Cobar netballers can expect to be playing on brand new courts at Ward Oval next season thanks to a $175,000 State Government grant.
State Member for Barwon Kevin Humphries was in Cobar on Monday to hand over the grant to the Cobar Netball Association (CNA).
CNA president Haylee Prince said the club was very fortunate to have received the infrastructure grant.
In conjunction with a $20,000 contribution from Cobar Shire Council and a $5,000 investment by the CNA, the funding will see the existing courts at the council-owned Ward Oval complex rebuilt to Netball NSW court standards.
Mrs Prince estimates the existing courts are more than 30 years old and were last resurfaced in 2006.
She said the rebuild project includes the laying of a new foundation and extending the area to provide for more space between each of the four courts’ sidelines.
This will make umpires’ jobs easier to get around the courts and allow for traffic flow of spectators around the courts also.
The club has sourced a couple of quotes for the rebuild with work estimated to take 6-8 weeks which Mrs Prince predicts will commence immediately after the end of the 2018 season.
Mr Humphries said the project will provide quality courts for the club’s weekly competitions and social events in a fun, safe and inclusive environment.
“The project will replace the existing asphalt surface on the four courts to remove cracks and make it even,” Mr Humphries said.
It will also include repairs to the existing base, supplying and laying concrete surrounds and synthetic grass and the replacement of the goal ring and goal posts.
Minister for Racing Paul Toole said the project is one of 26 across NSW funded from the latest round of the Clubgrants Category 3 infrastructure program.
“Over $50million in Clubgrants infrastructure funding is being provided in the current term of government for projects across sport and recreation, emergency preparedness, and arts and culture,” Mr Toole said.
“These grants are funded through a rebate on the state’s registered clubs’ gaming machines to reinvest profits back into community projects.
“Our government is pleased to provide this funding to help more people experience the many benefits of taking part in sport and leisure activities including improved fitness and well-being and greater social interaction.”
