General News
4 April, 2024
New sporting precinct a small step closer
Mayor Doug Batten can see long-term benefits for Gilgandra, and regionally, should council be successful in lobbying federal government for $14 million to deliver a new multi-purpose sports precinct at Hunter Park.
Mayor Doug Batten can see long-term benefits for Gilgandra, and regionally, should council be successful in lobbying federal government for $14 million to deliver a new multi-purpose sports precinct at Hunter Park. The Thursday, March 21, Gilgandra Shire Council (GSC) meeting resolved to confirm support for an application under the federal government ‘Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program Stream Two’ to the amount of $14,000,000 for the Hunter Park Sports and Recreational Precinct Multi-Purpose Indoor Sports Centre.
As per plans unveiled back in 2021, the new Hunter Park precinct would feature two new fit-for-purpose basketball courts, a gym, 50 metre pool with all-abilities access and separate learn to swim and water splash pool, and four new tennis courts. Office and administration areas, a new youth centre to replace the current Hall Street Gilgandra Youth Centre, and a multi-purpose club house are also part of the planned amenities. Hunter Park was a former sawmill before being taken over by Gilgandra Shire Council in 1909. Tennis courts, a pool officially opened in 1939, a modern children’s playground, and the upgraded Peter Veness Skate Park are all improvements but this potential next step could take the precinct to a whole new level.
It could also open the opportunity for Gilgandra to join forces with Dubbo to hold a multi-sport event, mayor Batten believes. While mayor Batten admitted it could be tough to win a large federal grant with Gilgandra in the safe National Party seat of Parkes, the opportunities that await means council will try. Parkes has been held by the Nationals since its inception in 1984. “We’re in there fighting,” mayor Batten said. Mayor Batten believes the proposed precinct would be a game-changer for Gilgandra and surrounding communities. The popular Gilgandra Windmill Basketball Carnival would have a modern venue. Local swimmers would also relish to upgrade from a 33 metre to a 50 metre Olympic-sized pool. Along with the Windmill carnival, he said that new facilities could also benefit the Gilgandra Basketball Association, Gilgandra Amateur Swimming Club, and others.
“It would give us an opportunity to really plug that (Windmill) carnival,” mayor Batten said. “If we could get this, we could really build on the athletics centre in Dubbo (Barden Park). “So, if we could utilise that as part of a bigger event with swimming and basketball here in Gilgandra, there is real potential there. “We try not to think just Gilgandra, but on a regional basis. It’d be wonderful.” The project cost is currently estimated at $16 million, with council already committing $2 million from its long term financial plan (LTFP). Council will now apply under the federal government Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program Stream Two for $14 million. Successful grant winners will be named in May or June according to the business papers released before the March 21 meeting.
In the business papers, a suggested construction timeline was released should council be successful in obtaining funding. This projection was based off the Gil Library Hub project which is nearing completion. Delivery program actions are to provide a range of recreational and sporting facilities which enable the community to pursue active recreational pursuits and identify and pursue external funding opportunities for the Hunter Park Sporting and Recreational Precinct construction. If successful, council would be able to commence works immediately after positive notification and the project completion date would be March 31, 2026. The vision of the precinct is: “To create a multi-purpose indoor sports centre which provides for a modern youth centre, gymnasium and outdoor public swimming pool which supports the growth and development of sports and recreation in Gilgandra,” the GSC website stated when the concept was first developed back in 2021.
