Dubbo City Council has welcomed news it will receive $3.5 million funding to develop a Regional Centre of Excellence for Athletics at Barden Park, Dubbo.
Dubbo Mayor Cr Mathew Dickerson welcomed today’s announcement by Regional Australia Minister Simon Crean that Council’s application under Round Two of the Regional Development Australia Fund (RDAF) to create the Barden Park Centre had been successful.
“This is great news for Dubbo and the region,’’ Cr Dickerson said.
“The Centre of Excellence for Athletics will replace existing facilities at the Barden Park site with a new 800-seat grandstand and the region’s first international-standard synthetic athletics track.
“The facility – expected to be completed by late 2014 - will also feature undercover seating for 500, a training-function-administration area, modern change facilities, a canteen and internal facilities for 200 athletes.’’
Cr Dickerson said Dubbo City Council had engaged Western Research Institute Ltd to conduct an independent analysis to support its application for funding of the proposed Centre.
“This study found that a Regional Centre of Excellence for Athletics at Barden Park will boost participation in sport across the region, create almost 40 full-time jobs and contribute $4.5 million in gross regional product,’’ he said.
“The report from Western Research Institute Ltd also highlighted the potential for the proposed Centre to contribute to the development of elite athletes and improve participation in sport across the region and the health and wellbeing of the Indigenous community.’’
Dubbo City Council’s Barden Park application was one of 15 projects across the State to receive funding under Round Two of the RDAF.
“The next step for Council now is to proceed with detailed architectural design of the grandstand and track and field facilities. I thank Minister Crean for supporting this facility,’’ Cr Dickerson said.
“It is also important to thank the State Government - and our Local Member Troy Grant who has worked with Council - for committing a further $1.175 million to this important regional project.’’
MEDIA CONTACT:
Dubbo Mayor Cr Mathew Dickerson, phone 0418 639 053.
