A total of $2.85 million will be spent on upgrading sports and public infrastructure across the region courtesy of financial assistance from Port Macquarie Hastings Council (PMHC) and the NSW Government.
A number of projects across the region will soon see the benefits of the multi-million-dollar injection, which includes $1.8 million from the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund, $500,000 from the Female Friendly Sport Facilities and Lighting Upgrades Program and $558,000 from PMHC.
The sporting, recreation and infrastructure upgrades set to benefit from the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund funding are;
- Kendall Skate Park $450,000 + $150,000 Council contribution
- Port Macquarie Regional Stadium upgrades – replace 1000 grandstand seats and fit-out of change room $297,582
- Oxley Oval Cricket Net Upgrade $190,000
- Pappinbarra and Beechwood Tennis Facility Upgrades $130,000
- Lank Bain Sports Facility Upgrades (field lighting and upgrade canteen) $140,000 + $142,893 Council contribution
- Bain Park BMX Pump Track $100,000 as part of the new Bain Park redevelopment
- North Shore Riverside Playground $140,000
- Kew Main Street Beautification $400,000 + $140,000 Council contribution
Stuart Park Field will also benefit through a $500,000 grant from the Female Friendly Sport Facilities and Lighting Upgrades Program to upgrade its lighting. PMHC will also contribute an additional $125,000.
The programs aim to boost the wellbeing of communities in regional areas by providing new or upgraded social and sporting infrastructure.
Port Macquarie Hastings Mayor Peta Pinson welcomed the funding allocations which will provide some of the region’s most important community organisations with valuable infrastructure upgrades.
“It is incredibly rewarding to see such a broad cross section of our community share in this funding which will see many of our most respected local sporting groups benefit by much-needed infrastructure upgrades,” Mayor Pinson said.
“These facilities provide so much recreational benefit to so many user groups. I look forward to seeing the upgrades rolled out and wrapped up within the next twoto-three years.”
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the Stronger Country Communities Fund is helping to enrich the lives of residents in regional communities.
“Everywhere I go, people tell me about the big difference the Stronger Country Communities Fund projects make to everyday life, whether it’s a new skate park that kids love, a new community hall, upgrades to the main street or programs that make living in the regions even better,” Mr Toole said.
“The $660 million Stronger Country Communities Fund is already making a real difference to people right across regional NSW, with work commencing, underway or completed on more than 2,530 projects in every Local Government Area across regional NSW.
“The NSW Government is focused on delivering infrastructure and programs in regional NSW necessary for stimulating economies, and we’re backing local projects that make a positive difference to the communities in the bush and surrounding areas.”
