Orange's football association is disappointed after a hoped-for government announcement for upgraded facilities did not happen.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Deputy Premier John Barilaro was at Jack Brabham Park on Monday where the Orange and District Football Association believed he would announce funding for part of its bid for new lighting, change rooms and shelters, plus upgrades to the football fields on the Huntley Road side of the park.
ODFA president, former nominee for the Nationals in the seat of Orange and Orange City councillor, Tony Mileto, said he was disappointed to find there was no new money.
A Nationals' media release listed Huntley Road as the site "the Deputy Premier and NSW Nationals candidate [Kate Hazelton] will make an announcement about the Jack Brabham Sportsground".
However, Mr Barilaro was directed to the softball area on the other side of the park where he talked about $550,000 funding for a toilet block and disabled facilities.
This funding under the Stronger Country Communities Fund was previously announced last September.
"It soon became obvious the announcement was reinventing the wheel. It had already been announced," Cr Mileto said.
"I thought there may have been possible funding for grassroots [football] facilities in NSW. I thought that may have been part of it," he said.
Cr Mileto said the ODFA would continue to seek funding for the football grounds.
"I understand from listening to the Deputy Premier $100 million will be available [in the next round of SCCF allocations].
"I am hopeful our grant will be considered in this round. We certainly need some major upgrades."
At the press conference Mr Barilaro made it clear it was not new funding.
It soon became obvious the announcement was reinventing the wheel. It had already been announced.
- Cr Tony Mileto, ODFA president
"What we are seeing behind us is a $550,000 commitment by the NSW government previously for this particular amenities change room upgrade for this oval," he said.
He said such facilities were vital for sporting communities to provide infrastructure to host local and major sporting events.
Mr Barilaro confirmed there will be a third round of SCCF funding which would be allocated to councils across NSW.
"We are now opening another round of SCCF, $100 million right across the state," he said.
"The reason we are announcing it leading into an election is because if we do win it will be part of the budget," Mr Barilaro said.
Tenders will soon be called for the softball facilities.
DO YOU WANT MORE ORANGE NEWS?
Receive our free newsletters delivered to your inbox, as well as breaking news alerts. Sign up below ...