It may not be the most pressing matter of state but the coalition government says that, if re-elected, it would provide $250,000 for Bangalow Weir’s restoration and upgrade.
Meanwhile, at nearby Lismore where Page MP Kevin Hogan is sitting on a slim majority, the government has promised $1.4 million towards the redevelopment of Oakes Oval.
Mr Hogan said the redevelopment would boost the economy and attract more sporting competitions to the region.
Funding would include expanding the playing area and grandstands as well as renewing change facilities.
The Bangalow Weir announcement was made on Friday, also by minister Joyce, at the NSW Nationals conference at Tweed Heads.
He said, ‘The Bangalow Weir was once a centrepiece of community activity but has fallen into a state of disrepair that has made it unsafe.’
‘I understand that the Byron Shire Council and the Bangalow Parklands Community Association have been working together to develop designs and a project plan for the restoration and upgrade of the weir to meet current regulatory and safety standards.
‘Matthew Fraser has advocated fiercely for this project, recognising its importance to the local community,’ Mr Joyce said.
Oakes oval to host AFL
Page MP Kevin Hogan said today that the $3 million upgrade of Lismore’s Oakes Oval will help the grounds become ‘northern New South Wales’ premier sports facility, capable of hosting premiership AFL, rugby league, soccer, and rugby union matches’.
‘Upgrading the oval’s spectator and player facilities will have a hugely positive effect on the region. I’m particularly excited that AFL peak bodies have already identified Oakes Oval as a potential venue for high level events,’ Mr Hogan said.
This is a big-ticket redevelopment project, involving an extension of the grandstand roof cover, expanding the on-field playing area to boost spectator capacity and make it suitable for AFL games, replacing the ground’s change rooms and toilet facilities and installing a new electronic scoreboard.
Mr Hogan said a re-elected Coalition government would contribute $1.4 million to the project, with the AFL, Lismore City Council and the Lismore Swans AFL matching the funds in cash or in kind.
‘Already there are talks to play Sheffield Shield cricket and preliminary rounds of the AFL on the new Lismore Oakes Oval.’
‘I congratulate Lismore City Council for its leadership and financial commitment to the project, as well as the AFL and Lismore Swans AFL club which will also contribute to the upgrade.’
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Still haven't made your mind up who to vote for yet? Well, crawl out from whatever rock you've been hiding under and pay some fricking attention. It's really quite simple. Just match your ideology with one of these political parties and away you go.
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