By TANIA PHILLIPS
TWEED is set for a new regional sports facility which could attract teams training in the lead-up to the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.
Stage one of the $42 million Arkinstall Park facelift is finally underway, with the first sod being turned on Tuesday afternoon.
The first stage, expected to cost more than $7.7 million, was given an almost $5 million shot in the arm by the Federal Government in July last year and this week Federal Minister for Regional Development and Local Governement Anthony Albanese, Federal Member for Richmond Justine Elliot and Tweed Shire Mayor Barry Longland came together to get the project officially underway.
The project was being funded through the Federal Government’s Regional Development Australia Fund ($4,991,800), Tweed Shire Council’s Section 94 development contributions ($2,620,000), Tennis Australia ($100,000) and Tweed Heads Netball Association ($30,000).
Arkinstall Park, which currently hosts tennis, netball and soccer, will eventually become a regional facility which the council and local clubs hope will attract plenty of high-profile sporting tournaments to the region.
Stage one includes a new regional high performance tennis facility, new and upgraded netball facilities and improved access and passive recreation including new playgrounds and picnic areas as well as new car parking and internal access roads.
Mayor Barry Longland said the Arkinstall Park sports centre backed on to the new Tweed Heads South Kirkwood Road interchange allowing good access to the Highway for locals and for international teams in the lead up to the games.
“These facilities will cater for the needs of 1300 local sporting participants from netball, tennis and soccer plus increased numbers from carnival events held throughout the year,” he said.
“Future stages will provide regional football and indoor facilities.”
Mr Albanese said the new facility, due for completion next year, addresses a major gap in the Tweed’s sporting facilities.
“High quality sports infrastructure strengthens local communities. The new centre will be a big boost to the region and will include a new high performance tennis centre and a regional netball facility,” he said.
“In fact, Tennis Australia envisages it will become the major regional facility for northern NSW and southern Gold Coast, capable of hosting state and regional events.
“The combination of quality facilities and proximity to Gold Coast International Airport will make it an excellent support and training facility for the 2018 Commonwealth Games.”
The project will deliver significant local economic benefits, including an estimated 60 jobs during construction.
Federal Member for Richmond, Justine Elliot says the new facilities will be important for the local community and as a future training centre for elite athletes.
“Better infrastructure for the region will increase sports participation by families, increase the involvement of school students in these sports and the capability of schools in the region,” she said.
It is estimated that on completion, the Arkinstall Park Regional Sports Centre will be used by more than 1,300 local sporting participants from netball, tennis and soccer associations every year.
Work officially begins next month and is scheduled to be completed in about 12 months.
