February 8, 2022
Stage 3 of the junior cricket redevelopment at River Road Park in Kingaroy will start soon, thanks to a $30,000 grant from Stanwell’s Tarong Community Partnership Fund.
The grant will allow fencing to be installed around three sides of the park to improve safety and reduce the risk of traffic-related accidents.
However, full public access will be maintained.
Kingaroy Junior Cricket Association’s Cameron Watson, who has been managing the project, said the club was very grateful for Stanwell’s support.
“The team at Stanwell has been fantastic to work with and are genuinely supportive and encouraging of quality community projects such as this,” Cameron said.
“Coming together to play sport both socially and competitively provides a unique chance for community to gather and debrief, vent and support each other, contributing to better mental health outcomes for our rural community.
“It will be fantastic to provide a safe environment for our younger cricketers to enjoy themselves.”
Stanwell General Manager Southern Generation Michael Joy said it was great the funding would enable the club to install oval fencing, and importantly increase safety at the grounds.
“We know junior cricket is such an enjoyable and vital part of our South Burnett community for many local families,” Mr Joy said.
“It’s really pleasing that we’re able to help the club continue to grow and thrive in a safe environment.”
The fencing is the final stage of a five-year project to redevelop cricket facilities in the park to provide a quality venue for both the public and junior cricketers to enjoy.
Once completed, the new facilities will remain open to public use, including the cricket pitch and cricket nets.
The upgrade began when the South Burnett Regional Council renewed the centre cricket pitch, installing a new and wider synthetic pitch.
The Kingaroy Junior Cricket Association then sourced $35,000 funding from the State Government’s Gambling Community Benefit Fund and $21,000 from the Australian Cricket Infrastructure Fund to install new cricket practice nets. In-kind support from Council brought the total cost for this part of the project to $65,000.
Cameron said the construction of these new practice nets is almost complete, with just some final work and the installation of synthetic pitches to be undertaken.
The old practice nets on the other side of the field will be demolished.
The Kingaroy Junior Cricket Association offers a junior cricket programs for children aged five and above.
For more information visit www.play.cricket.com.au and search for “Kingaroy Junior Cricket”, or visit the Kingaroy Junior Cricket Facebook page
Related articles:
