Parkes rugby union and cricket players will soon have access to new and improved facilities and amenities at Spicer Oval thanks to $1.6 million dollars in funding from the NSW Government's Resources for Regions program.
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Deputy Premier John Barilaro and NSW Nationals Upper House MP, Sam Farraway, announced on Tuesday the funding for the redevelopment of Spicer Oval would be used for a new modern amenities block, clubhouse and canteen that will help boost the region's sporting capacity.
Parkes Shire Mayor Ken Keith OAM, Cr Bill Jayet, Parkes Boars president Ken Oliver and Boars life members Cath and Allan Ryan Ryan were also at the announcement that is of particular benefit to the Boars - who won the New Holland Cup last season.
Mr Farraway said the project includes upgrading the carpark and building a new viewing platform with more than 300 seats for spectators to view sport year-round.
"These new facilities and amenities will provide a dedicated rugby union facility for Parkes and accommodate junior, senior and women's rugby union matches as well as cricket matches of all grades and ages," Mr Farraway said.
"The new amenities block will enable Spicer Oval to host regional sporting events and accommodate both male and female competitors at the same time, and they will be cheered on by fans seated on the brand new viewing platform."
Allan Ryan was full of praise for the Parkes Shire Council for the huge amount of work they have done for the project, and what it means for the Boars.
"This facility is essential to securing the future of rugby union in Parkes; the current and next generation can now see that union is a highly respected sport in the town," said Allan.
"Real credit should go to the Parkes Shire Council - when I first got involved with the Spicer Oval project through the Sports Council I was surprised how much work they had already done and they continued to get the ball rolling.
"Cr Keith has been hugely supportive of the project, Sally Chapman (grants officer) has done an incredible amount of work securing the relevant grants while Ben Howard and his engineering team continued to evolve and adapt to find the best solution for everyone.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the project will help stimulate the local economy by providing work for local tradespeople and suppliers, while increased numbers of competitors and spectators attending regional events in Parkes will spend money in local shops.
"Sport plays an extremely important role in the fabric of the local community and the new and improved Spicer Oval will attract new competitors and players, lift participation rates, boost fitness levels and help people socialise through sport," Mr Barilaro said.
Mr Barilaro said Resources for Regions funds projects for mining affected towns including new and upgraded infrastructure such as roads, resilience community programs and social infrastructure such as local childcare services and sports fields, with rounds one through seven delivering 149 projects worth $345 million since 2012. A further $75 million has been committed for round eight of the program, expected to open mid- 2021.
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Allan, was very pleased with what having a facility like this will mean to the Boars, a club with a rich history of success and culture.
"We've never had a clubhouse, so it gives us an identity and esteem; that we'll finally have a place to call home.
"Having this will also bring us up to speed with the best clubhouses in the Central West," said Allan.
The fact there will soon be three good quality ovals and facilities in the one spot will also encourage events like gala days and country championships - something the Parkes Shire Council has at the forefront of their minds in terms of encouraging what Cr Keith terms 'sports tourism.'
Allan was also quick to point out the entire sporting community is set to benefit from the $1.6 million facility - particularly the surface of Northparkes Oval that has to put up with AFL, Rugby Union, Cricket, Little Athletics and junior sports.
"The facility will make the Boars, and others in the town, a lot more viable for a number of reasons - we've had to essentially borrow facilities from the AFL which places a lot of pressure of Northparkes.
"It's really important to note that for this grant, this oval is used for more than just rugby union - it will be of huge benefit to cricket, in particular, as well."
