The potential to attract premier sporting events and the exponential growth of women’s sport in Port Stephens are just two of a number of driving forces behind the need for a new Tomaree Sporting Complex.
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This was recognised by Port councillors when they adopted the masterplan at their November 13 meeting.
And while cost of the overall redevelopment has come in at a whopping $65 million, the peninsula’s peak sporting body says a mere $5 million would go a long way towards addressing more immediate issues and ensure the site’s viability over the next 5-10 years.
Bruce Scott has headed the Tomaree Sports Council for 28 years and knows better than anyone of the sporting and economic benefits to Port Stephens that an upgraded sports complex would deliver to the area.
“I must say I get cranky with people who whinge about having their rates increased for a sporting complex. The simple fact is that sports participation has outgrown the current fields and that has a lot to do with the strong emergence of female sports,” Mr Scott said.
“Also, the growth of summer and winter sports, school and other users means our fields are being used all year round and we have run out of space. Plus the fact that the buildings are dilapidated and not conducive to female use.”
Mr Scott said the Sports Council, whose executive includes experienced and highly credentialed administrators such as Cr John Nell and Helen Scott (netball), had first flagged the need for a masterplan more than a decade ago in order to attract government grants.
“It was the Sports Council, not Port Stephens Council, who funded the masterplan, paying consultants Moir Landscape Architects $46,000 to design a modern, state-of-the-art facility.”
Mr Scott said a new, modular multi-purpose clubroom valued at $2.5 million would replace the existing 40-plus year old football/touch building, which has been condemned by the council. A further $2.5 million would be used to re-configure and widen both Don Waring and Dick Burwell ovals.
“The Sports Council has $200,000, the clubs can kick in with a further $100,000 and it is hoped the remaining $4.7 million would come from government grants and the council’s proposed SRV.”
The Tomaree complex stretches from the aquatic centre to No. 1 sports field.