DUTY MLC, Catherine Cusack and Liberal candidate for Port Stephens, Jaimie Abbott, paid a visit to the Mallabula Sports Complex to announce Port Stephens Council would receive $980,000 in grants from the Stronger Country Communities Fund for sporting facility upgrades.

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“I want to largely congratulate the Port Stephens community, who this funding will impact the most, with sport being a core physical and social activity that improves the health and wellbeing of every local community across New South Wales,” Ms Cusack said.

$200,000 will go towards upgrading the Tilligerry Tennis Clubhouse, including a total internal and external repaint, roof replacement, addition of a sheltered seating area, construction of accessible amenities, and internal renovations including kitchen and seating refurbishment.

“This project involves the major renovation of the Tilligerry Tennis Clubhouse at the Mallabula Sports Complex, which services the entire Tilligerry Peninsula and is in dire need of refurbishment,” said Ms Cusack.

Tomaree Regional Sports Complex in Nelson Bay will see an injection of $200,000 for the construction of two new croquet lawn courts.

A new access road will also be built, and drainage and irrigation works will be carried out.

Ms Cusack said, “The Nelson Bay Croquet Club is a fantastic sports club that has unfortunately had to turn away membership requests as their existing two courts are at capacity.”

“This expansion will enable the club to grow, increase participation and enable it to host major events.”

Home to Seaham Bowthorne Football Club and Bowthorne Cricket Club, Bowthorne Oval in Wallalong will have a major spectator seating upgrade.

Despite strong player and spectator attendance, the grounds lack adequate seating.

$100,000 is being provided to install two covered grandstands that will support the players, spectators and volunteers, protecting them from the rain and sun.

$80,000 will be used to revitalise the recreation area and provide access for all at Bagnalls Beach Reserve in Corlette, including construction of a new playground with soft fall flooring and pathways, as well as new picnic tables and a water bubbler.

A further $200,000 will be spent on King Park Regional Sports Complex in Raymond Terrace.

Construction of three all-access amenities, as well as a ramp and pathways, will ensure access for all players, spectators and volunteers.

Yulong Oval in Medowie will receive a major overhaul with the Berejiklian Government contributing $198,000 to upgrade the playing surfaces which will accommodate two senior cricket ovals with synthetic pitches and three senior soccer fields.

Lighting will also be improved with the installation of additional floodlights.

Port Stephens Liberal candidate, Jaimie Abbott said these projects would benefit players, spectators, volunteers and the wider community.

“Sport, recreation and the outdoors is a way of life for our community in Port Stephens. It has the effect of bonding us together and I’m truly thankful that the Berejiklian Government recognises that,” said Ms Abbott.

“Access for everyone is something I am extremely passionate about and I am so glad that this has been a key theme across these upgrades.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro said the roll out of the second round projects takes Stronger Country Communities funding to $300 million.

“I congratulate Port Stephens Council and look forward to these fantastic local sports and community facility improvements,” Mr Barilaro said.