Media Statement - 21st September 2007
A Rudd Labor Government will deliver $5 million towards the construction of a double sided grandstand connecting Penrith Football Stadium and Howell Cricket Oval, Shadow Minister for Sport and Recreation, Senator Kate Lundy, and Labor candidate for Lindsay, David Bradbury, announced today.
The $5 million will go towards the construction of a double sided grandstand, which will include:
- A 4,000-seat spectator grandstand at the southern end of Penrith Stadium
- A new pavilion and clubhouse at Howell Oval
- Food and beverage facilities and shared amenities servicing both Penrith Stadium and Howell Oval
- Multi-purpose rooms to be used by the cricket club and for sports administration, junior sports development activities, and sports injury treatment, including physiotherapy
This $5 million commitment from a Rudd Labor Government would link Penrith Stadium and Howell Oval, creating one of the nation’s premier sporting and recreational precincts.
“Penrith Stadium and Howell Oval are iconic venues in our local community,” said Mr Bradbury. “Our City has always been a renowned cradle for the development of sporting talent and that’s why it's important that we invest in these venues, so our local sportsmen and women can have access to first-class facilities.
“We have a proud local sporting heritage and this funding commitment by a Rudd Labor Government will help nurture our future stars in sports like rugby league, cricket and soccer.
This project will also broaden the range of uses available to the community in this mega sporting precinct, opening up the possibility of large scale outdoor entertainment events.
“I am especially pleased to secure a commitment that a Rudd Labor government will contribute to the redevelopment of Howell Oval, which is the home of Penrith grade cricket.
The upgrading of the pavilion will also provide greater opportunities for local junior cricketers to use the facilities at Howell Oval.
“I am proud to be part of the Labor team that recognises the importance of investing in local community infrastructure, and I look forward to watching our talented local sportsmen and women playing at what will be one of the nation’s finest sporting and recreational precincts.
“This announcement comes thanks to David Bradbury's tireless efforts to ensure the residents of Lindsay have access to first rate local sporting facilities,” Senator Lundy said.