“WE’RE shovel ready. As soon as they write the cheque we’re right to go.’’
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
So said an excited Manning Hockey Association president Craig Colvin on the announcement yesterday by federal minister for regional development, Senator Fiona Nash of a $1.5 million, dollar for dollar grant to the association for extensions to clubhouse and a third synthetic field at Taree Recreation Centre.
“I’m hoping we’ll be able to start work as soon as the election’s over,’’ Mr Colvin.
He added the funding will directly benefit three sports – hockey, soccer and cycling and will be a great boost to the area’s economy.
“The new field will be set up for hockey and soccer,’’ Mr Colvin explained.
“It will also have lighting to enable games to be played at night. It will benefit Football Mid North Coast, especially when fields are closed due to wet weather, which is a bane for sport in this area.’’
Mr Colvin has had discussions with Football Mid North Coast general manager Bruce Potter and said he was enthusiastic about the potential of the field for the code. Mr Colvin understands FMNC has not announced what competitions will be played on the new field.
“I expect that’ll happen when work is closer to completion,’’ he said.
“We’ll be having on-going negotiations with the board of Football Mid North Coast.’’
Manning Hockey will now be able to host major championships for open men and women along with under 18s men and women when the new field comes into play while Mr Colvin said it will also be a boost for junior development.
The association is already a regular venue for State championships and this weekend will host the NSW under 15 girl’s titles, attracting 25 teams. The northern half State women’s masters championships will be in Taree on July 29-31.
As well as the third field the funds will also enable the hockey association to complete extensions to its clubhouse.
This will include an area for administration along with additional toilets.
This will also provide an area for Manning Cycle Club to set up a base on the lower level of the clubhouse area.
“This means the cycle club will now be able to hold regional championships at the criterium track,’’ Mr Colvin said. The track is next to the hockey complex.
Mr Colvin paid tribute to the former Greater Taree City Council for assistance in applying for the funds, particularly ex-general manager Ron Posselt, who he said gave great support with the logistical side of the application.
“Council couldn’t do enough for us,’’ Mr Colvin added.
The association’s first synthetic field – the Allan Taylor Field – was opened in 1988 and was among the first in regional NSW.
The second – the Terry Launders Field – has been in play since 2000.
The third field – as yet unnamed, will be in the area in front of the Launders field.
Dr Gillespie was elated with the announcement, congratulating all involved with the project which he said will contribute significantly to local economy during construction.
“I’m told this project will bring in $14 million to the local economy over next five years, delivering more opportunities for the Manning Valley,’’ Dr Gillespie said.