An estimated $107,000 upgrade is planned by Bundaberg Cricket Association (BCA) for facilities at Salter Oval.
Council today agreed to provide $10,000 in the forthcoming 2019-20 Budget to assist the association with its project, additional to $5000 contributed during the current financial year.
Sport and Recreation spokesperson, Cr Helen Blackburn, said representatives from BCA and Queensland Cricket Association (QCA) had met with Council and outlined the proposed upgrades.
“The Association requested the support for improvements encompassing re-roofing of the club house, a kitchen and canteen upgrade, change rooms and a disability toilet facility,” she said.
“The club house is showing signs of wear and tear and the new change rooms are essential to cater to the influx of young women into the sport of cricket.
“It was enlightening to hear BCA treasurer Shaun Rose say that in the past five years junior player numbers locally have doubled with girls contributing 15 per cent of junior players.
“In fact, one of BCA’s Under 14 teams is an all-girls team which Shaun said may be a first for country cricket.”
Mr Rose welcomed the Council support, which he said would assist with hosting the Bulls Masters T20 Country Challenge.
“There is no doubt that Salter Oval is the spiritual home of cricket and rugby league in Bundaberg and any investment in its facilities is an investment in the future of local sport,” he said.
“Frankly, that investment, especially from an association level, would not be possible without events like the Country Challenge creating a revenue stream.”
Cr Blackburn said the BCA had a lease agreement with Council governing use of Salter Oval and its facilities.
“Under the terms of the lease the lessee remains responsible for the cost of maintenance of the leased facilities,” she said.
“Due largely to the highly successful Bulls Masters match held at Salter Oval where $50,000 was contributed to the Association, BCA is able to provide $30,000 towards the improvements.
“Council this financial year has provided $5000 to improvements at Salter Oval from its Sport Support Budget.
“Council recognises the benefits of the BCA undertaking these infrastructure upgrades and is pleased to continue a partnership with the association and to show support for organisations across the sporting spectrum of the Bundaberg Region.”
Cr Blackburn said the BCA and QCA would also be approaching Cricket Australia for financial assistance.
AFL could share Kendall Flat with cricket
Meanwhile, Bundaberg Regional Council is partnering with AFL Queensland and Queensland Cricket to develop a Kendall Flat master plan.
The prime sporting land, located off Bourbong Street in Bundaberg East, is currently home to Bundaberg Cricket but has been identified for its potential to also accommodate AFL.
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