Macleay Valley sports clubs have started the year with a win following the awarding of a $940,000 grant to upgrade the Kemp Street sports fields.
Member for Oxley, Melinda Pavey MP, announced on Tuesday that Kempsey Shire Council has received funding from the NSW Government's Greater Cities and Regional Sport Facility Fund to begin upgrades and commence implementation of the Kemp Street Sporting Complex masterplan which will see quality sporting and recreational facilities delivered to the fields.
Kempsey Shire Council Deputy Mayor, Alexandra Wyatt, thanked the state government for helping to fund the project, which was developed in collaboration with sporting groups from across the shire.
"Sport is very important to our local community. It's not only important for our physical fitness but also for our mental health and wellbeing," said Councillor Wyatt.
"I think there's many of us that have sat in Service Clubs Park watching our kids play sport and participate in Little Athletics so it will be wonderful to see those facilities moved over to Kemp Street."
Member for Oxley, Melinda Pavey, said the funding for part of the Kemp Street Sporting Complex is a welcome boost for regional sport.
"This project involves the including relocation of athletics track from Service Clubs Park, lighting, irrigation, a new turf cricket wicket table and pathway works as part of the Kemp Street Sporting Complex Master Plan," said Ms Pavey.
"The awarding of this grant will mean the development of facilities for a range of sporting groups and individuals in the region, and I congratulate Kempsey Shire Council on their successful application."
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW, Paul Toole, said the Regional Sport Facility Fund has provided more than $49 million over two years to increase participation and promote healthy lifestyles.
"This is a welcome reward for our regional NSW sporting organisations," said Mr Toole.
"COVID restrictions caused major challenges and these grants will be a welcome boost as the sporting sector recovers from the impacts of the pandemic."
Minister for Sport Stuart Ayres said the fund provided grants for projects such as lighting, amenity and changeroom upgrades.
"This year is shaping up as a great one for sport in regional NSW and this support will help people of all ages and abilities get active and enjoy the benefits," said Mr Ayres.
"An important focus of the fund is encouraging the participation of girls and women and people with disability."
The Greater Cities and Regional Sport Facility provides grants from $100,000 - $1 million to eligible sport and recreation organisations and councils.
For the full list of recipients and further information on the Fund visit: https://www.sport.nsw.gov.au/grants
