newy.com.au – Six Lake Macquarie sporting facilities have been allocated $2.67 million in federal funding for lighting and drainage upgrades intended to improve playing conditions and allow more training and competition.
Federal Member for Hunter Dan Repacholi joined Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz at Douglass Street Oval in Dora Creek on 10 November to announce the funding under the Australian Government’s Major and Local Community Infrastructure Grants Program.
Water Board Oval at Blackalls Park will receive the largest allocation of the six projects, with $880,000 for lighting upgrades. A further $550,000 will fund lighting improvements across three fields at Taylor Park in Barnsley.
Lyall Peacock Field at Toronto has been allocated $340,000 for lighting upgrades, while Rathmines Tennis Club will receive $300,000 to improve lighting on four courts.
Drainage upgrades at Bernie Goodwin Oval in Morisset and Douglass Street Oval in Dora Creek will receive $300,000 each.
Cr Shultz said the projects would help local clubs accommodate more participants.
“These projects will improve playing conditions, extend the hours facilities can be used and help local clubs meet growing demand from participants across our city.”
The Dora Creek drainage funding follows the recent completion of a separate $2.2 million amenities building replacement at Douglass Street Oval. Lake Macquarie City Council funded that work at the venue used by the Southlakes Roosters Junior Rugby League Football Club.
The six newly announced projects form part of $8.865 million in federal allocations across 13 Lake Macquarie projects listed in the funding breakdown.
That total includes $4.6 million for stage two of the Belmont Sports Complex redevelopment. The Dora Creek event followed a separate funding announcement at Belmont Sports Complex by Federal Member for Shortland Pat Conroy and Cr Shultz the previous Friday.
Other allocations include $420,000 for lighting upgrades at John Balcomb Oval in Dudley and $275,000 for lighting upgrades at Lisle Carr Oval in Whitebridge. Cardiff Netball Courts will also receive $275,000 for lighting improvements.
Jack Edwards Oval in Argenton has been allocated $275,000 for upgrades, while seating improvements at Charlestown Netball will receive $130,000. Windale Junior Rugby League Club drainage upgrades account for a further $220,000.
Council has directed residents to its Belmont Sports Fields project page for more information about the Belmont project.
