Nearly half a million dollars has been pumped into two Taree sporting facilities to help position the region as a centre for excellence.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said a $251,056 boost from the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund had delivered lighting upgrades at Taree Regional Recreation Centre, while a $240,000 investment from the NSW Government’s Regional Sport Facility Fund has upgraded the Manning Valley Cycle Club.
“Sport is the social fabric of regional communities, and I’m so pleased that both these projects have now crossed the finish line because it delivers on our commitment to invest in new and existing sports infrastructure that is inclusive, fit-for-purpose and helps grow participation at all levels,” Mr Toole said.
“The completed lighting upgrades at Taree Regional Recreation Centre means the local clubs and more than 400 players who use the facility can play and train after dark.”
Nationals Member for Myall Lakes, Stephen Bromhead, said the new LED lighting will help drive down the cost of power bills and be much more reliable
“This will save the club time from continually changing halogen globes that keep blowing. This is exactly the kind of project the Stronger Country Communities Fund was designed to help – delivering new and upgraded facilities, infrastructure, and programs that make a big difference” Mr Bromhead said.
Mr Toole said the upgrade to the Manning Valley Cycle Club will improve disability access, deliver a resurfaced criterium circuit, and help increase participation by more than 40 per cent.
“These upgrades will enable the club to complete works for disability access, meaning even more people can get involved in sport and recreation” Mr Toole said.
“It’s important to have inclusive, fit-for-purpose facilities that will meet the current and future needs of the community, to help grow participation at all levels.”
Mr Bromhead said the Club’s track had been damaged through a combination of drought and then flooding.
“I’m very pleased that this work is now complete with minimal impact to community users. Even better, Manning Valley Cycle Club raced on the track the day after the bitumen was completed proving that the project has already reinvigorated sport in the region and will keep locals healthy, happy, and active for years to come.”
