Frost Reserve in Kincumber is in a win-win situation, with both major parties promising a major upgrade of its facilities, as election promises come in thick and fast.
Labor candidate for Robertson, Dr Gordon Reid, got the ball rolling last week, announcing Labor would commit $750,000 to an upgrade of the reserve’s facilities, which he said were no longer fit for purpose.
“There are growing numbers of registrations at Kincumber Roos, as well as other sporting codes, and the facility is showing the pressure” he said.
Reid said sport needs to be more inclusive and the addition of female changing rooms along with other upgrades will bring the facilities up to a standard that reflects the changing needs of the community.
This week, Liberal Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks, went one better, pledging more than $2.5M to improve sports and recreation facilities in Kincumber, including $1.8M for a new amenities building at Frost Reserve and $760,000 to redevelop the Kincumber Skate Park.
Wicks said the Government recognised the role sporting and community infrastructure played in promoting health and well-being.
“The new amenities building at Frost Reserve will provide a place for more than 900 members and around 70 teams at the Kincumber Roos Football Club to gather and enjoy their sport,” she said.
Wicks said the skate park at the reserve also needed an upgrade.
“We’re making these important commitments after listening to local residents and families about the lack of infrastructure for young people in the Kincumber area,” she said.
She said the Government had worked with Central Coast Council to ensure each of the commitments was properly costed and could be delivered.
Kincumber Roos President, Scott Baker, said nothing had been done to refurbish or upgrade the facilities for decades, despite rising demand.
“The canteen has seen better days and there is no hot water for our showers,” he said.
“There is also very limited storage capacity and difficulty accessing the facilities for non-able-bodied people.
“I look forward to seeing a much-needed upgrade of these facilities.”
The Club’s junior coordinator, Kevin Wilson, agreed new amenities at Frost Reserve would be a huge boost for the club.
“As a growing passionate club, this will allow us to pursue our goals, such as developing young female players, continuing our growth in the junior teams and keeping our players as they transition into the senior ages,” he said.
“The current facilities are unfortunately dilapidated past the point of repair. We can no longer keep the building secure, which is causing issues with vandalism and theft.
“We cannot offer our members clean toilets or even a changing room for our female players, our canteen has visible mould issues and our only storage is two shipping containers within the carpark.
“As a club committee, we pride ourselves on providing the local community with a place to enjoy weekend sport as a family, and the new amenities will certainly help us deliver that for our club.”
An upgraded amenities building will also serve the Kincumber-Avoca Cricket Club and Central Coast Oz Tag.
Terry Collins
Don’t hold your breath for anything to eventuate from Ms Wick’s party. Just remember the car park promises…….I would also like to know where all this money is coming from, and why does it take a looming election to get anything done (or promise to be done) in the Robertson electorate. Oh, that’s right. It’s because because it’s Slomo’s government. Time for a change. Anybody……just not this current mob.