Brendan Simpkins

LOCAL sports clubs – including a rugby union club moving from Lyndoch to Tanunda – are the big winners following the release of successful funding applications by the Office of Recreation, Sport and Racing (ORSR).

With almost $25 million allocated across three grant programs, eight local sporting clubs and communities have been successful in securing funds for shovel-ready projects.

As part of the State Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Plan, the State Government has committed more than $35 million towards the establishment of two funding streams to be split over the next two financial years.

Four projects were successful under the Grassroots Facilities Program. Bids were submitted by Angaston Bowling Club, Kapunda Football Club and the Barossa Council.

Council scored well, with two projects receiving funding.

A new rugby union pitch with lighting will be installed for Barossa Rams Rugby Club, as well change rooms, storage and clubrooms complete with function space, catering facilities and access amenities.

It will be built behind the Rex Aquatic Fitness Centre at Tanunda.

The grant received from ORSR was to the tune of $995,000, paving the way for the Rams’ long-touted move away from its traditional home at Lyndoch.

A second project was also successful in securing funding – $580,700 for council to build a multi-purpose junior oval and cricket nets at Tanunda Recreation Park.

Both of these projects form part of Barossa Council’s The Big Project, a blueprint for the future of the Barossa Valley.

Taking place over a 35-year period, the project is multi-million-dollar long-term investment to overhaul the region’s recreation, culture and social infrastructure.

Mayor Bim Lange, Liberal candidate for Schubert Ashton Hurn and incumbent MP Stephan Knoll marked The Rex funding last Friday.

Mr Lange said both projects were a direct response to clubs that needed room to grow, and facilities that could grow with them.

“These two projects will deliver much-needed extra space and multi-use, grassroots facilities like lighting, clubrooms, all-use change rooms and playing surfaces, which our sporting clubs are crying out for,” Mr Lange said.

“Providing contemporary, fit-for-purpose infrastructure means our sporting teams and the wider community can play, train and recreate longer, and more often.

“To receive State Government funding across these two projects and two locations shows a real confidence in our ability to deliver major projects under the banner of The Big Project.”

Angaston Bowling Club received $600,000 to build a new clubroom, complete with two synthetic bowling greens, lighting towers, shelter and seating.

Kapunda Football Club was awarded $267,200, which will be used to upgrade the existing home change rooms and construct unisex change rooms for visiting teams.

The funds will also be used to expand the clubrooms and install floodlighting at Dutton Park.

Under the Community Recreation and Sports Facilities Program, a further four local projects secured funding.

Mallala Football Club received $251,200 to build unisex change rooms, including amenities, as well as an umpires’ room and all-access toilet facilities. Part of the funding would also be used to upgrade the club’s administration and storage area.

Willaston Football Club will install four new lighting towers, with LED lighting to 150 lux, at Elliott Goodger Reserve. This will be made possible after being awarded $156,700 through the program.

Elsewhere, the Freeling Community Recreation Park will receive a facelift after the Recreation Park management committee received a grant of $32,150 to install new fencing and improve gutter drainage.

Rounding out the list, the International Clay Target Club at Buckland Park will upgrade three trap houses with its grant of $16,250.