Griffith could soon be the home of a new state-of-the-art sports precinct and a new 50 metre pool, according to a proposal from Griffith City Council.
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Council has been short-listed to apply for government funding of up to $10 million to build the multipurpose facility at the Westend Oval and Aquatic Leisure Centre sites.
Mayor John Dal Broi said council has pledged to match whatever was provided by the state government.
“It’s a big job. We’re not messing around. We’re wanting to make sure we do it and do it right. $10 million is a fair whack,” he said.
“Because council is in a strong financial position, we will match that $10 million and looking to for partners to partners in the project by the way of contributions.”
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Council has been given an August 31 deadline to submit the funding application, and has invited the community members to have their say.
“I would urge as many residents as possible to attend this meeting,” said Cr Dal Broi
“It is wonderful news for Griffith that we have progressed to this next stage. Community consultation will play a vital role in this process so it’s important we get lots of people there.”
Cr Dal Broi said the tight-time frame means the forum is the best opportunity for residents to make their voice heard. A number of sports groups and key stakeholders were consulted throughout the early stages of the planning process.
Griffith sports council president Laurie Testoni has been involved in the process since community consultation began. He’s excited to see the project move forward.
“It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity for Griffith. This was first identified around 2009,” he said.
Mr Testoni says the potential impact extends beyond the Griffith community.
“The economic aspect is incredible. It’s been noted by a number of businesses around town. Sporting tourism itself is huge,” he said.
“By offering that sort of world-class facility, who knows what could happen? An academy set up in Griffith. Hats off to council and the working party.”
He says a new facility will also have huge impacts for junior sports development and sporting clubs. Mr Testoni paid tribute to the hardworking people behind the scenes.
“The idea has been floating around for a number of years. They notified sports council. We brought sports together. The amount of information that’s come forward has been massive.”
Residents are invited to the sporting precinct Community Forum on Thursday, July 26 at 6pm at Griffith Regional Theatre.
