The Liberal and Nationals in Government will bring Stage One of the new Port Macquarie High Performance Football Centre to life with a $5 million funding injection in this important community development project, topping off the contributions by Port Macquarie Hastings Council to see this community driven project come to fruition.

The Mid North Coast is fast becoming a haven for regional sporting events, and the addition of a purpose built complex for the fastest growing sport in Australia will further enhance the region’s impressive credentials.

The new complex will encompass an environmentally sensitive design providing flood lighting, irrigation, access roads and car parking, landscaping, urban infrastructure including footpaths, bollards and spectator seating and an architecturally designed two level amenities building with undercover seating. Designed in accordance with the latest sporting field technology this premier public recreation facility will provide the region with capacity to attract major events at a professional level. The modern facilities will not only keep locals active and boost social connections, but also create jobs and increase Port Macquarie’s expanding regional sporting event credentials.

Federal Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan said he was pleased to see the proposal get the attention it deserves after rallying for the critical funding for the past few years.

“Investing in facilities like this benefits the community not just through direct access to world class facilities, but the ability for the region to host regional and state level competitions. These events will also benefit the Mid North Coast’s small businesses that are the foundation of our local economy.

“The Nationals believe that regional Australians should have access to the same opportunities and services that people in capital cities take for granted. We pledged that this facility would be delivered at the 2022 election under our watch, and interestingly, so did the Labor candidate at that time. And yet, here we are, still without a commitment from them,” Mr Conaghan said.

“Our communities have been ignored by Labor for the past three years and funds reallocated to metro and peri-urban areas. That needs to stop. The Nationals will prioritise investment in community infrastructure projects like this one, to ensure our regional communities are the best places to live, work and visit.”

Port Macquarie Hastings Mayor Adam Roberts said she was pleased to see the Federal Government’s commitment to the project in collaboration with Port Macquarie Hasting Council.

“Our region needs all levels of Government to be working collaboratively together for our prosperity, so to have the Federal Government commit to deliver this long-awaited project is fantastic, not just for locals but also to expand on our already impressive tourism credentials. Projects like this one ensure that our region continues to flourish now and into the future.”