Port Stephens sports complexes to receive $1.1 million upgrade

BY JARROD MELMETH

Two of Port Stephens premier sports grounds are set for upgrades following a cash injection from the state government.

King Park at Raymond Terrace and Tomaree Sports Complex have received a combined $1.1 million to transform the two facilities into regional sporting destinations.

$840,000 has been awarded to King Park to help council to continue delivering the King Park masterplan. With the money council plans to upgrade the existing amenities building to provide unisex change rooms, revamp the meeting and function area, create new pathways, build tiered and sheltered seating and install new signage.

The remaining $260,000 will be spent at the Tomaree Sports Complex which will see the Elizabeth Waring building revitalised into a high-quality sporting and community space.

Port Stephens Mayor Ryan Palmer says Mayor Ryan Palmer says the grants will improve the quality of sport infrastructure across Port Stephens.

“Investing in sporting infrastructure is an investment in the health of our community, now and into the future. It’s also an investment in keeping our community connected and creates economic opportunities through hosting events," Cr Palmer said.

Pictured: Aerial Image of King Park at Raymond Terrace

Newcastle missing out on $100 million in sports funding

BY JARROD MELMETH

Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp is calling on the NSW Government to give a clear definition of where the region stands as a city when it comes to applying for sports infrastructure funding.

The NSW Office of Sport says funding for the Regional fund is available for projects in all 92 regional local government areas, under which Newcastle is not included.

Eligibility for the Greater Sydney Sports Facilities fund includes the 33 local government authorities in Greater Sydney, which also does not include Newcastle.

Mr Crackanthorp described the issue as "an absolute joke."

"Nearly every other local government area in the state is included in either the Sports Infrastructure Fund or the Greater Sydney Sports Facilities fund which is a total of $300 million. But, Newcastle and Wollongong have been left out of that.

"It shows the governments complete contempt for Newcastle by putting it in the Abyss between Metropolitan and Regional definitions, excluding us from all funding options," Mr Crakanthorp said.

Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp.