happy with the design, quality and location of this incredible facility. Huge thanks to the NSW and Australian Governments for their amazing support, and the incredible people who made this dream a reality. We are so very fortunate and grateful."
