Member for Bega, Andrew Constance has welcomed $185,000 in NSW Government infrastructure funding for redevelopment of the Gundary Oval in Moruya.
Mr Constance said the project, with an additional $300,000 in Eurobodalla Shire Council funds, will include a new amenities building, change rooms and canteen.
“The Gundary Sporting Precinct in Moruya is one of the Eurobodalla Shire’s busiest sporting venues, hosting football, touch football, AFL, cricket, hockey and cycling,” Mr Constance said.
“Pleasingly a further $10,000 has been awarded to Eurobodalla Shire Council to replace the AFL goals at Gundary Oval through the Community Building Partnership grants, enabling the Broulee Moruya AFL team to return to Gundary for home games.
“The half-million dollar investment into Gundary Oval is fantastic news for our community and the users of this facility,” said Mr Constance.
Eurobodalla Mayor Liz Innes said Friday’s announcement puts Council on a firm path toward transforming Gundary Oval into a regional sporting facility.
“This NSW Government funding contribution means we can get started on the first of several major improvements to facilities and playing surfaces we have planned over the next five years as part of Council’s Recreation and Open Space Strategy.
“Not only will local sportspeople benefit, but once Gundary Oval is up to a regional standard in terms of facilities and playing surfaces, it means we can actively participate in sports tourism, bidding for events and carnivals to bring sporting teams to Eurobodalla.”
“We’re deeply grateful to Andrew for supporting our funding applications. He understands that we can’t build these facilities for our community on our own, and once again I offer him my sincere thanks.”
Moruya Football Club committee member Alison Dean attended Friday’s announcement and said she hopes the new amenities will see older players come back to sport.
“We lose a lot of players when they’re around 14 and 15 years old and we really hope these improved facilities will get people coming back to the sport they enjoy.
“Kids in regional areas miss out so often and they need encouragement to participate. It’s great to see the council working with the state government to provide quality facilities,” she said.
Mr Constance said the grants are funded through a rebate on the state’s registered clubs’ gaming machines to reinvest profits back into community projects.
“Our Government is pleased to provide this funding to help more people experience the many benefits of taking part in sport and leisure activities including improved fitness and well-being and greater social interaction.
“We improved the program in 2017 by giving community organisations more chances to apply for a wider range of projects.
“New funding ranges are encouraging more diverse projects, and a streamlined application process is cutting red tape and allowing for faster assessment,” Mr Constance said.
Above: At Friday’s Gundary Oval funding announcement were (l-r) Moruya Football Club president Crystal Staunton, committee member John Selems, Eurobodalla Council General Manager Dr Catherine Dale, Recreation Manager Mark Upson, Director Community Arts and Recreation, Kathy Arthur, committee members Bev Gardner, Michelle Zabel, and Alison Dean, Eurobodalla Mayor Liz Innes, and Shannon Whitford, Electorate Officer for Bega MP Andrew Constance. Media Release
