A $13.8m game-changer

Deputy Prime Minister approves funds for KGV and Chigwell upgrades

FEDERAL funding to upgrade football facilities at KGV and Chigwell has been formally approved by Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister.

Independent Clark MP Andrew Wilkie said on Tuesday Michael McCormack had approved $13.8m in federal funds for the upgrades, which will include new change rooms, lights, and a grandstand at KGV and five pitches and a community centre at North Chigwell.

Wilkie said he was happy see progress being made.

“I’m pleased to have helped deliver this game changer for Tasmanian football and the northern suburbs,” Wilkie said.

“Not only will Chigwell get a junior soccer hub with at least one synthetic pitch, but the Knights and Metro clubs will both enjoy new clubrooms and other facilities.”

Wilkie and Football Tasmania president Bob Gordon teamed up last month to take aim at Glenorchy City Council and the two years of inaction since North Chigwell junior football hub and KGV Football

Park were awarded government grants.

Gordon said last month: “They (the council) have got no sense of urgency and one of the reasons we offered to manage the project and the building in they don’t seem to have any expertise in building things or project management and that has been the big challenge.” federal

Work is yet to start on either project, but Glenorchy Mayor Kristie Johnston said at the time the council could not spend money it was yet to receive because it was waiting for the final deed from the government.

Wilkie said he hoped that the approval of federal funds would speed up the process at KGV, which will receive four new change rooms catering men’s and women’s teams, new lights, and a new viewing grandstand replacing dilapidated and outdated facilities, and at North Chigwell, where 800 members share one pitch.

“It will be a boon for players young and old, who have been crying out for decent facilities for many, many years,” he said.