The Tuncurry Sports Complex will receive a $1 million upgrade under an elected Coalition Government, with Nationals candidate for Lyne Alison Penfold locking in the big-ticket commitment to ensure local athletes from across the region get the facilities they deserve.
Ms Penfold said the improvements would benefit all users, including athletics, cricket and AFL players, by covering the cost of major works incorporating the installation of new lighting, new toilets and storage facilities, plus upgrades to the long jump pit and discus fence.
"The Tuncurry Sports Complex is a busy venue for athletics meets, cricket matches, and AFL games but the facilities are sub-par," Ms Penfold said.
"Former Member for Lyne, the Hon Dr David Gillespie, and I have met with Forster Tuncurry Athletics Club representatives on several occasions to discuss what they need to help local athletes reach their full potential, and their vision for what can be achieved at the sports complex has got our full backing.
"I have been incredibly impressed by the stewardship of the club and their commitment to giving anyone who wants to try athletics a go. The club has seen a huge growth in membership in the past five years and deserves to have grounds that supports this. This project will put fresh life back into the complex and create a much-improved venue to help local athletes perform at their very best, day or night.
"The club gives people of all ages the chance to take part in all-access track and field activities and has seen a 500 per cent increase in members over the past five years. The huge demand, and need for these upgrades is clear. Likewise, I've met with members of the Great Lakes AFL Club and heard what a lighting upgrade would mean for them, their players, and supporters.
"The Mid-North Coast is a wonderful place to live, and this funding means we can create a long-lasting community asset for the region and make it an even better place for local families to call home."
The planned upgrade will involve several projects, including bringing the South Street Oval up to competition standard with LED lighting, building extra storage facilities, and upgrading the existing toilet building, long jump pit and discus cage. Ms Penfold said the project had been identified as part of the MidCoast Open Space and Recreation Strategy 2023-2035, and funding would be provided to MidCoast Council for delivery of the project in full collaboration with user groups.
