Ballina MP praises hockey project in State Parliament
Ballina MP Don Page voiced his support in Parliament for the Ballina Hockey Club’s project to develop a new hockey complex in Ballina.
“The Ballina Hockey Club is leading the way in the development of the Ballina Hockey Complex, which will include a new synthetic turf playing field as well as a clubhouse, spectator grandstands, canteen and change and toilet facilities,” Mr Page said.
“The project is expected to cost $1.1 million. The Ballina Hockey Club has raised almost half of the funds themselves – an exceptional effort for a small community sports club.
“The club has applied to NSW Sport and Recreation for a $200,000 grant, which will enable them to complete this impressive project.
“This is a substantial project with enormous benefits to not only Ballina, but the North Coast. It would be a terrible shame if we were to lose this $1.1 million project because the NSW Government could not find $200,000 to build the complex.”
The project is expected to attract 8500 additional visitors to Ballina each year, many during the winter months, which is a slow period for tourism.
“I have drawn the project to the Premier’s and the Minister for Sport and Recreation’s attention in Parliament in the hope that the club might be successful in their grant application,” he said.
An extremely generous benefactor, who wishes to remain anonymous, has donated $250,000, which will be withdrawn if the project is not advanced by 30 June 2011.
The project has received significant support, including financial commitments from Ballina Shire Council of $400,000, donations from the community and corporate sponsorship.
“This project is the result of an extraordinary commitment by the Ballina Hockey Club to generate and maintain interest and enthusiasm in the game on the Far North Coast of New South Wales,” Mr Page said.
“This project will not only bring economic benefits to Ballina. It will also increase participation in hockey and other sports, encouraging people to be more physically active.”
