The Minns Labor Government is investing over a million dollars in community sporting organisations across the Kiama region as part of ongoing work to boost participation and deliver fit for purpose facilities.

These projects will help ensure local families have access to healthy recreational activities and is part of the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to build a better New South Wales.

As communities across this region continue to grow these investments will ensure facilities are able to keep up with local need, key sporting festivals are maintained and barriers to participation are overcome.

The funding will lock-in the future of a range of important community facilities across a number of codes for years to come. These commitments include:

• $250,000 to resurface and repair the unsafe Kiama Netball Courts at Terralong Street.
  
  
• $40,000 will help cover essential costs of the Kiama Sevens tournament, which is celebrating its 54th year, welcoming 880 players and thousands of people to the South Coast of NSW, boosting the region’s local economy.
  
  
• $275,000 to install new lighting at Bonaira Oval, Home of Kiama Power AFL, which has been unable to host night matches due to inadequate lighting.
  
  
• $200,000 to improve facilities and drainage works for Keith Grey Oval, the home of the Albion Park Eagles Cricket Club, which was deemed to be in very poor condition by Cricket New South Wales in its recent asset audit.
  
  
• $387,000 for new lighting at Gerry Emery Reserve, Gerringong, which hosts a range of codes including cricket, football, touch, and rugby league.

In line with the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to transparency and integrity in funding, the above commitments are subject to compliance with the NSW Government Grant Administration Guidelines.

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

“We understand how critical our local sporting facilities are, they are the backbone of our coastal and regional communities.

“Each one of these projects will deliver tangible outcomes for our local sporting communities whilst also encouraging participation

“I would like to thank Katelin who has been a tremendous advocate for investment in her local sporting communities.

Labor Candidate for Kiama, Katelin McInerney said:

As someone who has played on these local sporting grounds and has seen the positive impact community sport can have for everyone, I could not be more thrilled by these commitments.

“Local sport is the centre of community here in the Kiama electorate. Every project being announced today will bring the community together, boost participation and ensure our key sporting faculties are fit-for-purpose”.