The Armidale community today celebrated the opening of upgraded field lighting at the Armidale Sportsground and also marked the completion of six further local community infrastructure projects.

Minister for Infrastructure and Local Government Anthony Albanese said that the Rudd Labor Government provided $495,000 to the Armidale Dumaresq Council for the seven projects from the $1 billion Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program.

“The Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program is a key part of our Economic Stimulus Plan and is delivering local jobs in communities across Australia by building infrastructure for the long term.”

Works at the Armidale Sportsground included installation of 46 lights placed strategically at the site, providing a variety of lighting levels which are compliant with national standards for competitive level games of soccer and cricket.

The grounds are used by junior and senior sporting groups, and for community and cultural events. The sportsground is also a popular recreational facility within the community.

The newly upgraded lighting will allow greater use of the fields by these groups and – it is hoped – will attract further users to the facility.

The six further competed projects marked today were the Armidale Skate Park, the upgrade of facilities at Wicklow Fields, the upgrade of Rologas Playing Fields, the refurbishment of Armidale Mall, the Aquatic Centre Recreation Facilities project, and the upgrade to Public Amenities in Curtis Park.

“These new and upgraded community facilities will provide lasting benefits to the Armidale community,” Mr Albanese said.

“In partnership with every council in the country the Rudd Labor Government is delivering more than 3,300 small and larger scale building projects like these, including new and refurbished public libraries, sporting facilities, parks and playgrounds, and child care centres.

“The Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program’s remaining $220 million will be made available to councils in coming months, with the Armidale Dumaresq Council set to receive at least another $194,000.

“This additional funding will support even more local jobs and rebuild the nation’s vital community infrastructure.

“I congratulate the Armidale Dumaresq Council, Armidale Sports Council and the local community for helping deliver these local projects and helping to build a stronger region for the future.”