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1/11/2008 - NEW CYCLING FACILITIES FOR PORT MACQUARIE

01 November 2008

Sport and Recreation Minister Kevin Greene today met with local cyclists at the Port Macquarie Criterium Circuit to inspect recent track upgrades and the construction still underway.

Mr Greene was in town for the Country Labor Conference and took the time to inspect the track during a training session for the Port Macquarie Cycle Club.

"Upgrading and building new sporting facilities is a great way to promote healthy activities for people of all ages," he said.

"A $250,000 grant from the NSW Government has seen the track completed while the construction of carparking, administration rooms, change rooms, canteen and spectator facilities is well underway.

"These works promote the sport of cycling here in Port Macquarie and provide a dedicated facility for racing and training programs.

"I have no doubt this is a valuable community resource for the Port Macquarie community.

"Now it acts as an important base for local cyclists to train and compete and in the future it could be used as a venue for cycling events and attract sports tourists."

Port Macquarie Cycle Club President David Leigh welcomed the visit.

"Despite our success in producing a long list of regional, state and national champions from the club in the short 20 years it has been operating, our biggest challenge has always been to provide a safe yet competitive environment for our members to ride on. "The combined resources of State and Local Government, together with the foresight and continuing effort of our members has served to ensure we now have a course that allows our most junior members to ride and compete without the danger of motor vehicles, as well as being a focal point for our regular weekly race meetings both summer and winter."

Mr Greene also encouraged other sporting clubs in the area to consider applying for grants through the recently announced 2008-2009 Capital Assistance Program.

"Through this program the NSW Government provides grants worth up to $30,000 each for local government and not-for-profit groups," he said.

"Applications are currently open but the deadline is fast approaching, on 14 November.

"I strongly urge eligible groups to make the most of this opportunity and start their application today," he said.

Application forms are available online at www.dsr.nsw.gov.au or by calling 13 13 02