The Minns Labor Government is helping ensure South Coast families and young people have the community sporting and lifestyle facilities they need with a $7 million investment in 24 projects that make our regions great places to live.
By backing community-led projects in Bega, Eurobodalla, Kiama, Shellharbour, and Wollongong, the Minns Government is ensuring that regional towns stay active, connected and thriving.
A connected community retains its workers and families, plus attracts essential workers such as teachers, police, nurses and vets that are critical to maintaining the vitality of regional towns.
Funding is kickstarting projects ranging from major regional events and lasting community infrastructure to local activities, cultural programs, employment support, neighbourhood initiatives and practical services that strengthen social connection and wellbeing.
Together, these successful projects will deliver opportunities for people to connect, volunteer, celebrate, play sport and support each other. Some of the projects receiving financial support include:
- $926,316 – Kiama Sports Complex – to upgrade LED sports field lighting, improving safety, evening access and participation for local clubs, schools, volunteers and the community.
- $760,788 – Eurobodalla Job Shop – to expand free employment, training and business support to help jobseekers overcome barriers, connect with local employers and build a stronger regional workforce.
- $177, 566 – Albion Park White Eagles Soccer Club – to provide a new awning and facilities upgrade at Terry Reserve
- $485,778 – Narooma Mountain Bike Club – to build a Pump track at Narooma Mountain Bike Trail network, and remote toilet facility and weather shade.
- $423,400 – Shoalhaven Rugby Football Club Inc – to upgrade Rugby Park with a new strength and conditioning facility, improving training, rehabilitation, storage and event capacity while supporting broader community fitness and participation.
This South Coast announcement is the first for the rollout of the $50 million Active Regional Communities Package that the Minns Government initiated to back projects that make towns more liveable, connected and attractive places to call home.
The Active Regional Communities Package is part of the more than $223 million that has been provided to regional communities, councils and businesses from the Regional Development Trust Fund to grow and succeed.
For more information, go to: nsw.gov.au/regionaldevelopmenttrust
Minister for the Illawarra and South Coast and Member for Keira Ryan Park said:
“The South Coast is home to strong, active communities and the $7 million being invested into projects will help give local people more places, programs and facilities to come together, participate and stay connected.
“The NSW Government is proud to invest in community-led projects across Kiama, Eurobodalla, Shoalhaven, Shellharbour, Bega Valley, Wollongong and surrounding areas that will support healthier, more connected and more resilient regional communities.
Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:
“Regional communities know what will make the biggest difference in their towns, and the successful projects announced today show the depth of ideas, leadership and local ambition across the South Coast.
“This funding is about backing the people, organisations and partnerships already doing the work on the ground to bring communities together and strengthen the places they call home.
“From regional events and sporting facilities to cultural programs, shared spaces and practical local services, these projects will help more people participate locally and give communities assets and activities they can build on.
“Strong communities are the foundation of strong regional economies, and this program will help deliver a more cohesive, active and connected regional NSW.”
Member for Bega, Dr Michael Holland said:
“Strong communities are built around opportunities for people to come together, whether that’s through sport, employment, volunteering or simply being part of something local.
“This funding will support projects across our region that create those opportunities and make our towns more connected, active and enjoyable places to live.
“From the Narooma Mountain Bike Club’s new pump track to the support being provided through the Eurobodalla Job Shop, these projects respond to what our local communities have told us they need.
“I’m pleased to see the NSW Government backing community-led projects that will have a practical, lasting impact and help make the Far South Coast an even better place to live, work and raise a family.”
Member for Kiama, Katelin McInerney said:
“Kiama is home to proud sport and lifesaving clubs, with strong community organisations and “This funding will make a real difference at the grassroots right across our electorate and will ensure community groups, our sporting and lifesaving clubs, all our passionate local volunteers can continue and build on the important work they do connecting people and helping our region thrive.”
Member for Shellharbour Anna Watson said:
“The clubs in Shellharbour receiving this funding are well loved by our community and the enhancements they can now get underway will improve their facilities and make a welcome difference.
Member for South Coast, Liza Butler said:
“I am delighted the Shoalhaven Rugby Football Club will receive $423,400 to deliver an important upgrade to Rugby Park.”
“This funding will provide a new strength and conditioning facility, supporting safer and more effective training, rehabilitation, equipment storage and the club’s capacity to host events.”
“Local sporting clubs are at the heart of our community. They bring people together, encourage healthy lifestyles and give people of all ages a place to connect and belong.”
“The Minns Labor Government is proud to invest in community-led projects that make regional communities like ours even better places to live, work and raise a family.”
Member for Wollongong, Paul Scully said:
“Whether it is helping more women and girls take part in sport, supporting local clubs to improve safety and accessibility, or creating new opportunities for young people and volunteers, these projects are about strengthening the everyday life of Wollongong and the South Coast.”
