Lucy Wicks (Robertson, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise to give an update on how the coalition's growth plan for the Central Coast is already delivering in my electorate of Robertson. We are providing $100,000 to Gosford City Council for the busy Brendan Franklin Oval at Terrigal for drainage and irrigation, and for the completion of the sportsground lighting project. A few weeks ago I met with the president of the Terrigal Wamberal Junior Rugby League Club, Ben Spackman. He spoke with real pride about the club and about the players who want to represent the Terrigal Sharks—perhaps even one day play in the NRL. Ben was up-front about why the grounds need upgrading: many community groups and schools—not just the rugby club—use it regularly. Better drainage is essential to the facilities to withstand the long season. Whenever it rains, games have to be cancelled, putting real pressure on the various clubs and groups that use the oval. The coalition's $100,000 grant will help ease that pressure. The oval will be fitted with lighting upgrades and better drainage, which will allow more young people to play football.

I thank Graham Boland from Country Rugby League of NSW, Ben Spackman, and Gosford City Council, together with many other people in the community, for their advocacy and determination to work together so that we can improve sporting infrastructure on the Central Coast. This funding is all part of our growth plan for the Central Coast. Within our first six months, the coalition is already delivering over $10½ million worth of commitments to the Robertson electorate. Our growth plan for the Central Coast will boost infrastructure, including sporting facilities and roads, in one of Australia's most beautiful, important and growing regions.