Kiama Mayor, Cameron McDonald, has welcomed the NSW Government’s announcement of funding for the Kiama Sports Complex as part of the Active Regional Communities Package for the South Coast.
Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty, committed $926,316 to upgrade LED sports field lighting at the venue on Friday while also announcing $100,760 for Kiama Surf Life Saving Club’s rescue equipment and hospitality training, and $30,705 for clubhouse upgrades at Kiama Rugby Club.
Mayor McDonald said the Council was looking forward to working with the sports clubs to deliver these projects.
He added that lighting at the Sports Complex was crucial now more than ever for sporting teams to stage training and matches, particularly with the rise in female participation.
“Anyone who has ever been here on a Saturday morning where there are kids and parents all over the precinct will know that this is a very important part of our local government area,” he said.
“We love sport in Kiama and this Complex is home to several sports clubs – cricketers, soccer players, netballers, athletics, skateboarders as well as all the swimmers, basketballers and fitness enthusiasts who use our Leisure Centre.
“The Complex is also home for school sporting carnivals where our champions of tomorrow learn the tricks of their sporting trade.”
The Council has developed a masterplan for the sporting precinct which will require significant funding from state and federal governments.
“We have been quite vocal at Council about our desire to see this essential part of our community get some much-needed TLC so we can make it a modern facility for the people of Kiama,” said Mayor McDonald.
“Thanks to the State Government for the investment in the lighting upgrade and we hope it’s the first step in a major overhaul of our sporting infrastructure.
“We have a grand vision for these facilities that we’d love to complete in the coming years so we will keep working with the state and federal governments to make that a reality.”
Minister Moriarty said it was important to support infrastructure projects in regional locations that deliver local activities, cultural programs, employment support and practical services that strengthen social connection and wellbeing.
“This funding is about backing the people, organisations and partnerships already doing the work on the ground to bring communities together and strengthen the places they call home,” she said.
“These projects will help more people participate locally and give communities assets and activities they can build on.”
