Tamworth Junior Cricket Association is ready to challenge for more titles following the opening of a new three lane cricket net facility and refurbishments to two cricket net facilities at Riverside Ovals 1, 2 and 3.
The $177,050 project was made possible with contributions from the NSW Government’s ICC T20 World Cup 2020 Cricket Legacy Fund, the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, Cricket Australia’s Australian Cricket Infrastructure Fund and the local cricket community. The cricket net upgrade has been managed by Tamworth Regional Council.
Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said the project will benefit all levels of cricket in the region.
“The new facilities in Tamworth will guarantee Tamworth Junior Cricket Association remains a breeding ground for some of the region’s best cricketers, allowing local players to continue to dream of wearing the baggy green or baggy blue,” Mr Anderson said.
Minister for Sport Natalie Ward said the project was a great example of how the NSW ICC T20 World Cup 2020 Cricket Legacy Fund was supporting the growth of cricket participation.
“The NSW Government has provided $6 million to clubs and councils to support more than 200 projects across the State, and I’m proud to see the positive impact it’s having on the game,” Mrs Ward said.
“This project provides high-quality facilities within safe and accessible parks throughout the Tamworth region, giving locals more opportunities to get involved pick up a bat and ball, and get active.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Member for New England, the Hon Barnaby Joyce MP said current and future junior cricketers will benefit from the project for years to come.
“Junior cricketers will relish the use of these new and upgraded facilities for training and most of all, for fun.”
“I’m proud to be part of a Government that backs projects supporting regional kids,” Mr Joyce said.
The Australian Government is supporting local communities across Australia to help them bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic through the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program. This $2.5 billion program supports local councils to deliver priority local road and community infrastructure projects, supporting jobs and the resilience of local economies. Through this Program, the Australian Government has committed over $11 million to Tamworth Regional Council to deliver priority projects, such as these new cricket facilities.
Tamworth Region Mayor Col Murray said that Tamworth’s cricketing groups should be commended on their efforts in pushing this project forward to provide quality infrastructure for our local cricket enthusiasts.
“Tamworth Regional Council is very supportive of this kind of investment, which ensures that sports and recreational grounds like the Riverside Sporting Complex, which we know has a high usage rate, continue to develop.”
Cricket NSW Chief Executive Officer Lee Germon said the new and upgraded facilities will help to foster the love of cricket in the local community.
“Cricket is a much-loved game in the Tamworth region and these facilities will not only ensure more locals can play and love our game, but it will also enhance the development of junior cricketers in the local community,” Germon said.
“These projects are often not possible without a partnership approach to funding, so we’re delighted to have helped deliver this project with the NSW Government, Australian Government, Cricket Australia, Tamworth Regional Council and the local cricket community.”
ICC T20 World Cup CEO Michelle Enright said she was pleased the facilities will have a lasting positive impact for cricket in the Tamworth region.
“The Local Organising Committee is delighted to be working in partnership with the NSW Government and Cricket NSW to ensure that hosting two ICC T20 World Cups in Australia has a lasting positive impact,” Ms Enright said.
“We are very pleased the Legacy Fund has assisted with the construction of new facilities as well as upgrading existing facilities, which will benefit the Tamworth cricket community well into the future.”
This project has been jointly funded by the NSW Government’s NSW ICC T20 World Cup 2020 Cricket Legacy Fund ($68,500), the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program ($48,000), Cricket Australia’s Australian Cricket Infrastructure Fund ($40,000) and the local cricket community. The local cricket associations that have contributed to the cricket nets include the Tamworth District Cricket Association ($9590), the Tamworth Junior Cricket Association ($8220), the Tamworth Veterans Cricket Association ($1370) and the Tamworth Women’s Cricket Association ($1370).
