The Rudd Labor Government will provide more than $1.8 million to upgrade the sporting facilities at Fisher Park in Grafton.

I made the announcement today with the Member for Page, Janelle Saffin and the Mayor of Clarence Valley Council, Cr Richie Williamson.

This project is worth more than $2.5 million in total. It is expected to support 204 jobs during construction, as well as another six jobs over the longer term.

This is about creating jobs in the local economy today while delivering lasting benefits for the community.

Fisher Park is a well-used community asset and it’s overdue for a facelift.

This project will deliver major upgrades to the sports fields for hockey, tennis, cricket, AFL and other sports so that local residents and families can continue to enjoy this great facility.

The upgrade will also mean that more regional state and national fixtures and championships can be held at Fisher Park over the coming years.

The Clarence Valley Council project is expected to include:

• Construction of a new sports pavilion providing for shared club rooms for AFL, cricket and tennis players as well access for participants with disabilities;


• An upgraded hybrid hockey field to replace the existing sand based field;


• Installation of tennis hard courts over the existing clay courts;


• Extension of Ellem Oval to provide a greater AFL playing area and lighting upgrades to comply with Australian standards for training;


• Demolition and relocation of the existing tennis practice wall; and


• Relocation of the existing playground and upgrades to parking and amenities.

The council plans to encourage contractors to hire local Indigenous employees and trainees during the construction of the project.

The Fisher Park upgrade will also help reduce the facility’s carbon and ecological footprint, through lighting improvements, solar cell installation, water conservation, use of recycled materials and sustainable building practices.

The funding is part of our Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program, which is delivering a record $1 billion for nearly 5,000 projects across the nation.

Across Australia, we are working with local government to build and modernise community facilities, including libraries, community centres and sports grounds.

The funding is conditional upon the council formalising a contract with the Government and meeting relevant conditions.