Port Stephens secures government funding for sport complex upgrades

Port Stephens Council will upgrade King Park and Tomaree Sports Complex following $1.1 million funding delivered through the NSW Government’s Regional Sport Facility Fund aimed at keeping communities healthy, active and connected.

Port Stephens Mayor Palmer says the grants will improve the quality of sport infrastructure across Port Stephens noting “investing in sporting infrastructure is an investment in the health of our community, now and into the future. It’s also an investment in keeping our community connected and creates economic opportunities through hosting events.

“Thanks to this grant, more than $840,000 will go to King Park Regional Sport Complex to help us continue to deliver the King Park masterplan.

“We’ll upgrade the existing amenities building to provide unisex change rooms, revamp the meeting and function area, create new pathways to connect the complex, build tiered and sheltered seating for spectators and install new signage.

“These upgrades will be a huge improvement not only for Raymond Terrace but for the broader community who travel to use these facilities.

“Our aim is to transform King Park Sports Complex into a regional sporting destination which can host major events like championships and carnivals,” he said.

Mayor Palmer advises Tomaree Sports Complex will also receive grant funds for upgrades and adds “at Tomaree Sports Complex, we’ve received $260,000 to revitalise the Elizabeth Waring building into a high-quality sporting and community space. It will also fund new pathways, seating and signage.

“We want to encourage community events, meetings and training programs to be delivered from this modern function area that overlooks the John Nell Match Field.

“This will complement works already underway at Tomaree Sports Complex to construct a new multipurpose amenities building, which is scheduled to be complete in early 2022.

“These new facilities are going to be a game-changer for our local community as we continue to deliver on the vision of the Tomaree Sports Complex masterplan.”

Council will continue to work with sporting clubs and community groups on the scope of the projects. Works are expected to be delivered in 2022.

Image: Mayor Palmer and Councillor Dunkley in front of the demolition of the old amenities at Tomaree Sports Complex