Media Releases

31 Aug 2008 - Further $1 million grant to upgrade Burnie sport and recreation facilities

The Australian Government will provide $1 million to upgrade three community sporting projects in Burnie says Braddon MP Sid Sidebottom.

Mr Sidebottom said he had been working hard for months to secure the funds for the Burnie City Council and its three priority sporting projects.

"The Council approached my office about the $1 million originally promised for an aquatic centre, and these funds were at real risk of being lost because they had not been secured by the former government," Mr Sidebottom said.

"But with great cooperation from a number of Ministers we have ensured that the people of Burnie and surrounding areas will get even better value from a contribution to these three projects.

"I am particularly pleased to see the money going to the Burnie United Football and Sporting Club project, as they have been battling away in less than ideal conditions for some time."

The funding will go to a number of projects, including:

• $450,000 towards the redevelopment of the Burnie United Football and Sporting Club soccer facilities at Montello. The current facilities are substandard in a city where soccer is the fastest growing sport and engages more than 1,000 people on a regular basis;
• $350,000 towards the development of an indoor sports facility at West Park. This is the first stage of a long term development of sporting facilities at the city's premier sporting arena; and
• $200,000 towards the relocation of the Burnie Bowls Club to Les Clark Oval. The move to Les Clark Oval will complement the West Park precinct redevelopment.

Mr Sidebottom said the projects would have benefits for people from not just Burnie, as they would become hubs for a number of sports in the region.

"It's great to see the money being used to benefit so many different people and a number of sports."

Minster for Sport, Kate Ellis, said this adds to the funding already provided to the Burnie region as part of the Governments 2007 election commitments.

"Investing in community sport and recreation is an important priority of the Australian Government, and we are committed to developing and supporting participation in grassroots community sport and recreation activities through providing infrastructure," Ms Ellis said.

"Investing in sport is more than just putting money into grandstands, playing fields and footballs. It is an investment in the health and wellbeing of Australians of all ages.

"Sport helps to develop and maintain good physical and mental health. It also promotes team work and helps build self-confidence, which is why the Government actively supports local projects such as these."

Funding for existing sport and recreation infrastructure in Braddon region already provided by the Government include:

$30,000 towards the Smithton Little Athletics Club project to help develop the Smithton Little Athletics Club; and $125,000 towards upgrading soccer facilities at Somerset Soccer Club.

Ms Ellis said "These projects will provide widespread health, economic and social benefits for the community in the north east of Tasmania.

"The Australian Government encourages and promotes healthy active communities and these projects will make the region's sport and recreation facilities more accessible and attractive to the wider community."