A re-elected Albanese Labor Government will commit $4.6 million to fund stage 2A of the upgrade of Belmont Sporting Complex, taking the venue one step closer to becoming Lake Macquarie’s premier venue for team sports.
The stage 2A upgrade includes detailed design to deliver the master plan, plus upgrading the playing field including surface improvements, drainage and irrigation, and car park upgrades at Barton Field.
This election commitment by Labor follows a $1.4 million investment in Stage 1 by the Federal Government, which delivered an upgrade to sporting fields, amenities and netball courts.
The Belmont sporting facility is home to local rugby league, netball, cricket, softball and baseball clubs and the improved precinct could accommodate soccer, rugby union and touch football in the future.
Over the past week, Labor has committed to upgrading facilities to support local sporting clubs across the region:
Quotes attributable to Minister Pat Conroy, Member for Shortland:
“I’m proud that Labor is backing local community sport in Lake Macquarie by making this election commitment to improve infrastructure".
“This is great news for the players, families and the broader region".
“I hope that all levels of Government can get behind this project.”
Quotes attributable to Adam Shultz, Lake Macquarie Mayor:
“I am ecstatic about this election commitment to continuing to build on our joint vision of making the Belmont Sporting Complex a regional facility for team sport in Lake Macquarie".
“This announcement by the Federal Government is fantastic for Lake Macquarie and will underpin the prosperity of community and competitive team sport in the years ahead".
“It is a big win for our Lake Macquarie community.”
Quotes attributable to Grant Thompson- Laing, Executive Committee, Lakes United RLFC and Chairperson, Belmont Ovals Committee:
“Today’s announcement from Minister Conroy committing $4.6 million to stage 2A of Barton Oval is fantastic news for not only Lakes United RLFC and the community but also the greater Newcastle and Hunter area".
“Once the overall upgrade is complete it will give us a facility that matches other regions so we can offer Major sporting events in Lake Macquarie.”