September 12, 2016
Plans for a new synthetic hockey field in Sale have the attention of Federal Minister for Regional Development Fiona Nash.
Local Member Darren Chester took Minister Nash to Gippsland Regional Sports Complex to brief her on plans for Stage 2A, which includes a new synthetic playing field and pavilion.
Mr Chester said Maffra, Sale and Wellington Hockey Clubs could be based at the new site and improved facilities would encourage more people into the sport.
“The nearest synthetic hockey fields are Churchill and Drouin, and many players are currently travelling an hour or more each way to play hockey,” Mr Chester said.
“Better facilities and the reduction in travel will clearly encourage more people to take up the sport.
“In addition, high-quality sports facilities allow local clubs to host regional and state level events, which bring people into our towns to spend money at local businesses.”
Mr Chester said Wellington Shire Council had lodged an application for $600,000 from the Federal Government through the National Stronger Regions Fund.
“This project is ready to go and I took the opportunity to make the Minister aware of the regional benefits it could deliver,’’ Mr Chester said.
Caption: Federal Minister for Regional Development Fiona Nash visited the Gippsland Regional Sports Complex in Sale where Local Member Darren Chester spruiked the benefits of building a synthetic hockey field for the region. Wellington Shire Council has applied for $600,000 in Federal funding to commence Stage 2A.
