New amenities costing more than $800,000 at McEvoy Oval in Umina have been officially opened. The amenities were jointly funded by Federal, State and local governments, with small contributions being made by local sporting groups.
Despite the three levels of government issuing a joint media release, it was left to the Federal Member for Robertson, Ms Lucy Wicks, to offi cially open the amenities on Friday, September 8. The facility currently supports training and competition for Woy Woy Little Athletics, Peninsula Touch Association and Southern Spirit Cricket Club. The upgrade launch was timed to coincide with the 2017 registration day for the Woy Woy Little Athletics Club. The Federal Government invested $304,000 into the project. The New South Wales Government contributed $225,000 and Central Coast Council $258,430. Woy Woy Peninsula Little Athletics put in $4000, Peninsula Touch Football Association $6000 and Southern Spirit Cricket Club $3000.
The joint media statement said the new building was an investment in grassroots sport for the region. Ms Wicks, who said she was a long-term supporter of the project, joined the community for the opening and said the new building included a clubroom, canteen, storage rooms, and male and female amenities. “I’ve been hearing from many local families and organisations on the Peninsula about how the previous amenities building was run-down and unsafe so it’s great to be able to open this new facility for Umina,” Ms Wicks said. “Not only is McEvoy Oval home to over 1500 sporting participants per year, it’s also used by local schools for carnivals and gala days,” she said. “I’m thrilled that this upgrade is now complete, and commend all levels of Government and the hardworking community advocates who’ve made it possible.” In the joint statement, Federal Minister for Regional Development Ms Fiona Nash said: “These great new facilities will benefi t both local sports and the greater community, promoting the growth of Umina and the surrounding areas.”
New South Wales Minister for Sport Mr Stuart Ayres said in the statement that the signifi cant joint investment would increase accessibility to the main athletics centre on the Peninsula and ensure it can cater for more teams and players from interstate. “This major investment has also provided an economic boost for the region by creating 10 new jobs, fi ve during construction alone,” Mr Ayres said. “A key component of the upgrade includes installation of a new irrigation system to encourage stronger turf establishment and growth,” said Council administrator Mr Ian Reynolds. “Improved growth results in faster rehabilitation of the playing surface, allowing greater useability of the oval,” Mr Reynolds said.
SOURCE: Joint media release, 7 Sep 2017 Tim Sowden, office of Lucy Wicks MP Les White, office of Fiona Nash MP Anna Hindson, office of Stuart Ayres MP Ian Reynolds, Central Coast Council