Northern Territory Minister for Sport and Recreation Nathan Barrett

Sport And Recreation Clubs Given New Lease Of Life With Infrastructure Upgrades

Victor P Taffa

Northern Territory sporting clubs and associations will now be given a new lease on life courtesy of a cash injection from the Northern Territory Government.

Sport and Recreation Minister Nathan Barrett has today announced more than $1.65 Million in funding for a host of sporting clubs and associations throughout the Northern Territory.

The funding, which was secured through the Giles Government’s Boosting Our Economy package, will ensure clubs and associations across the Territory receive vital infrastructure upgrades to their aging facilities.

Some of the Northern Territory’s most participated sports including rugby league, rugby union, football, hockey, netball, golf, quad bikes, cricket and shooting will all benefit from the funding with clubs across Darwin, Alice Springs and Katherine receiving vital funding.

“Sport plays such a vital role in the Northern Territory lifestyle and this funding will ensure these clubs are sustainable and have the best possible facilities we can provide for them.” Mr. Barrett said.

“As Minister for Sport and Recreation I am committed to providing the greatest good for the greatest number of people and this funding will have a positive impact on the thousands of participants that utilise sport and recreation facilities every week.”

Katherine sport participants were the big winners with the Katherine Sports Grounds receiving a $450,000 grant to install essential lighting infrastructure while the Palmerston Rugby League Club will benefit with a $200,000 upgrade to its existing facilities.

Rugby Park at Marrara will undergo a $150,000 facelift, Netball NT players and officials will now have more shade and extra seating courtesy of a $150,000 approved grant.

Netball NT Executive Officer Shelley Haynes applauded the NT Government’s support.

“As a venue that already has mass participation, we are continually looking at ways to improve our facility for our participants and these upgrades would not be possible without this type of NT Government support.” Ms. Haynes said.

“The funding towards extra seating and shade will improve the experience by players, officials and spectators at the Marrara facility each week.”

Darwin will next month host the Hockey International with teams from Australia, Japan, India and New Zealand descending on Marrara Hockey Stadium on May 28 and Hockey NT Inc. Executive Officer Ian Harkness said the $50,000 granted to his organisation was perfect timing.

“This fantastic support from the NT Government will go a long way to making much needed improvements to the existing infrastructure at the Marrara Hockey Centre in readiness for the International Series to be held here in late May.” Mr. Harkness said.

“This very valuable funding assistance will allow aspects of the venue to be upgraded such as PA system and change room facilities so that not only our International visitors but the general hockey member will benefit from the improvements.”

“We appreciate the support of the NT Government not only in bringing the highest quality hockey players to the Territory but also providing support so that the facilities are able to be given some much needed attention to provide the highest quality event possible.”

NT Government Sporting Grants Scoreboard

Katherine Sports Grounds

$450,000 for lighting upgrades

Palmerston Rugby League

$200,000 to upgrade existing facilities

Marrara Golf Club

$180,000 to erect fencing along tee off to protect neighbouring houses

Rugby Park Marrara

$150,000 to upgrade existing facilities

Territory Quad Association

$100,000 to erect security fencing and install plumbing

Netball NT

$150,000 to upgrade bench areas and spectator facilities

Darwin Football Stadium

$100,000 to upgrade existing facilities

Mickett Creek

$80,000 for repairs to Butt areas for all ranges

Tangentyere Council Aboriginal Corporation – Youth Centre in Alice Springs

$66,000 to upgrade existing facilities

Alice Springs Golf Club

$65,000 to build access road

Marrara Hockey Complex

$50,000 to upgrade existing facilities

Woorabinda Youth Camp

$37,000 to connect power supply

Palmerston Cricket Club

$17,100 to replace rotting bollards

NT Girl Guides

$10,000 for plumbing

Total investment: $1,655,100

Total number of recipients: 14