Maitland’s netballers are toasting a $1 million windfall.
Construction on stage two of the Maitland Park Netball Court is scheduled to begin in November and be completed in April 2022.
The project, co-funded by the NSW Government’s Regional Sport Facility Fund 2021/22 along with contributions of $460,000 from Maitland City Council and $300,000 from the Maitland Netball Association (MNA), will deliver upgrade works including the complete renovation and resurfacing of 15 courts and installation of energy efficient LED floodlighting for match play.
“This is a major win for our members who have contributed significantly over the years,” MNA president Kim Starkey said.
“To be able to hold our local competition on one of the state’s best facilities is something that we are extremely proud of.
“We look forward to hosting more regional and NSW events in the future.”
Stage one, which took place in July 2020, saw more than $1.3 million used towards the remaining courts’ reconstruction and additional floodlighting.
Following the completion of the final works, the facility will be the only netball centre outside of the Sydney metropolitan area at a state-of-the-art standard and is expected to result in increased participation, reduced maintenance cost and time, and fewer injuries to players.
“We’re so excited to continue the reconstruction project of the netball courts at Maitland Park thanks to the funding from state government and contributions of MNA,” Cessnock City mayor Loretta Baker said.
“This is a terrific example of the significant projects that are often accomplished when clubs and council co-contribute and work together.
“Our local netball teams have already experienced the benefits from the first stage of the project.
“And, this will only add to the excellent quality of our community sporting facilities.”
Maitland state MP Jenny Aitchison congratulated council and MNA for successfully securing the funding.
“It’s great to provide money for a facility that will cater not just for our growing population in Maitland but for the region and wider,” she said.
“When this project is completed and COVID travel restrictions are eased, carnivals in Maitland will provide a much-needed economic boost for many local businesses.”
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