Community News

Work to start on Yamba Sports Complex

Work has commenced on the construction of new facilities at the Yamba Sports Complex.

The facilities include four unisex change rooms, all accessible public toilets, a food and beverage area and a community space.

The works, which are being funded through a $500,000 Community Sports Infrastructure grant from the Australian Government, a $355,000 Stronger Country Communities Fund grant from the NSW Government and funds from the Clarence Valley Council, are expected to take about six months to complete and are to be ready for kick off in the 2020 rugby league season.

Clarence Valley Council general manager, Ashley Lindsay, said the finished facilities would provide a versatile community space that would be suitable for a range of sporting activities.

“They will cater for male and female players, will meet local National Rugby League guidelines, have an undercover viewing area and, importantly, will help create a healthier, happier and more inclusive community,” he said.

Mr Lindsay said spectator mounds had already been removed from the site and excavation works for the pad were scheduled to start this week.

“Yamba is a growing community with growing sporting needs,” he said.

“Once complete these will be popular and well-used facilities.

“I am pleased the three levels of government are working together to provide the sporting facilities the lower Clarence community needs.”

Member for Clarence Chris Gulaptis said the improvements to the Yamba Sports Complex are exactly what the Stronger Country Communities Fund strives to deliver – infrastructure that improves the lives of local residents in regional NSW.

“Work is underway on more than 1000 Stronger Country Communities Fund projects right across regional NSW, with hundreds now close to completion,” Mr Gulaptis said.

“It’s fantastic that the lower Clarence region will have new, modern facilities to support sports clubs, young athletes and other members of the community who use the Yamba Sports Complex day in, day out.

“I look forward to the complex hosting its first league match after the renovations are complete.”

The Stronger Country Communities Fund is part of the $1.7 billion Regional Growth Fund, which together with the $4.2 billion Snowy Hydro Legacy Fund is delivering once-in-a-generation infrastructure that generates opportunities, investment and jobs, on top of the NSW Government’s $1.8 billion in drought support measures.

For further information and program guidelines, go to www.nsw.gov.au/SCCF