Verge and Eden St Sporting Complex gets the green light with $10 million funding secured

Continued advocacy of the need for better sporting facilities in Kempsey at the Verge and Eden St sporting complex resulted in the local member for Oxley, Melinda Pavey MP, announcing on February 25 last year that if the current government was re-elected in the 2019 State Government election, $10 million for the delivery of work identified in the masterplan would be provided.

Councillor Sue McGinn spoke for the recommendation at the council meeting on Tuesday and said the funding will allow council to deliver a much-needed project for the community.

"We know that this is a good plan. The community supports it and really, I think everyone is behind it," she said.

Councillor Leo Hauville also spoke for the recommendation during the meeting.

"It's a fantastic plan and it will be a great asset to the community. There is so much to celebrate with this grant," he said.

The successful grant application was accepted at Tuesday's council meeting.

Council's Director Operations and Planning, Robert Fish, said accepting this grant in accordance with the Verge and Eden St Sporting Complex Masterplan, would provide a facility with great community benefits.

"It's great news as this funding will assist council in redeveloping the complex and increase opportunities for the various clubs who currently utilise the fields. These include cricket, soccer, netball, rugby league and rugby union," Mr Fish said.

"Bringing facilities up to a higher standard will cater for the changing needs of sport users, provide quality fields, enable multi-use sports to be played and increase participation and development in current and future sports."

Member for Oxley Melinda Pavey MP said the NSW Government's $10 million to the Verge Street Fields Project will see a redevelopment of the entire site.

"The Verge Street Sporting Fields in Central Kempsey are an essential part of Macleay Valley history; generations of footballers, cricketers and netballers as well as other sporting codes have competed with local and regional teams at the fields," Ms Pavey said.

"While ideally located, with ample parking, excellent grass-cover and free-draining soils, the time has come for the Verge Street Fields to receive a major upgrade, and encourage further participation in sport and recreation.

"This project is one of the largest investments in sport and recreation infrastructure within the Macleay Valley. It will enable more sporting events to be held across the complex and will provide a significant boost to the local economy."

Local sporting groups will continue to be involved in the discussions regarding the project.

Key improvements under the Verge and Eden St Sporting Complex Masterplan include: