The Greens NSW sports spokesperson Jeremy Buckingham last week condemned the Baird government for opposing a motion in favour of building a multi-purpose sports centre for Ballina, saying that the National Party are failing to deliver for the people and particularly the children of Ballina.
‘The Greens moved this motion in parliament to put the issue of a multi-purpose sports centre for Ballina on the political agenda,’ said Buckingham. ‘It is disappointing that the government opposed the motion and continues to drag its feet on this issue.
‘Why do other major centres enjoy this kind of facility, but a growing Ballina misses out? It is not fair and the Greens will continue to campaign to have funds and land committed to a new sports centre.’
Mr Buckingham plans to move a motion that calls on the NSW government to fund the construction of an indoor multi-purpose sports and events centre for Ballina, recognises that Ballina is the only town of its size in New South Wales that does not have a multi-court indoor sporting facility, recognise the potential for a modern, world-class indoor sports facility in Ballina to support the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast, and boost the regional economy.
Mr Buckingham also called for recognition of the work of the Ballina community and in particular the Ballina Basketball Association, Ballina Regional Indoor Sporting Association, Southern Cross School, Basketball NSW, and Ballina Shire Council in supporting this project, and condemn The Nationals for failing to gain funding for this important project, despite its being over five years since the indoor sport and events centre was approved by Ballina Council.
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