SPORTS GRANTS MAKING A WHEEL DIFFERENCE
CYCLISTS, shooters, skateboarders and rowers are among the big winners from a round of state government funding aimed at boosting participation in sport.
The successful applicants for a new round of grants under the Improving the Playing Field grants program were announced on Tuesday by Sports Minister Jane Howlett.
She said that 27 groups around the state would share in $3.7m to improve facilities. Glenorchy City Council was one of the successful applicants and will receive $250,000 under the program for the development of a new $750,000 BMX track at Tolosa Park and $250,000 towards a new Montrose Foreshore Park Skatepark.
BMX Tasmania President Matt Duncombe said the sport was growing, with local members aged from three to 63 and the new facilities would be a big boost.
“It’s an awesome announcement. The money is going to build a brandnew, state of the art track, which will be up to national standard,” he said.
“National championships is the goal — even bigger if we could. With the backing of the council even international events if possible.”
He said the money — plus $500,000 from the council — would help deliver on the vision championed by club members including former president Michael Beames over recent years.
Ms Howlett said the funding would help improve facilities for competitors.
“The current BMX facility at Berriedale has its limitations and is restricted to club members only and I am confident that the new track at Tolosa Park will also encourage more Tasmanians to take up the Olympic sport while providing young people in the area a safe community space to be active,” Ms Howlett said.
Construction on the track will begin soon and is expected to be completed by January 2022.
SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS IN THE SOUTH:
Brighton Council, Bridgewater Pump Track: $95,860; Derwent Mercantile Collegiate Rowing Club, all tide boat launch pontoon $133,965; Derwent Sailing Squadron, sailing amenities $135,079; Glenorchy Basketball Association, upgrade of Claremont College Community Gym, $220,000; Glenorchy City Council, Tolosa Park BMX Facility, $250,000; Glenorchy City Council, Montrose Foreshore Park Skatepark, $250,000; Hobart City Council, improvements and upgrade of change rooms at Doone Kennedy Aquatic Centre, $250,000; Hobart City Council, pool access platform lift at Doone Kennedy Aquatic Centre, $101,480; Kettering Cricket Club, new centre pitch and training nets, $62,790; Kingborough District Cricket Club, Twin Ovals Complex scoreboard, $91,244; North Hobart Cricket Club, Refurbishment of TCA Indoor Cricket Centre, $79,961; Richmond Golf Club, new drainage to parts of the course, $54,545