SOCCER INFRASTRUCTURE TO GET $1.2M KICKALONG

The Independent Member for Denison, Andrew Wilkie, has joined the Federal Minister for Sport, Kate Lundy, to announce a $1.2m redevelopment of the Wellesley Park soccer ground.

“The soccer community has been lobbying for some time to secure the money for this necessary upgrade,’’ Mr Wilkie said.

“The pitch isn’t level and doesn’t drain well so it’s not a good surface to play on and many matches are cancelled in wet weather.

“This redevelopment will ensure that the park can reliably and safely be used all year round, which means more opportunities for more soccer teams and other sportspeople to enjoy using this scenic facility.”

The main pitch will be given an all-weather surface and two smaller five-a-side pitches will be laid down. The redevelopment is also expected to include improved lighting and seating.

“Soccer is one of the most popular sports, and this facility will better accommodate current players and provide infrastructure for the growth of the sport over coming years.

“Soccer is often overlooked by governments but now has a bright future in the Hobart and Glenorchy electorate of Denison. Today’s announcement follows the February announcement of $1.2m in federal funding for the laying of an all-weather synthetic surface on the soccer ground at Glenorchy’s KGV.

“The refurbishment of Wellesley Park will also provide a welcome boost to the local economy. It comes on top of the $586m redevelopment of the RHH, as well as a string of recent announcements including $8.7m for KGV, $4m for the Moonah Arts Centre, $5m for aquaculture and forestry research at UTas and $2.5m for a New Town Bay Rowing Centre.

Wellesley Park is home of one of the nation’s oldest soccer clubs – the South Hobart Football Club – and this upgrade will compliment the Club’s upgrade of its own facilities.

Hobart City Council will be the project manager and full funding will be provided this month.
Andrew Wilkie MP, Independent Denison