The future of sport and recreation in the Macleay is looking up with Kempsey Shire Council working on a number of key projects that will enhance the region's facilities.
The community of South West Rocks will have a state-of-the-art sporting facility in their town when the Mid North Coast High Performance Centre is constructed, providing the opportunity for elite performance, junior pathways and larger events within the region.
Kempsey Shire Council Parks Project Coordinator, Steve Pellen, said contractors Lipman Pty Ltd are working hard with Council staff to deliver the multilevel sporting facility.
"The foundation concrete slab was poured last week, which is very exciting as we will now see the centre built from the ground up over the next six months."
"The Mid North Coast High Performance Centre is a game changer for the region and will help bridge a gap in high performance infrastructure in our region," said Mr Pellen.
The Centre has been funded through a variety of NSW Government grants along with contributions from South West Rocks Country Club, the South West Rocks Sport and Recreation Committee and Council.
Another key project coming out of the Macleay Valley Sports Strategy is the Verge and Eden Streets Sporting Complex which will increase opportunities and boost participation in sporting activities.
"Looking at future trends of community sport and recreation, the Verge and Eden Streets Sporting Complex will transform this part of public life and provide residents and community sporting clubs with a premier facility," said Mr Pellen.
"Many sporting codes utilise the Verge and Eden Street fields such as netball, soccer, football, rugby union and cricket, so creating a better facility to host these matches is important in sustaining the Macleay's strong sporting focus."
"There will also be a new running track and exercise stations which will allow residents of the shire to actively participate in recreation activities."
Council has secured a $10 million NSW Government grant for the Verge and Eden Streets Sporting Complex.
