Deputy Premier John Barilaro joins Mayor John Rooney (2nd from right), Councillors Sue Haslingden (4th from right), Anne Maslin (3rd form right), and members of the Bombala Cricket Club. Photo: Nathan Thompson.
Cricket in the Snowy Monaro has received a boost heading into 2019 as the NSW Government commits to funding the installation of three new cricket pitches in the region.
The Deputy Premier and Member for Monaro John Barilaro joined Snowy Monaro Regional Council Mayor John Rooney to announce $750,000 worth of upgrades to the region’s sporting facilities.
New pitches will be delivered at the Bombala Showground and Jindabyne’s John Connors Oval, while the pitch at the Dalgety Showground will be upgraded.
For the Bombala and Jindabyne cricket clubs, there is extra cause to celebrate as the new pitches provide each club with their own home ground. Currently, both clubs are forced to travel for their matches, neither town having a dedicated cricket facility.
Monaro District Cricket Association president Mark Williams has welcomed the investment into local cricket. He expects participation numbers to increase now Bombala and Jindabyne have their own cricket grounds.
“This level of funding is very much appreciated and needed. Our association expects to see a boost in junior and senior participation numbers across the entire region, especially now each of our clubs has a dedicated home ground to play games,” Williams said.
“Bombala and Jindabyne have been making the trip away each week to play, and now they’ll be able to enjoy home games. They are two of the largest towns in the Snowy Monaro and it’s great they now have their own grounds.”
At the funding announcement in Bombala a fortnight ago, Mr Barilaro unveiled the list of projects to be completed. These include:
- Jindabyne Sportsground – $450,000 to upgrade amenities, change rooms and seating, and the installation of the new cricket pitch.
- Delegate Showground – $120,000 for the installation of an irrigation system and new seating.
- Dalgety Showground – $100,000 for the refurbishment of the tennis courts, installation of a new cricket pitch, and electrical and lighting upgrades.
- Bombala Showground – $80,000 for the installation of a new cricket pitch and electrical and lighting upgrades.
Mayor John Rooney said the funding will provide greater opportunities for locals to enjoy recreational activities throughout the region.
“The passionate and active communities of Bombala, Dalgety, Delegate, and Jindabyne will benefit greatly from the upgrades to the sports grounds and showgrounds in their towns,” Mr Rooney said.
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